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poke around history by joebartels  Overview Easy, mainly equestrian use on soft sandy dirt. History The park created a concession based party area called The Hideout with catering service on request. Picnic tables and grills filled the adobe walled enclosure. A juke box kept visitors swinging on the open, optionally enclosed, dance platform. The party stopped at 1am sharp when lights controlled by an electric timer turned off. This facility was also popular with youth camps. 1946 brought controversy when a prison labor camp was approved for The Hideout. The park was closed in August. Luckily protest forced a swift removal. The facility is now closed. This hike merely goes around the area. Hike Accessed via Los Lomitas. Best download the Official Route to stay on track and stay legal. East to west follows post markers 1-9 in order. There is confusion on this trail between posts 4 & 5. I did it backwards and followed the deepest rutted route created by horses. The markers stopped and I came to an "area closed" sign at the edge of the road looping in front of "The Hideout". The rutted spur continues left away from the "area closed". Despite being overused it is a cool little area with an old west feel. Legal? The rutted trail I was mislead into following appears legal based on the attached Trailblazer article provided by the park. It's not marked closed on either end, just where one would want to venture away in the middle. Not sure I agree it should be legal considering they go on to talk about "spider" and "social" trails scarring the preserve. The best way to stay legal is to only follow marked trails. I'm just providing what I know. Provide accredited information and I'll update. 2011 SoMo Newsletter - An ordinance to protect the environment. To ensure that our fragile desert environment is protected for future generations, the Phoenix City Council approved the Trail Ordinance on June 30, 1993. It defines designated and non-designated trails based on the protection of natural, cultural, historical, and other resources of the parks and mountain preserves. This allows the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board to designate areas for revegetation and to block their access from main trails. The ordinance was created to stem the tide of damage and erosion caused by "trailblazers". It also sets a penalty of no less than $50.00 and eight hours of community service for entering park areas closed to public use. Protect yourself and the environment. Be informed. Learn about and practice responsible trail use. You'll be helping to ensure future generations enjoy our beautiful desert for years to come - and you'll avoid fines and penalties. Designated trails are marked by trail posts and/or signs. When trails are closed, they will be marked with signs or physical barriers such as rocks, posts, or brush. 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.
