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Desert Peace by Randal_Schulhauser Note: Stats for the actual Corona de Loma segment: 1.45mi 761ft Gain I have been curious for some time about this trail with many switchbacks traveling up the south side of South Mountain. My numerous hiking guides do not make mention of this trail. However, one of my old mountain bike maps clearly shows this trail labeled "Corona De Loma". An internet search for "Corona De Loma Trail" did not yield any hiking trails, but curiously multiple hits as a mountain bike trail! One of the trail reviews from MbREVIEW proudly noted that the rider conquered the many loose, rocky switchbacks by only going over the handle bars once! Sounds like fun... One should note that many of the mountain bike trail hits acknowledge the name as "Corona Loma Trail". To avoid the typical South Mountain parking lot crowding, start your hike from the little-known Warpaint Drive trailhead. The trail will soon dip into a wash and as it rises out of the wash, meets a posted spur junction. Both spurs will eventually join Desert Classic Trail, but choose the western spur for a shorter route to the Corona De Loma ascent up South Mountain. The western spur is relatively flat, dropping in and out of a couple of washes along the way. Typical Sonoran Desert vegetation and sweeping views of South Mountain are featured. The spur trail will begin to bend towards the north and join Desert Classic Trail at GPS coordinates 33o 19.874'N, 112o 01.471'W. Follow Desert Classic Trail north towards the Pima trail head until you reach sign post #46 at GPS coordinates 33o 19.997'N, 112o 01.502'W. This side trail forms a popular loop for mountain bikers. The trail now follows an outcropping from the base of South Mountain and enters a boulder field. There are many suitable resting spots near here as well as a miniature Stonehenge that is in varied states of repair/disrepair dependent upon the industry of recent visitors. Continue along the loop until it reaches a crest marked with a tombstone-like cairn. The Corona De Loma Trail begins its ascent of South Mountain to the right near a large, lone Saguaro cactus. GPS coordinates for the trail junction are 33o 20.006'N, 112o 01.866'W and an elevation of 1621 feet. The Corona De Loma Trail is well marked with a steep, steady grade with many switchbacks. There are many sections with loose gravel and rocks requiring the agility and sure-footedness of a mountain sheep. With this being the Friday after Thanksgiving, we did encounter about half a dozen hikers during our ascent, but surprisingly had the descent all to ourselves. The moderately strenuous climb is rewarded with spectacular views, particularly from the summit at 2417 feet. Take a break here as a reward for having climbed 1000+ feet. The Corona De Loma Trail continues along the ridgeline for a short while before descending into Eagle Pass. To the west is a rock formation known as the Chinese Wall. The trail ascends in two separate paths, both of which join the National Trail near the Buena Vista parking lot. Enjoy! Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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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.
Most recent of 28 deeper Triplog Reviews
Corona de Loma Trail
wanted to do something else up in sedona. but that was a weather nope. drove to dead horse ranch and started the thumper loop. within minutes big lightning flashes and hail = nope #2 for the day so i said screw it, i'll just do something in south mountain on the way home.
consulted HAZ traildex for something new, loaded up route scout and said "let's get out"
fun loop. occasional clouds and breeze kept it pretty manageable
consulted HAZ traildex for something new, loaded up route scout and said "let's get out"
fun loop. occasional clouds and breeze kept it pretty manageable
2018-05-02 fricknaley
Corona de Loma Trail
Crown of a wet hill
Rain
It was a lovely evening for a hearty hike.
Climbed into the clouds and lost sight of most everything. I'd never been to the old Holbert Lookout before. Makes sense they closed it since the view didn't include anything farther away than Baseline.
Weather like this calls for soup, and nature provided. Pea soup. Couldn't even see the towers. Reasonable 10-foot hiking visibility, but a headlamp would have resulted in a reflective white out.
It was wet and squishy the whole way. Good thing I was properly clad to enjoy it.
'Twas a moist enjoyable hike!
It was a lovely evening for a hearty hike.
Climbed into the clouds and lost sight of most everything. I'd never been to the old Holbert Lookout before. Makes sense they closed it since the view didn't include anything farther away than Baseline.
Weather like this calls for soup, and nature provided. Pea soup. Couldn't even see the towers. Reasonable 10-foot hiking visibility, but a headlamp would have resulted in a reflective white out.
It was wet and squishy the whole way. Good thing I was properly clad to enjoy it.
'Twas a moist enjoyable hike!
2018-02-14 chumley
Corona de Loma Trail
Geronimo - Corona Loop
wanted something a little longer with some elevation gain today
i've done various combinations with corona loop but not for at least five years
up geronimo, down corona de loma, east on desert classic, up old man, back on geronimo
hit a little high point by accident on corona de loma, missed a turn on old man
a nice addition to geronimo, holbert or mormon trails
didn't burn it down today
i've done various combinations with corona loop but not for at least five years
up geronimo, down corona de loma, east on desert classic, up old man, back on geronimo
hit a little high point by accident on corona de loma, missed a turn on old man
a nice addition to geronimo, holbert or mormon trails
didn't burn it down today
2018-01-21 trekkin_gecko
Corona de Loma Trail
Old Man Midlife Corona
Nice weather had me itching to get out during the week. I'd never been to this trailhead before, and a few of the trails were new to me as well. I think we were off-route once or twice but that just added to the adventure. I shared a full flow of complaints about all the things currently annoying me. Good thing it was a 3 hour hike! 
2017-11-28 chumley
Corona de Loma Trail
Corona - Guadalupe Ridge - Hidden Valley Loop
A nice night out on the hills. Saw a couple of scorpions, a few coyotes (which we were promptly warned about on the way in by a concerned trail runner! )... hopped on some rocks. Explored another new wash that connects to Hidden Valley.
