Devastator Trail - South Mountain, AZ

HAZ Notice
Use at your own risk. This trail is not listed by the managing agency park service. Hiking undesignated park trails might get you a ticket. Check for park signage.


Hike
While looking at the South Mountain map when posting other hikes, I've noticed this trail. It begins where South Mountain avenue dead-ends just east of 28th street. A groomed gravel bike path runs east to 32nd street, crosses the street, and picks up on the other side as a rockier dirt path. Skirting a gated housing development, the path turns south and starts to gain elevation at an easy grade. The grade gets steeper and the trail rockier, heading south and occasionally west past a couple of drainages and several large boulder piles. Footing is a mix of sand, loose rock, and bedrock. One section is loose and eroded, probably made worse by yesterday's monsoon storm. The grade is moderate, gaining 650 feet in less than a mile. Eventually, the trail tops out at one of the high points along Mormon Loop Trail. There is a small line of rocks and a cairn to mark that point.On the map, this is Devastator Trail. It seems like a neighborhood connector that is well-worn and easy to follow. The only option other than a short up and back is connecting with Mormon Loop Trail. Those who are trying to hit all the trails in the park now have one more to check off.

2017-08-04 trekkin_gecko