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Max Delta Trail, AZ

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Statistics
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Difficulty 1 of 5
Distance One Way 2.4 miles
Trailhead Elevation 1,348 feet
Elevation Gain 286 feet
Accumulated Gain 368 feet
Avg Time One Way 1 hour
Kokopelli Seeds 3.63
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Author
author avatar Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Trips 5,894 map ( 29,783 miles )
Age 55 Male Gender
Location
Associated Areas
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Phoenix Region
Historical Weather
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Preferred Mar, Feb, Nov, Dec
Sun  6:05am - 6:48pm
Official Route & 4 Rts
 
16 Alternative
 


what's that flower you have on
by joebartels

 
History
Max Delta Trail is named for the mine near the west end of the trail. Production years 1913-1942. 500-foot deep shaft, about 2,500 feet of tunnels. It yielded more than 6,200 oz of gold and 4,300 oz of silver.


Overview
Hills > flats > washes
Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance lot across from Scorpion Gulch. The trail ends at Bajada Trail.
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Scorpion Gulch
Trading post built in 1936. Owned and operated by William Lunsford and his wife. They lived in the attached building. "Grandpa," as he was known, cared more about children visitors than profit margins. Bottles of pop and penny candy were often given away. In the '60s, parents were known to phone ahead kids were on their way. Bill then returned a courtesy call as they departed the curio shop, which included jewelry, leather goods, and native crafted items. In the 1970s, it became a bar. Scorpion Gulch was listed on the historic preservation register in October of 1990.


Hike
From the East
After a quick left, it follows an old road grade. Then narrows down to a three-foot-wide path passing the entrance Gate House. Brittlebush, Coulter's Lupine, creosote, Yellow Paloverdes and sunshine greeted my adventure on the horizon.

Ascending the first hill, views to your right are downtown Phoenix with the current Diamondbacks stadium. Pop, pop, pop gunfire is from the police academy over the north ridge. Whereas artillery noise is likely from Maryvale Circle Ks or Dennys. Tread is excellent throughout.

It can get a little noisy at times since the trail follows above the road through the park. On the same token, you get lovely views of the park from the elevated point of view.

Passing the park headquarters shares a proportion of the Nature Trail. You get bonus plaques and a bench that looks as sturdy as termites holding hands. 0.1 mi after the bench, take the signed left down into the basin flats. Soon you cross the road to Little & Big ramadas.

Hiking through the basin is semi blah. Spring flowers give it life. It was probably pretty cool at one time. Now the saguaro forest shows major signs of being abused by rock throwers. Then you have some free piles of horse apples. With a positive attitude, the right weather in the right light, and enough stress in life, it eases tension.

The last half mile is relaxing low-grade hills. I'm not a jogger. I'm not a piece of bacon either. With the skillet heating up, it jogged itself.

Synopsis
Parts were much better than anticipated. The eastern 1.25 mi and western 0.4 mi were my favorites. Urban noise and rolly hill haters should choose a different trail.

2020-04-01 joebartels
  • 2022 South Mountain Park
    area related
    2022 South Mountain Park


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One-Way Notice
This hike is listed as One-Way.

When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
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.

 Permit $$
None


 Directions
or
 Road
Paved - Car Okay

To hike
page created by joebartels on Jan 02 2011 12:16 am
 90+° 8am - 6pm kills
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