HikeArizona.COM

So the season is ramping up finally, and I have a good fifteen pounds of unwanted Mike to shed. Clearly I'll need to train some more if my recent jaunt around Pass is any indication of my current health. Forgetting that I sprung a leak in my bladder at around the 3 mile point and was dehydrating when I got back to the Wind Cave trailhead. When it came down to it, the 700 foot climb slowed me down, the long bouncy back end depleted my energy, and the rough all over the descent took its toll on my knees, ankles, and poor mutilated feet. By the end of the fifth mile I was toast.

Pass won. And Pass must pay.

But in order to accomplish this, I'd very much like it if you all could recommend some cool trail runs in the Phoenix Area. 5-10 miles, some exposure is fine, and I'd prefer to be out there rather than just dodging passers-by in Papago. Any suggestions?

Mike

In response to mikess314's reply:
I see you live in Queen Creek and I know that Maricopa Parks & Recreation has been working on San Tan Regional Park
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/Hiking.aspx

Maybe you could check it out and get back to us with a trip report?

You might have your answer in your own backyard.

Phoenix Mountains Trail 100, the Christianson Trail It's 11 miles one way. Goes all the way from Tatum to 7th ave. Just pick a section and go at it.

Cave Creek Rec. area is great for trail running.

South Mountain has lot of great trails for running. I'm an avid trail runner and ultramarathoner so when I say they're good for running it's because I've run them.

From the Pima Canyon Trailhead you can do Desert Classic to the tanks and back - about 8 miles. Or you canrun up the fire road and do the National/Mormon trail loop for about 10K.

If you want longer you can just stay on National and go as far as you like. To Telegraph Pass trailhead and back is about 18 miles.

If you're a Pass Mountain runner and have a Maricopa County Parks pass you can run the McDowell Mtn Park just north of Fountain Hills. The Pemberton Trail is 15 miles of great running. There are shorter cut-off trails to make just about any distance you want.

HTH