Overview: This is the final "up and over" leg to get up and back down from the summit of Sunrise Peak. This description is of the trail as hiked from east to west.


Warning: Areas of this trail are somewhat steep and slippery with loose dirt. Use caution and step carefully.

Hike: Even though this trail is less than one-half mile in length, it can be broken down into a number of different sections. After a 1.66 mile hike up from the Sunrise Trailhead, you reach the saddle whereat can be found the eastern starting point of this spur trail, as indicated by a handy-dandy sign. Visible from this point is the tree that serves as the gateway to the summit area (as tagged on the photo in the photoset view, it is the first stand-alone tree [perched upon a small mound of rock] to the right of the large craggy outcropping above the sign). The trail leads up on the left of the sign through a number of short switchbacks for 0.08 mile to the most challenging stretch of trail. Between the 0.08 and 0.13 marks, the trail first heads around to the right and then up a moderate grade to and between a couple of palo verde trees (visible in aerial photos situated on either side of the trail). The next 0.05 mile is a fairly level break that leads to the final spur to the summit, to your left, as indicated by a small sign (if you continue straight forward, you'll miss the summit and end up back on the Sunrise Trail). This final 0.06 mile push upward is at a relatively easy grade, but many of the rocks are fairly smooth.

As you reach the tree you saw at the bottom of the spur (at the 0.24 mile mark), you have the choice of visiting the eastern summit to the left or the western summit to the right. At the eastern summit, you can look out to the southeast to Mesa and to the east to Fountain Hills and the Four Peaks beyond. You can also get a look at the valley and trails/roads to the northeast. At the western summit, you can see Thompson Peak to the northwest, North Scottsdale to the west, and Camelback Mountain to the southwest. Finally, looking more south, you can see the Mayo Clinic and into the lands of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.

When you've had your fill of these excellent vistas, and after walking the roughly 0.05 mile at the summit, you find yourself back at the gateway tree and the 0.29 mile mark. Taking care on the smooth rocks, you make your way back the 0.06 mile to the little sign pointing back up to the summit and turn left. After 0.04 mile, you reach the top of a set of easy switchbacks that take you the final 0.09 mile down to the Sunrise Trail (for a total length of 0.48 mile).

Water Sources: No water is available on this short spur trail.

Camping: Camping is not allowed on this trail.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2012-12-11 paulshikleejr