Nice hike. Didn't write down trail directions, thinking with it being the Phoenix Mountain Preserves that I'd just find them at signs on or along the TH, but not the case. Now I see that you are supposed to follow Quartz Ridge Trail #8 from the 40th St. entrance, and then veer off to the left/uphill and follow the trail to the top. Went in a little ways then went back out to the car to double-check by bearings, so ended up adding 0.7 miles onto the hike, going back the way I started in the first place Warm day out, I took advantage of the two or three larger mesquite trees that offered rare opportunities for shade along the way, once I started scaling the mountain.

Difficulty: (of 5)