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Telegraph Pass Trail - South Mountain - 65 members in 764 triplogs have rated this an average 2.8 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Sep 01 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 01 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.36 Miles 2,712 AEG
Hiking9.36 Miles   4 Hrs   2 Mns   2.52 mph
2,712 ft AEG      19 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Pin cushion cacti are blooming in force.

Cool breezes on the ridges were incredible. Yards away from the ridges were sauna-esque.

Live ocotillo and bursera have responded vibrantly to recent rains. The dead ocotillo is now easily distinguishable. The trails here are covered with gravel-sized rock debris after every rain; the mountain is slowly eroding.

A few more out for the holiday, but not much more due to the temps. A young couple mountain biking up Pyramid was remarkable for the weather; they were two-thirds up. Nice pricey bikes, and she was in good spirits but lagging as he crawled ahead.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Pin cushion cacti galore
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Aug 26 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph to 26 Post, AZ 
Telegraph to 26 Post, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 26 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking3.93 Miles 992 AEG
Hiking3.93 Miles   1 Hour   27 Mns   2.71 mph
992 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Breezeless, muggy blah after yesterday's late afternoon storm. Continued past the CCC Hut to Post 26 to mimic 1k.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 15 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph Pass Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Aug 15 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
 Hiking3.36 Miles 758 AEG
 Hiking3.36 Miles   1 Hour   17 Mns   2.62 mph
758 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Looks like the Telegraph River crested at low tide last night.

Tested RS 7.2.5 after a few days working with GPT-5 and added logic to stop the double recording issue on Android. Possibly iOS, I just had not experienced it myself. Then, notably for Android, added fast reload. You can now cold boot and get hiking right away without waiting. Also, fixed a bug in the initial background to load the offline maps.

Simplicity has its advantages. Soon after I started the hike, it would be over. No fretting miles 17 and up.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 13 2025
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 Guides 264
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 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.26 Miles 2,400 AEG
Hiking9.26 Miles   3 Hrs   44 Mns   2.67 mph
2,400 ft AEG      16 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Headed down into Bursera bathroom wash, and there was a mountain biker gasping/grinding like he was going up Prospector to get out of the 3% grade wash. Exiting the flip side I heard the wiz of another biker. I stepped aside. This was the steeper side and he could have bunny hopped over me going up. I don't think they were together... Lol

Tested the Dixie RS recipe for disaster, and it worked like a charm. I haven't had time to go over the debug logs, but I'm wondering if it might be Android-related. I need to test the sequence thoroughly on an iPhone. Just know that I had to bump up the Android version a couple of weeks ago. There was also an OS update to the phones last month. One of the core plugins that RS uses does not yet support 16 KB page size, so that might make it crash if not always in or out of airplane mode.

Absolutely no breeze early on was a little muggy. Always get a nice breeze coming up along goat ridge. Hints of Autumn in the breeze.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 10 2025
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 Guides 264
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 Photos 14,494
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55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking20.28 Miles 4,525 AEG
Hiking20.28 Miles   9 Hrs   23 Mns   2.44 mph
4,525 ft AEG   1 Hour   5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Prehydrated: 38 oz
Carried: 174 oz (124 frozen)

When I arrived, a large group of about 16-24 people was getting ready to head out. I thought they were runners, later realized they were mixed ages and backgrounds. I started a half furlong behind them. I passed them and then never saw them again, concentrating on transitioning from Grillz to My Way. Guessing they turned on Desert Classic.

This was my first time on the west side of Bursera. More people out here than expected. Teenage girl, three guys (Kurt Sedler types), then two guys who could be star quarterbacks or excellent car salesmen. The geology is more reminiscent of Estrella/Piestewa.

This is one of those rare hikes where you're hiking away from looking at the sun or without staring at the sun on the drive, either.

The West end of Gila is undoubtedly loved by no one. It skirts the bajada, dipping in and out of a few ravines. Whereas the Bursera across the ravine has nicer alluvial geology to glide over.

The steepest grade on Prospector was in full sun, but I got a nice breeze.

Generally, I avoid Goat Hill, since it's illegal. The pre-planned hike was under 20 mi and under 5K. So I figured I'd hit a few little peaks along the way.

