Turnbuckle Trail - Skyline RP, AZ

Overview
Core park loop. Landscape and constantly changing views are among the best effort-to-reward ratio near metro Phoenix.


Turnbuckle
A device for adjusting tension or length. Easily a dozen options to increase your loop hike, based on outer park trail options.Access
0.25 mi from the main parking lot at the end of Watson Rd. Cross the bridge then 0.17 mi left on Mountain Wash Trail.

Hike
Described counter-clockwise as I hiked and recorded notes on Route Scout. It seems like a winner regardless of the direction of travel.

Heading up to a subtle saddle at about 1,800 ft the tread is rougher than average for Skyline Park. No concern, just a nice outback feeling leaving civilization behind you. After the saddle, the terrain and views held my attention. On a cool breezy day with clouds, this is fabulous hiking.

Further up, admire the sharp jagged ridges around you. The upper bridge of the loop is an old jeep road. The northwest backside has a mini-series of zipper switchbacks to negotiate a steep 250 ft without busting a heart valve. Heading down, I witnessed a hawk negotiate a gust of wind with a jet screaming into Luke AFB in the background. The western side of the loop is a cool little valley of its own.

Granite Falls Trail and
Chuckwalla Trail explore that western valley. Pyrite Trail, among my favorites in the park, tackles the upper portion of the ridge on the western horizon.

Moderate Lasso Loop hike
3.7 mi / 700 ft AEG

Include out-n-back on
Valley Vista Trail
4.5 mi / 945 ft AEG
It appears to be the most popular option in the park, and I can see why. It's snazzy for a low AEG hike.

Typical Flora
Saguaros, cholla, ocotillo, creosote, brittlebush, canyon ragweed, paloverdes, and mesquites.

Synopsis
120 photos in crappy mid-afternoon light.

2020-04-09 joebartels