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Keep this under wraps! by chumley History This cluster of hills in Paradise Valley is part of the "range" known as the Phoenix Mountains. In the 1930s, Swiss-born Charles Mieg, a successful New York City banker and real estate mogul, moved to Arizona and prospected for gold in the Bradshaw Mountains. By the early 1940s, he had moved to the area that would later become PV and was captivated by the mountain then known as Windy Gulch. Mieg purchased the Van Benscoten Ranch for $12,000, which included most of the land on the north and east sides of Windy Gulch. When viewing the mountain's profile from the dirt road later to be named Shea Blvd, he thought that it resembled an Egyptian mummy laying down, so he began using the name Mummy Mountain when he marketed his newly purchased land for development. Mummy Mountain Preserve Trust That development slowly encroached on the mountain itself, until in 1997 the Mummy Mountain Preserve Trust was established to preserve the natural landscape of the mountain, primarily along the peaks and ridgelines in a parcel of land that totals about 320 acres. Over the years, much of the land encompassing the preserve has been donated or purchased by the Trust, and as of 2012, more than 200 acres are held by the trust. This map shows the borders (close, but not exact) of the Preserve as of 2012. The yellow line shows the PRESERVE, while the green line shows land that is PUBLIC (donated or purchased by the Trust). That means that the land inside the yellow border, but not inside a green border is PRIVATE land! The Town of Paradise Valley states "The goal of the Trust is preservation of the natural landscape, desert plants, wildlife and scenic beauty of mountain areas of the Town of Paradise Valley." The Town of Paradise Valley 2012 General Plan defines four types of public open space, including preserved land held in Trust, and encourages low-impact use (including hiking) by both residents and visitors alike. Warning Ascending to the summit of Mummy Mountain is no easy task. There is no trail, and the grade is very steep. The footing is loose and scree-covered. This should not be attempted by anybody who is not comfortable moderate scrambling, (requiring the use of hands to climb, with some exposure). THERE IS NO TRAIL!! The Hike/Climb Start at northern end of the J. W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort and Spa. If you are not a guest of the resort, you may want to ask permission from the front desk to park your vehicle on resort property, or to hike on the lower portion of this trail which lies entirely on private resort property. The resort may tow vehicles not registered to guests. Begin the hike by walking through the fake western town titled "Mummy Mountain". At the far end there is a bridge that crosses a small wash and a sign that introduces you to "Tyner's Hiking Trail" - a pair of hiking trails on resort property. Take the blue trail in either direction of the loop and follow it to the wooden bench at the high-point of the loop. From here, leave the resort trail and proceed uphill on the noticeable use-trail which heads up a gully. Eventually you will want to veer to the left and climb the ridge toward the top. There are some use paths to follow, but you are largely on your own from here. The first peak you reach is a bit lower than the actually summit of Mummy Mountain, so you will have to proceed northeast to the peak, which is marked by some utility structures and a large solar panel. Enjoy the 360-degree views of Paradise Valley, Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix, Piestewa Peak and the rest of the Phoenix Mountains, the north valley, Pinnacle Peak and the McDowells, Four Peaks, Red Mountain, and the Superstitions! Head back down the way you came! Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Note This is a moderately difficult hike. 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
Mummy Mountain
Got out of bed at around 11 and there's no better way to spend a day locally than on the mummy. I considered hitting up piesteyogapants or cameltoe across the way, because let's face it, the scenery ain't too bad on these holiday weekends. But ultimately I decided that I'd rather not deal with the crowds.
Sure enough, there were about 4 people in the first 200 yards, and not another soul the rest of the day. Three red-tailed hawks kept visiting me but for the most part I just enjoyed this mountain on my own today.
Nice views to all the other peaks in the valley and those that surround it in every direction.
This is what cameltoe and piesteyogapants used to look like before they got destroyed by the crowds. There's no trail, and it's a true unspoiled desert mountain in the middle of town. A solid day!
Sure enough, there were about 4 people in the first 200 yards, and not another soul the rest of the day. Three red-tailed hawks kept visiting me but for the most part I just enjoyed this mountain on my own today.
Nice views to all the other peaks in the valley and those that surround it in every direction.
This is what cameltoe and piesteyogapants used to look like before they got destroyed by the crowds. There's no trail, and it's a true unspoiled desert mountain in the middle of town. A solid day!
2015-12-27 chumley
Mummy Mountain
A handful of friends and I decided to ring in the new year in a casita at the Camelback Inn. What a night! Yay 2014! But before tuning in the key card and heading home today we decided to take the opportunity to climb the mummy. After all, the '13 holitaint has been a time of indulgence that deserves an equalizer. Despite some rough play last night, Carissa's eye injury was thankfully not something that was going to prevent us from hiking.
Some decided to fight the crowds of people who hike once a year in a nearby preserve, but that's not my cup o tea so we went our separate ways with hopes of meeting up later at the Duck & Wheel.
