Route Editor
Route Scout
It isn't what it is quite yet by Barrett It's a trail on the map at the 7th Street trail head. It's a trail on maps found online. It's a trail here on HAZ. It's not a trail. The city plans on fixing the sign, and they can't take back what's on the net, but the route in question was not developed by the city and has a number of problems. It wanders onto and eventually ends on private property, has no signage, numerous spurs, and no switchbacks on slopes that will erode with use. The numerous crossings of small but steep washes on sometimes slippery grus actually make it fairly hazardous compared to the other trails. That being said, the area in question is some of the most interesting in the preserve. The course grained granite of this end of the range is unique to the park. Similar in geology to Pyramid Peak to the west and the north end of the McDowell's to the east, it creates steep faces and sculpted forms not seen with the volcanic tuft and basaltic lava that makes up most of the north phoenix foothills. There are plans to eventually improve the trail and provide a trailhead, signage, etc., but dates have not been set. Until then, the Sonoran Preserve has 21 trails to choose from, so hikers are encouraged to hike them until the Tramonto Trail becomes what it isn't. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Tramonto Trail
Up at 4:15 to beat the heat. Took a chance parking at the Via Aquila Park, as there were signs everywhere saying you had to be a resident or get towed. Rabbits made the morning rounds as I headed toward the 2225' spur, finding this end of the trail quieter and more scenic than the east half.
Summited just as the sun rose
, once again copping the comfy seat for a break. This time I heard voices, popping up to meet Eric and Zach, two guys in their 20's out to bag a few of the peaks in this end of the park. After chatting a bit and filling them in on HAZ, they continued on.
On my way back I spent some time at a great outcropping on 2225's SW slope, obviously a popular party spot as indicated by the amount of trash. People.
Returned to the truck, having only spent maybe 10 minutes in the sun. Morning mountain shade on a 116 degree forecast day rules.
Summited just as the sun rose
, once again copping the comfy seat for a break. This time I heard voices, popping up to meet Eric and Zach, two guys in their 20's out to bag a few of the peaks in this end of the park. After chatting a bit and filling them in on HAZ, they continued on.
On my way back I spent some time at a great outcropping on 2225's SW slope, obviously a popular party spot as indicated by the amount of trash. People.
Returned to the truck, having only spent maybe 10 minutes in the sun. Morning mountain shade on a 116 degree forecast day rules.
2016-06-04 Barrett
Tramonto Trail
After noticing the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve map had added the Tramonto on the north side of the Carefree Highway, I pulled into the 6 car parking lot at the eastern end and headed out on the unmarked trail. I don't know if this trail is considered finished, but what it lacks in AEG it makes up for in a lack of switchbacks and steep, loose wash crossings, making this perhaps more difficult than the other trails in the park.
Took the spur up to 2225', finding a nice shady seat below the summit and enjoyed the quiet view until it was time to head down and return the way I came. I decided to return next week and do the trail from the west end, giving me enough info for a HAZ Description.
Took the spur up to 2225', finding a nice shady seat below the summit and enjoyed the quiet view until it was time to head down and return the way I came. I decided to return next week and do the trail from the west end, giving me enough info for a HAZ Description.
2016-05-28 Barrett
Tramonto Trail
Tramonto Peaks Loop
It has been 2 and a half years since I last hiked Tramonto Peaks, far too long! Modified my original route to follow the trail from the first saddle north to the second saddle and skipped peak 2365. Took a different route up to peak 2448 which was really steep but pretty solid. Came back down on my original route to the west, which was far worse getting off the top with big loose rocks looking like they would trap me at the first opportunity. Followed the ridgeline to the old jeep road that eventually leads to the water tower. Trail back from there was pretty faint. Didn't feel hot until the very end. I did see three other people out on the trail this morning within the last mile.
2015-06-13 Nightstalker
Tramonto Trail
Grus and Views
Haven't been up on these hills in a while even though I live extremely close. Today I decided to remind myself why.
The trail up is easy to follow, but composed mostly of grus, those little pebbles, sand and gravel that can send your feet down the trail at a high rate of speed, followed closely by your posterior bumping along at equally the same rate. Nope, I didn't succumb to the grus today, but mostly due to luck and not my catlike reflexes, those having departed many moons ago.
The views from the tops of the peaks here are the reward for the ascent. You tend to linger and gaze a bit longer too knowing the gruesome grus laden descent awaiting.
The trail up is easy to follow, but composed mostly of grus, those little pebbles, sand and gravel that can send your feet down the trail at a high rate of speed, followed closely by your posterior bumping along at equally the same rate. Nope, I didn't succumb to the grus today, but mostly due to luck and not my catlike reflexes, those having departed many moons ago.
The views from the tops of the peaks here are the reward for the ascent. You tend to linger and gaze a bit longer too knowing the gruesome grus laden descent awaiting.
2015-01-23 AZWanderingBear
