Route Editor
Route Scout
A nice stretch of the legs... by paulshikleejr Overview Shadow Mountain and its related prominences are a component of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in the Lookout Mountain area. Although there are quite a number of natural and semi-blazed trails in the Shadow Mountain complex, there are only two, numbered trails. "Shadow Mountain Small Loop" is one of the numbered trails and is "Trail 312." Trail 312 is a very short, refreshing hike for beginners. Visible from and just east of Cave Creek Road between Acoma Drive and Sweetwater Avenue, the activity area is easy to get to and offers a number of nearby post-hike refreshment options north on Cave Creek along the way to AZ101 (particularly on the southern side of AZ101 at the Cave Creek exit). This part of the preserve seems to be only partially developed (it sports only a few posts here and there and all of those posts lack trail trail identification badges), but it does have (some distance away near the Acoma Drive Trailhead) one drinking fountain, a watering trough, and a trash receptacle. There are no restrooms. Warning This seems to be a partially developed and only lightly maintained trail. The graphics found on the city and NGO Web sites documenting Trail 312 seem to be incorrect and I found them to be misleading. Hike Because the Shadow Mountain trails are only partially developed, the trailhead is located at 33.610824, -112.025246 and shown to be in the elbow between Voltaire Avenue and 26th Place. From the trailhead, follow the path forward and to the right (behind the house) about 590 feet to the Frank L. Plettenberg bench. Continue forward 1,015 feet to a post (I think the second post) at a fork. Take the left tine and hustle 155 feet up the slope to another intersection of trails. Hang to the right and proceed 210 feet to the top of a prominence. At 1,727 feet, this is the highest point of the trail. Looking north from this location, you can see the Acoma Drive trailhead. Don't take the path to the Acoma Drive trailhead--take the path to the right that leads down a gentle slope to a post and intersection and then to the top of another prominence (a quick 470 feet, in all). From here, you can look south at the Piestewa Peak complex. Turn roughly 90 degrees right and proceed back the way you came 195 feet to a three tined fork. Take the left tine and walk 370 feet back to the post you saw earlier. Turn left and head down the path 1,005 feet to the bench and then downslope to the trailhead. All told, this trail is about 0.87 miles in length. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Short after hike. Most of the city parks are closed after 3pm for the 4th, so I opted Shadow Mountain. Parked at my sisters and took the trail coming off of Gelding St. Went CW. Incorporated the Small Loop #312 as described (this involved doing an in and out on what was used as the TH) and then continued CW around the northern portion of this preserve. (I did not loop the second tall peak that resides on the southern side of this preserve). The elevation was kept at a minimum. The only time I climbed was when I had to get over a saddle. Most of this hike was done on user trails that I haven't used I years. Nice to revisit them and nice to just hike without the mental impetus of having to run. Looked to be a very clear day. The views of the McDowells appeared to be sharp. A few puffs of clouds, but no shade was provided. Had the preserve to myself.
2018-07-04 mt98dew
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Stoney Shadow
Got in a good urban double hike this afternoon, started out by Mountain View about 4:30. Second time up Stoney Mountain, this is a fun quick one with good effort. Be aware, there is a good sized bee gathering about a tenth of a mile up the summit spur trail, it is on the left hand side of the trail in one of the numerous rock holes. They were not aggressive, but if you stumbled into the rock it would make for a pretty lousy day. After this quick one, I rolled over to Acoma to start my way up Shadow Mountain. I climbed the main peak, and then proceeded to hit every high point in the area by way of a convoluted loop. Ran into a few folks up on the summit when I had come around for a second trip up. Otherwise, very few other people out on the trail, surprising for such a great weather day.
2016-04-12 The_Dude
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Came in from the northeast side of the preserve off of Gelding St. At the initial entry point at the location there are about stairs you have to do and then a decent climb up the side of the hill before the trails flattens off. Did a loop going counterclockwise around the northern most mountain and the hill to the north of it. Summit end from the south side. Saw a few hikers out there, but no wildlife.
2016-02-05 mt98dew
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Well I knew it would rain today so I decided on a short hike. I knew that if it started raining I could make it back to my car in no time.
Shadow Mountain is a interesting little mountain. Rowdy and I really enjoyed this hike. When we got to the top it was very windy and cold. This is a short hike so I added to by doing the small loop as well and then checked a few other trails.
It was nice out and I did seem to miss the rain while hiking. This is the first trailhead that I found a drinking fountain and even a doggy bowl to put water in. I did notice a nice size trough for wildlife.
But as I came down the mountain I did see two bullet holes in it. I guess some people don't enjoy mother nature as much as I do.
Shadow Mountain is a interesting little mountain. Rowdy and I really enjoyed this hike. When we got to the top it was very windy and cold. This is a short hike so I added to by doing the small loop as well and then checked a few other trails.
It was nice out and I did seem to miss the rain while hiking. This is the first trailhead that I found a drinking fountain and even a doggy bowl to put water in. I did notice a nice size trough for wildlife.
But as I came down the mountain I did see two bullet holes in it. I guess some people don't enjoy mother nature as much as I do.
2015-03-01 RowdyandMe
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Did a quick hike after work at Shadow Mountain. I choose this trail description because it came closest to what I probably hiked. There are two prominent points in this "park". For the most part I stayed to the trails on the northern one. Did a lot of up and downs and a few loops as I worked the trails in that area. Never got to the peak or to the south side which is why I chose the "small loop".
2012-01-13 mt98dew
