Alta Trail, AZ

Hiking this trail during our great December weather we figured the trail would be crowded. We were pleasantly surprised to find nothing but peace and quiet. The Sunday we hiked it, we saw only six hikers all day long. Amazing on a hike so close to town.


Beginning from the San Juan trailhead hikers should be ready for a few switchbacks and some serious elevation gain, over 1100', in the first mile or so. It's easy to forget about the elevation change with the great views to the north, west and south. We had a clear winter day and watched the morning sun race across the valley and light up the Estrella Mountains from Maricopa to Goodyear. The trail sticks almost exclusively to the north face of the ridge. The shrinking shadows in the morning light made it chilly for us but would make for a great cool morning hike in late spring or early fall. The high point of the hike comes quickly and offers great views of the west valley all the way out to the steam plume of the Palo Verde nuclear plant. After another half mile or so at lower elevation on the north face, the trail climbs back to the ridgeline. From this vantage point, the trial offers a wonderful perspective view. The encroaching development of Phoenix on the north contrasts sharply with the great expanse to the south of the undisturbed wilderness of South Mountain Park. Leaving the ridge and turning south, more switchbacks bring you easily to the valley floor and the east end of the Bajada trailhead.

Following the Bajada Trail, we connected with a portion of the National Trail which brought us back to the San Juan parking lot. With the exception of the first mile, this is an easy hike in quiet country with some beautiful views. The only distracting things were the sporadic gunshots we heard from the Police Academy and the occasional jet overhead.

2001-12-17 chicago106miles