Fully outfitted in her inappropriate godzirra tee Claire led the way up, as we discussed the plusses and minuses of Nordic screeing versus alpine screeing. Both are better than boarding. Winter sports on a 70 degree January day in the desert. Tough to beat.
With the late check out we didn't have enough light for a full mummy lode, and probably not the energy either, but we did head out in the east ridge far enough to see if somebody was taking a sun shower in the tub. Another day with no luck there. Oh well!
Headed down the mummy and cashed in our hiking chips at the Crown & Anchor before heading home to rest up for the two day work week ahead.
A most excellent way to ring in the new year!
Some decided to fight the crowds of people who hike once a year in a nearby preserve, but that's not my cup o tea so we went our separate ways with hopes of meeting up later at the Duck & Wheel.
Fully outfitted in her inappropriate godzirra tee Claire led the way up, as we discussed the plusses and minuses of Nordic screeing versus alpine screeing. Both are better than boarding. Winter sports on a 70 degree January day in the desert. Tough to beat.
With the late check out we didn't have enough light for a full mummy lode, and probably not the energy either, but we did head out in the east ridge far enough to see if somebody was taking a sun shower in the tub. Another day with no luck there. Oh well!
Headed down the mummy and cashed in our hiking chips at the Crown & Anchor before heading home to rest up for the two day work week ahead.
A most excellent way to ring in the new year!
2014-01-01 chumley
Mummy Mountain
I saw Todd's Mummy Load triplog and knew this was a hike I had to do! I've looked at Mummy Mountain for over ten years and always wondered how it was to hike. Today was the day.
I started from the resort and quickly headed through the village and onto the hiking trail. I followed that for a short bit and easily found the route up to Mummy Mountain summit. The going was slow and the terrain is covered in loose rock. I made slow and steady progress. After some work I reached the summit and then decided to hike the north arm first. My going was slow in patches. Your constantly going up and down hill. You cannot rush on this hike. After considerable work I reached the north end and took a break. I was really tired at this point. I ate some food and this gave me a good boost of energy.
My return to the main summit was fairly quick. Again there's lots of elevation change. This hike is tough! I then turned on the east arm and made my way. The east arm is much easier and I made faster progress. There are several tricky sections but there is a way. All the route finding and down climbing was a lot fun! After a bit I reached the end of the east arm. You come fairly close to private property but I went out of my way to stay clear.
From there I returned to the main summit. As I neared the summit I discovered I was out of water. Luckily I only had a half mile to go and was back at the jeep in no time.
This is one hell of a hike! It's just about all off trail and your constantly working your butt off to progress. Avoid this hike if you don't like off trail hiking and lots of scrambling. Also, hike this in the winter before snake season. There are lots of overhangs and lots of tall grass that will be a snake haven in the summer.
I started from the resort and quickly headed through the village and onto the hiking trail. I followed that for a short bit and easily found the route up to Mummy Mountain summit. The going was slow and the terrain is covered in loose rock. I made slow and steady progress. After some work I reached the summit and then decided to hike the north arm first. My going was slow in patches. Your constantly going up and down hill. You cannot rush on this hike. After considerable work I reached the north end and took a break. I was really tired at this point. I ate some food and this gave me a good boost of energy.
My return to the main summit was fairly quick. Again there's lots of elevation change. This hike is tough! I then turned on the east arm and made my way. The east arm is much easier and I made faster progress. There are several tricky sections but there is a way. All the route finding and down climbing was a lot fun! After a bit I reached the end of the east arm. You come fairly close to private property but I went out of my way to stay clear.
From there I returned to the main summit. As I neared the summit I discovered I was out of water. Luckily I only had a half mile to go and was back at the jeep in no time.
This is one hell of a hike! It's just about all off trail and your constantly working your butt off to progress. Avoid this hike if you don't like off trail hiking and lots of scrambling. Also, hike this in the winter before snake season. There are lots of overhangs and lots of tall grass that will be a snake haven in the summer.
2013-02-16 John9L
Mummy Mountain
Can't figure out why I'd never done this! So many times I've looked over to Mummy from the summit of Camelback and wondered what it would be like.
With a busy work week, I was in the office all day Saturday, and again on Sunday. After a couple of hours I realized it just wasn't happening anymore and I needed a mental break. Not wanting to spend too much time away, and having already missed the various planned trips to the Supes, I decided to skip the monotony and crowds of Squaw, Cholla, and Somo. I did a little research, and decided to see if I could access this rarely visited little gem right in the middle of it all.
After looking up all the property owners on the Maricopa County tax assessor's website and speaking to each of them individually to gain permission, I headed for the Camelback Inn. I shared a few laughs with the sweet girl at the concierge desk in the lobby before getting a parking permit and heading up to the trailhead.*
I was surprised that Camelback Inn had an established hiking trail at all, but it certainly made it less suspicious looking for me to be heading out in hiking gear with a backpack.