Two rangers at the bottom of the Ranger Trail with a funky couple behind me. Luckily, I'd recently tackled these nondescript multi-use trails scattered about the actual trail and sailed through.

I needed to rearrange a lot of water bottles and such, so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to tackle a sliver of Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail and utilize the Ramada for a few minutes. Whoo doggy, the rubberized grate bench in the shade was comfy. What are the chances two families came off-trail directly down the hill and stopped at the Ramada... lol C'est la vie, probably best to keep moving anyway.

Dec 23rd 2024, KingLeonidas posted a clue via RS where the temporary or new trail routes. It worked out great. Just be sure to verify which days are legal, cuz I'm no angel. From previous hikes, I had a lunch spot in mind. Only partially shady, but it worked out. I ate half of a dry WinCo ham and cheese on a pretzel hoagie, cuz there needs to be something other than water and electrolytes in the mix.

Realized I only had 36 oz of water left. So I nixed two side trips to push it over 5K in favor of life. Since it was later in the day vs recent previous trips, a few more shade options were opening up. I took a 6-minute break at one, but just wanted to finish the hike.

40 oz more water would have been better, but it all worked out.

Android stats in airplane mode start to finish, 2,983 points, used 25% battery.
iPhone 20.15 mi / 4483 AEG | 3,228 points, never in airplane mode, used 35% battery.
2 bug fixes for RS 7.2.4 in dev worked, perhaps out in a few days.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 07 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 07 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.52 Miles 2,813 AEG
Hiking11.52 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   2.43 mph
2,813 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
It was supposed to be warmer today, but that fizzled out. Gusty winds for the first three miles.

It's easier to drink from water bottles, yet too cumbersome without a pack. So I ditched the water bladder and the hot hose.

Bursera was new for me. The whole southwest corner of South Mountain is better than I ever gave credit. It's a series of ridges, which are a bazillion times more exciting than anything flat.

Prehydrated 40 oz on the drive over, then consumed 107 out of 108 oz carried. When I did five laps on Piestewa several times in August, I would consume 24 to 48 oz between laps and carry 24 oz on each lap.

Stats are RS Android airplane mode start to finish because it's the only way to force the GPS radio. Carried in the upper back portion of my pack. Used 15% battery, 1697 points.
iPhone RS 11.43 mi / 2,785 AEG, Used 23% battery not in airplane mode, 1,829 points.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 05 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 05 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.20 Miles 2,272 AEG
Hiking9.20 Miles   3 Hrs   51 Mns   2.41 mph
2,272 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Above the road, just after 7am, I passed three high school guys. A few minutes later at the Gila junction was a naked native dude.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 03 2025
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 Guides 264
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 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 03 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.16 Miles 3,400 AEG
Hiking15.16 Miles   6 Hrs   39 Mns   2.44 mph
3,400 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The third ascent of this loop two days ago was rough. I knew why from an eight-lap blur on Camelback long ago, and wanted to make key adjustments.

Several out early, heading up, but nothing like that first week of back to school, which was oddly the busiest weekend of the year. A few clicky groups you won't see at Piestewa. Most of which would be dead if I saw them on the trail later on in the day.

The few impressive athletes were a runner and two mountain bikers in the outback.

There were no construction workers on the Holbert trailhead project, so I decided to hike through. Coming across three guys who could undoubtedly explain how to split an atom, wanted to know how to get up to Dobbins Lookout.

Overwhelmed by a hind thot of why on earth are you fine people wasting your time going to Dobbins mid-day in August. One guy was showing me his app, which I couldn't see without glasses or squinting in the sun.

Not to be rude, but the spring chickens couldn't have been parked too far away, and I needed to get moving, so I pointed right and went left.

I never encountered a stay out sign or any signage for that matter, but the old trail from the parking lot is gone. They wasted more time sourcing boulders that didn't belong than putting up a single sign for anyone coming across their trails that they haven't updated in eons on their website. ie: Pyramid is still on the static and interactive maps.

Disturbing wildlife in the middle of a city with a huge construction project yards away weighed heavily on my mind. A boulder hop from wherever the new trail was, I carried on.

In the old roundup area, I expected to see Team 4.0 giggling equations with their handy dandy app guiding them.

