National Trail's western 'Unofficial' Trailhead

[Moovyoaz]

The excellent 11/09 National Trail write by Joe Bartels correctly describes the current closures of west San Juan Road. Unfortunately this closure prevents access 3 out of 4 weekends to the National/Alta west trailhead at San Juan Point. It would be nice if this information was available on South Mtn Park's web site. Since I'm leading a National Trail hike east to west Dec 19, I went to the park to determine the status of the San Juan Road closures. After a couple of attempts, I finally found a ranger who actually knew something. He claimed the closure was partly due to 'teenage partying' at the west end of the road. I suggested they go patrol the darn thing instead of closing it.

He suggested (as I already plan to do) to instead end my hike north of the Alta trailhead at 43rd and Estrella in Laveen. It's an 'unofficial but approved' trailhead, what ever that means, which adds an additional .4 miles to the hike. You can park along the road there.

When I complained to him that none of the closure info is available on their web site, he said I was preaching to the choir, and the rangers have no input but have to deal with the complaints. I did note the gate at the Summit / San Juan road junction was open for a Red Bull truck, so they could film a commercial. I remember reading a forum post here a while back where a hiker got in trouble for driving past the closed but unlocked gate there, because they were filming a Ford commercial. Money talks, hikers walk, I guess.

[joebartels]

Good info, I updated the page. thx

At least that story makes more sense than what one of the gate attenders told me. He said they have issues with Laveen residents riding their ATVs in the area. Now as to how blocking off hikers would help, I couldn't figure?

[Moovyoaz]

On 12/19/09 I led a group of 25 from the Pima TH west to another unmarked parking area off Dusty Lane (near the casino). We used this western location since west San Juan Road is closed to traffic. If parking here, please be curtious to the residents living there. To get there, at the National trailpost 45, head west on an old road to a couple of large white water tanks, then north along the power line to Dusty Lane. Take note of this beautiful area, because it follows the proposed route of the future South Mtn Freeway, which would pass through the park and carve 100-200 foot canyons into the mountains there.
The west section of the National is great, and we passed 2 javalina on the trail! Got to climb Goat Hill and maybe explore the unnamed trails that shoot off to the south next trip!

[neilends]

South Mountain experts: I'm trying to figure out how to access the Alta Trail from its western end, and am confused by the maps, Google results, and data on HAZ. This old 2009 thread is the closest I could find to discussing it. Assuming San Juan Road is closed for traffic this Sunday, is it possible/legal to drive up near 51st Avenue and Estrella and park near there to hike in?

[outdoor_lover]

@neilends
You can find the Directions for Parking at the West "TH" here... Just be considerate of the Residents and only park on the South Side of the Road.... https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=16451 This is not an "Official TH", but a Gap in the Fence and a Trail will take you to the San Juan Lookout where you can get on the National Trail or the Alta Trail....

[ultrazona]

Also DO NOT leave anything valuable in the car. I am a Steward for the parks and there are often cars broken into at that trailhead. Mind you I still park my car there often, but just be aware.

[neilends]

Appreciate the tips, thank you!

[SpiderLegs]

When I lived in that part of town I parked at that trailhead often and never had an issue. But did get nervous a time or two watching some questionable characters walking down that road toward my car while I was a good 5-10 minute hike away.

[neilends]

I did the hike today. There's construction at the major lot that I assume used to be the "trailhead." I don't suggest parking there anymore. There were 2-3 other hikers today and they each seemed like regular hikers of Alta. They parked their cars along the shoulders of the road.

[SpiderLegs]

There never was a lot off of the Estrella entrance to the park. Simply a wide spot under a couple of large trees across the road from a house. But I haven't been out there in two years, so things may have changed.