)... hopped on some rocks. Explored another new wash that connects to Hidden Valley.2017-11-13 DallinW
Corona de Loma Trail
Tuesday Night on SoMo
Well I started early and glad I did. The trail was busy only on the Mormon trail after that I did see a few back riders the Corona de Loma Trail.
I used my new brace on this hike for just over a mile and had to take it of as it really was rubbing my ankle the wrong way. And of course once I removed it and I had no insert in my boot oh well.
The views were just incredible as the breeze seem to clear out the smog. The most confusing thing was all the new names given to old trail
. Anyone know why they did this?
It was dark coming up Corona de Loma Trail and the coyotes were out in packs. I had two bike riders pass me and they seem to set off the howling of the coyotes. They also surprised me as they waited for Rowdy and me to reach them. But I had stopped and put Rowdy on his leash just incase. I thank them and they moved on.
As it got dark I put on my full charged headlamp as we ascend the trail. But when I turned it on the only light that work was the red light and that did not help. At this point I decided to use the flashlight on my phone and not knowing how long it would last.
We finally made it up to Buena Vista at that point my phone was down to 20% power. I walk out to the bench and decide to text my wife as I figured I will be latter than I though hiking down in the dark. At this point a gentlemen walk up behind me and asked it I needed a ride and I jumped on it. When I got to my car I thank him and gave him $20. I sat down to drink on of beers I packed for this hike. And I heard my name being called and looked up and saw Chumley then most of the group finishing up.
I used my new brace on this hike for just over a mile and had to take it of as it really was rubbing my ankle the wrong way. And of course once I removed it and I had no insert in my boot oh well.
The views were just incredible as the breeze seem to clear out the smog. The most confusing thing was all the new names given to old trail
. Anyone know why they did this?
It was dark coming up Corona de Loma Trail and the coyotes were out in packs. I had two bike riders pass me and they seem to set off the howling of the coyotes. They also surprised me as they waited for Rowdy and me to reach them. But I had stopped and put Rowdy on his leash just incase. I thank them and they moved on.
As it got dark I put on my full charged headlamp as we ascend the trail. But when I turned it on the only light that work was the red light and that did not help. At this point I decided to use the flashlight on my phone and not knowing how long it would last.
We finally made it up to Buena Vista at that point my phone was down to 20% power. I walk out to the bench and decide to text my wife as I figured I will be latter than I though hiking down in the dark. At this point a gentlemen walk up behind me and asked it I needed a ride and I jumped on it. When I got to my car I thank him and gave him $20. I sat down to drink on of beers I packed for this hike. And I heard my name being called and looked up and saw Chumley then most of the group finishing up.
2017-05-09 RowdyandMe
Corona de Loma Trail
The temps were going to be in the mid 90s and we wanted to do a light hike in South Mountain. I picked the Corona Loop because it was six miles and included a new trailhead I haven’t been to. We started hiking around 11am and I found I forgot my hiking shoes at home. I decided to go for it in flip flops.
We made a clockwise loop and slowly ascended the climb. It was fairly tough with the sun beating down on us. Things became much easier after the trail leveled off. We passed Buena Vista and saw a few hikers on National. From there we dropped down the Corona East Trail and were back to the jeep around 2pm. We stopped by REI on the ride home where I spent my dividend on new shoes.
We made a clockwise loop and slowly ascended the climb. It was fairly tough with the sun beating down on us. Things became much easier after the trail leveled off. We passed Buena Vista and saw a few hikers on National. From there we dropped down the Corona East Trail and were back to the jeep around 2pm. We stopped by REI on the ride home where I spent my dividend on new shoes.
2015-03-29 John9L
Corona de Loma Trail
SoMo Mountain Biking Potpourri
I've thought about trying to ride Corona de Loma for some time now and decided to give it a shot today - 20% ride, 80% carry-up. Once topped out at Summit Road, took the TV Road spur up to Gila Valley Overlook where a couple of base jumpers were preparing for takeoff. Lingered awhile before heading down TV Road and Summit Road at max speed. Headed down Telegraph Pass and continued over to Loco Patron to catch the puck drop between the Hawks & Blues plus a "cold, cheap, beer".
$2 bottles of Labatts Blue - bargain considering a 12 pack sell for $17.50 in Canada
http://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/blue.
Wildflowers
Desert marigolds primarily
$2 bottles of Labatts Blue - bargain considering a 12 pack sell for $17.50 in Canada
http://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/blue.Wildflowers
Desert marigolds primarily
2014-04-19 Randal_Schulhauser
Corona de Loma Trail
A very nice day for a hike. I had a doctors appointment today so I wanted to find a hike close by. I decided on the Buena Vista Loop, but started it at Telegraph Pass and did the loop. I was surprised on how many people that don't work on Fridays. Hopefully tomorrow on Trap Canyon I won't see anybody.
There was quite a few plants in bloom, I was surprised. It was a good hike to try out my new hiking boots which seemed to be just fine.
There was quite a few plants in bloom, I was surprised. It was a good hike to try out my new hiking boots which seemed to be just fine.
2014-02-14 RowdyandMe
Corona de Loma Trail
Very nice loop hike on the South Mountain trails on Christmas Eve Day. The Mormon Trail was somewhat busy but the others weren't bad at all. I was going to list in order some of the highlights but found that I liked everything about this hike, and all the trails we hit (even the short road walk wasn't bad) so I will give the entire loop a strong 4 stars.
Merry Christmas to all
Merry Christmas to all
2013-12-24 hikerdw