The old trail that went across and hooked up to the road by the water tower has been obscured. From the road up, it's the same old same old. Apparently, you hook into the road lower or further north now; I have no clue.

On the bright side, I felt much better than 2 days ago. Took a break at a semi-shady spot in a ravine crossing, thinking I might spot the trio, but they never surfaced.

My favorite part of National Trail was once again the last step, but the hike across didn't drag on today.

EDIT
KingLeonidas clued us all in Dec 2024
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 01 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 01 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.55 Miles 3,561 AEG
Hiking15.55 Miles   6 Hrs   57 Mns   2.42 mph
3,561 ft AEG      32 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The faucet at the tables trailhead had a slow flow of screaming hot water perfect for tea or ramen.

The gate doors on the ranger trailhead restrooms appeared open from 20 yards out. The junior sized cattle tank had a light flow, clear and therapeutically warm.

Approaching Holbert, I realized it's under renovation. Construction workers galore and unaware if it was open for that or extreme advisory, I elected for an old pioneer route to bridge the gap. Minutes on the Holbert, a jogger passed me heading down, apparently it's open... Lol
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 29 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.16 Miles 2,290 AEG
Hiking9.16 Miles   3 Hrs   40 Mns   2.54 mph
2,290 ft AEG      4 Mns Break18 LBS Pack
 
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Took a pack to evaluate differences. Gleaned good info.

With a later start I was surprised there was still a 40 yard stretch of shade crawling up Prospector.

The pack is certainly warmer but it's nice to have everything in place without constantly shifting weight. Used a third less water.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 28 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Tukee Prospector Luv Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Tukee Prospector Luv Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.12 Miles 2,702 AEG
Hiking11.12 Miles   4 Hrs   49 Mns   2.46 mph
2,702 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I prehydrated 32 oz on the way over. Carrying 84 oz of water might be the creative limit without a pack. What started as a one-handed juggling act felt like hauling an elephant nearing the pass.

Prospector Sans Ranch
A little earlier netted a solid 4 minutes of shade on everyone's favorite miracle mile.

Ranger
1 minute stretch of shade

LL
The dance floor was quiet, so I self-entertained. The always locked restrooms are overflowing out the gate door, creating the origin of a moat. Saw a coyote in the wash waiting for me to leave to get water.

Kiwanis
A ranger was twiddling his thumbs and left slowly when I popped outta the wash into the lot.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 27 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.26 Miles 2,365 AEG
Hiking9.26 Miles   3 Hrs   36 Mns   2.60 mph
2,365 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Tried a ZenToes Gel Separator to keep the second piggy in place, worked better than anticipated. Not a cure, but hiking less was having worse effects.

8:53 am scraggly coyote. Seemed suspect at first, but he just happened to crest near me on a ridge portion and moved away.

Cessna mode to get device elevation stats.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 26 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 26 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.27 Miles 2,680 AEG
Hiking9.27 Miles   3 Hrs   38 Mns   2.59 mph
2,680 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Days ago when I first did this loop I envisioned calling it 9x9 Loop starting at 6:00 a.m.

That rainbow thought was an illusion...

Only gained 5 minutes. Think I'd have to carry a pack to move the needle.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 25 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Canyon Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Canyon Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 25 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking8.11 Miles 2,292 AEG
Hiking8.11 Miles   3 Hrs   44 Mns   2.23 mph
2,292 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
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Heading back on National yesterday, I saw a hint of a trail below. 5 to 10 minutes later, I passed a sign that they should obliterate for multiple reasons.

Decades ago, before I carried a GPS receiver, I hiked all the canyons and ridges, but not often in the west.

The canyon is what I've called bathroom wash for the past five or so years because the nearby trailhead has no restroom. One small green rock that seemed out of place and several huge pink rocks. When I reached the dry falls, it dawned on me that I had done this in reverse. It's a cool little canyon, but I doubt I would hit it often, and I would more likely just continue up.

I passed two-phrase on the final furlong. It doesn't matter what you say or if you say nothing at all. She says the same two phrases with a pause. I think she has earbuds or such. She's pleasant, just odd as hell the first round or two.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 24 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 24 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.28 Miles 2,689 AEG
Hiking9.28 Miles   3 Hrs   43 Mns   2.51 mph
2,689 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
78° to start in July. 2 to 4 hours earlier nets different encounters. These people weren't ready for neon hoodie boy. I stepped out of my truck, and the trophy wives scattered like an intrusion of cockroaches seeing light. Followed by several get out of our neighborhood, you freak looks from two men.