The day didn't really turn fun until I descended peak 2233 where the scrambling was more fun. And I realized how far away the northern end of the ridge was. Climbing up 1936 was a blast. From 1807, the view back was a bit daunting. I didn't realize how far I had gone, nor how much lower the end of the ridge was. Nonetheless, back I went toward the summit.
I was beginning to tire, especially after the steep ascent up the north slope of 2233, and contemplating skipping the east ridge. Back at the summit however, I decided to go for it, knowing that it would add almost 3 miles to my journey.
Boy am I glad I did! This ridgeline was super fun! There are three sketchy sections that were really fun to navigate. The whole ridge is very narrow and new things were found around every corner. Occasionally some of the homes were a little close. There was one with a very nice bathroom with a huge window looking up the mountain from a jacuzzi tub. Luckily (unluckily?) for me, there bubbles in the bath this afternoon!
Not knowing where the ridge should properly end, I accidentally went farther than I had intended, and suddenly found myself standing next to a large saguaro ... on the roof of a home! Yup, the ridgeline runs right over a house built into the side of the mountain. I quickly retreated, not wishing to violate anybody's personal privacy.
The hike back up to the summit was equally fun, though I was getting really tired. I tried different routes up the three fun spots but otherwise just admired the views and solitude right in the middle of town!
The descent down Mummy to the trailhead was a pain in the butt. The scree makes for very slow going, and I fell once and now have a very sore and bruised palm. At least I didn't land on a cactus! The mountain is not particularly overgrown, and has only scattered flora, but my bare legs got torn up pretty good, primarily from plowing through small palo verde. There's not much catclaw or cholla.
When I got back I guessed my AEG to be over 3000, but the GPS track came out at just over 4! After syncing it on the HAZ route manager topo, it said 4200! Wow. That's why I felt the way I did! There were a LOT of ups and downs, and I guess they really add up over 7 miles!
I'll definitely be doing this again. Fun fun fun!!
*Parts of this paragraph may or may not have occurred exactly as I remembered it.
With a busy work week, I was in the office all day Saturday, and again on Sunday. After a couple of hours I realized it just wasn't happening anymore and I needed a mental break. Not wanting to spend too much time away, and having already missed the various planned trips to the Supes, I decided to skip the monotony and crowds of Squaw, Cholla, and Somo. I did a little research, and decided to see if I could access this rarely visited little gem right in the middle of it all.
After looking up all the property owners on the Maricopa County tax assessor's website and speaking to each of them individually to gain permission, I headed for the Camelback Inn. I shared a few laughs with the sweet girl at the concierge desk in the lobby before getting a parking permit and heading up to the trailhead.*
I was surprised that Camelback Inn had an established hiking trail at all, but it certainly made it less suspicious looking for me to be heading out in hiking gear with a backpack.
The day didn't really turn fun until I descended peak 2233 where the scrambling was more fun. And I realized how far away the northern end of the ridge was. Climbing up 1936 was a blast. From 1807, the view back was a bit daunting. I didn't realize how far I had gone, nor how much lower the end of the ridge was. Nonetheless, back I went toward the summit.
I was beginning to tire, especially after the steep ascent up the north slope of 2233, and contemplating skipping the east ridge. Back at the summit however, I decided to go for it, knowing that it would add almost 3 miles to my journey.
Boy am I glad I did! This ridgeline was super fun! There are three sketchy sections that were really fun to navigate. The whole ridge is very narrow and new things were found around every corner. Occasionally some of the homes were a little close. There was one with a very nice bathroom with a huge window looking up the mountain from a jacuzzi tub. Luckily (unluckily?) for me, there bubbles in the bath this afternoon!
Not knowing where the ridge should properly end, I accidentally went farther than I had intended, and suddenly found myself standing next to a large saguaro ... on the roof of a home! Yup, the ridgeline runs right over a house built into the side of the mountain. I quickly retreated, not wishing to violate anybody's personal privacy.
The hike back up to the summit was equally fun, though I was getting really tired. I tried different routes up the three fun spots but otherwise just admired the views and solitude right in the middle of town!
The descent down Mummy to the trailhead was a pain in the butt. The scree makes for very slow going, and I fell once and now have a very sore and bruised palm. At least I didn't land on a cactus! The mountain is not particularly overgrown, and has only scattered flora, but my bare legs got torn up pretty good, primarily from plowing through small palo verde. There's not much catclaw or cholla.
When I got back I guessed my AEG to be over 3000, but the GPS track came out at just over 4! After syncing it on the HAZ route manager topo, it said 4200! Wow. That's why I felt the way I did! There were a LOT of ups and downs, and I guess they really add up over 7 miles!
I'll definitely be doing this again. Fun fun fun!!
*Parts of this paragraph may or may not have occurred exactly as I remembered it.
2013-02-10 chumley
