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.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2017-08-04 trekkin_gecko