Desert Park Lasso Photoset • hikerdw • 2021-01-30 • HikeArizona.COM

Desert Park Lasso, AZ

	2021-01-30
	2 by hikerdw

Desert Park Lasso, AZ

Hiking	14.16 Miles	3,021 AEG

Hiking	14.16 Miles	5 Hrs 30 Mns	2.90 mph
	3,021 ft AEG	37 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Desert Park Trail - MSP

Tom's Thumb Trail - MSP

Lookout Trail - MSP

East End Trail - MSP

Windgate Pass Trail - MSP

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With the rain the night before a nice walk in the desert was calling. I'd never hiked the Desert Park Trail in the MSP so figured it would be a nice start/end to the lasso.

Desert Park Trail We both really enjoyed this trail as it offered a lot of solitude in a typically crowded area. On the hike out we saw no one, and on the return we only passed a couple mountain bikers and two pairs of hikers.

Tom's Thumb Trail Great trail. Hands down a better climb, better scenery, and much more solitude than the climb from the north. Got some really nice cloud views as we hiked.

Lookout Trail Another trail I really enjoy. Views are excellent, typically not crowded, and some nice areas to find a couple rocks to take a short break after the climb up. With the wind it was noticeably cooler at the Lookout.

East End Trail A bit steep but always enjoyable going down. With the recent rains the footing was much better and offered less chance of slipping.

Windgate Pass Trail Saw a pair of bow hunters in full camouflage on the trail

I have a love/hate relationship with this trail. I love the back section past the pass and although hate is a harsh word for any trail, the front section from the trailhead to the pass is one of my less favorites in the MSP. It is just way to crowded for me to get any enjoyment while hiking in a train. The turnoff to the Desert Park Trail couldn't come quick enough.

Great lasso loop and will do it again for sure.

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Expect to self rescue

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