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| Hiking | 5.74 Miles |
1,161 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.74 Miles | 2 Hrs 5 Mns | | 2.78 mph |
| 1,161 ft AEG | 1 Min Break | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Had the holiday off and hiked Shaw Butte Loop trail #306 with my wife.
A friend had planned this hike for a group of us the weekend prior and I missed it due to a work trip. Having just gotten back from that work trip we decided to go do it ourselves anyway. We parked at the North mountain visitor center without any difficulty and started hiking West on the Charles M Christiansen Trail #100.
We passed the first junction with Shaw Butte Trail and continued to the second junction. At this point we turned right and followed the loop clockwise. Navigation was not difficult and there was a sign indicating the 2nd Trail connection.
The initial portion of Shaw Butte is fairly steep and we were able to shed some layers almost immediately. As we progressed higher there were decent views of Phoenix and at a certain point the leg of the North Mountain occupied view to the southwest. There were a couple spots where power lines crossed over the trail, reminding you that you were still in Phoenix.
The final part of the ascent to Shaw Butte Microwave Relay Station was paved and probably sees utility service vehicles occasionally. It was nice and steep and got the heart rate up one last time before beginning the descent.
The descent was gradual and gave good views of the trail ahead, North Mountain in general and northern Phoenix. There were a fair amount of people on the trail but it was not crowded.
Once we reached the Shaw Butte Trail trailhead, the area at the northernmost part of the loop, the remainder of the route was flat and wildflowers were everywhere!
We enjoyed the scenery while moseying our way back to the Christiansen Trail junction and then back to the visitor center.
This was a very enjoyable hike and given its close proximity might make a good spot for routine visits; it is only slightly farther than Piestewa Peak and a decent level of difficulty.
It was a good hike and I would certainly do it again. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
A fair amount of flowers |
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