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| Hiking | 6.00 Miles |
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| | Hiking | 6.00 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 1.00 mph |
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| no partners | | My son, son in-law and I started around 10:30 am at the Marcos De Niza Trailhead head out on the dirt road into Pima Canyon. It's about a mile and 175 elevation gain down the road to Pima Canyon Trailhead. The trail curves around before dipping into a wash marked as the start of the National Trail. That rock that we found last time with the quote on it was still stacked on top of other rocks, exactly where we found it before. I didn't take a picture of it this time though.
We quickly gained elevation and it started to get a bit tough the final 550 feet up. It was a breeze for my sons but I didn't let on that there was a bit of huffin' and puffin'. After this we came upon a deep hole which we suspect was once a mining shaft. Further on up the trail, under a large over-head rock area, was a litter of personal care items, books, clothing, etc. that two or more people had abandoned; obviously hiding out. It was kind of gross and pathetic. 
This stretch between Pima Canyon Trailhead to the Hidden valley turnoff is almost a 1 1/2 miles. The grade is moderate through the most part but there is a short section which is steep. This is where we got close up photos of a bold squirrel that practically took cashews from my sons hand. 
At the Hidden Valley turnoff we hiked about 1/2 mile through Hidden Valley. You'll immediately pass through the tunnel. You would never think that this would exist in this area. Compared to the desert, it just looks so out of place. The temperature dropped tremendously through the tunnel. A welcomed reprieve from the at least 80 degrees. There are Boulders that appear to be huge, smooth saucers and mushrooms, along with the most amazing sculptures with short caves/over-hangs. My son took a photo of me in one of them. This is where we did some major rock climbing, digging our fingers and shoes into gaps and holes to get through holes barely wide enough to fit through. Check out the photos. 
We scaled up two rock slides and passed some petroglypics before reaching Fat Man's Pass, which are incredible curved rocks with a slight gap between them. Part of that curved rock we used to slide down several times. It was hilarious.  From there it was back home on the National Trail before reaching the Hidden Valley turn we originally took, passing the Mormon turnoff.
To think, I only loaded about 1/2 the photos I took. I have so many more of unusual rock sculpture and plants/flowers but I think you have an idea of this incredible hike. It should've only taken 3 hours; however, being the photo freak that I am and in no hurry, we stopped several times to pose, eat, and just take in an unexpected beauty that's right in my back yard.  |
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Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people |
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