0.82mi, 6:35am Into the darkness of the canyon

I've never been a fan of the trail formerly known as Pyramid, but I've got to say, various reverse views coming across the ridge in the morning light were pretty freaking cool.

Heading down was the only encounter in the outback. An older man passed me, heading up, sweating buckets. Minutes later, it became apparent why when he ran down past me. Probably runs it daily, got an hour and a half more sleep.

Ode to a Dec 3rd notable who passed recently. Bruce oughta squeak out 487 on the Ozzy/76 fitness scale.

First time I heard one of the a-hole comments from Route Scout when I was off track, it was awesome! Think I slipped those in with the holiday nature calls back in February.

Finished with two good songs: Boy Named Sue and Boyz in the Hood. I was curious about what it meant to pull your car. Turns out it's the first lyric I've ever sung incorrectly. It's pull your card, which means to kill you. I need to find music with more kind lyrics than Joni Mitchell(for mom), Johnny Cash, and Eazy-E.

Took 24 + 36 oz of water. Ended with 2 oz.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elephant Tree
_____________________
- joe
 
Jun 04 2025
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 Guides 94
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 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Walk to the Mailbox, AZ 
Walk to the Mailbox, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 04 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking9.76 Miles 1,921 AEG
Hiking9.76 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   3.10 mph
1,921 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
I forgot there was a mailbox up here. Seems a worthy destination.

I did a SoMo YoYo. Or is it a transomo?

For some reason I thought the gates stayed open past 7 in the summer. The two rangers were too busy doing ranger things together to get the gate closed before I entered at 7:01.

Good rain this morning left plenty of puddles, soft steps, and occasional mud. A nice change for June.

Up Tele, down Kiwa.

Fun story: I've never actually hiked the full Lomita. There are a couple of really nice stretches in there. Most is awful.

HAZ says you can't hike in Box Canyon. SoMo trail map has a friggen trail called Box Canyon. It parallels the geographic feature. But HAZ doesn't have the trail. Go figure.

On the ground, I couldn't find the trail. The GPS route for Holbert goes up a canyon signed as closed and aggressively obstructed with rock and natural debris. Holbert sign posts begin at the bottom of the Box Canyon wash along the paved road east of the fenced off activity center construction area. Which doesn't match the master trail plan. Who knew Somo could be so confusing? By all accounts, there is no currently legal way to connect Lomitas/Box with Holbert. After construction is complete, you will be able to traverse the huge parking lot. I think?

I hadn't hiked Holbert in over a decade. Maybe this is why?

Up and over. Nice breeze higher up. Stopped at the mailbox. Heading back to Telegraph, rangers on the road below got on the megaloudspeaker in their vehicle to ask if I was ok. I yelled back all good. A mile later it happened again. A different ranger this time. I wondered if I somehow looked distressed from hundreds of yards away through a windshield? Or maybe somebody had reported an overdue hiker and they were out looking for somebody. Or maybe there was a murderer on the loose? These mailbox walks are risky.

Dozens of millipedes enjoying the damp soil. Toad and vinegaroon. Coyotes howling. A bunch of western banded geckos. Nothing without shoulders, which surprised me a bit.
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
  3 archives
May 02 2025
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 Guides 110
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 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking9.39 Miles 2,037 AEG
Hiking9.39 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   2.78 mph
2,037 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met John at Telegraph at 0630 and got started. Up Telegraph, then west on National. Went out to the old lookout off the east end of Goat Hill. It’s been a couple of years since I was out there, but the abandoned trail is still pretty clear. From there, we headed up to Goat Hill, then looked at the old mines near the top. Headed back east, then down Ranger. The occasional morning shade was nice. Then east on the gem of South Mountain, which left John speechless, most likely with awe. Headed over to Piedras Grandes, which is supposedly closed for “construction” so we didn’t stick around too long. From there, it was a warm hike up Kiwanis, then all downhill on Telegraph. Good workout. Didn’t see many hikers other than on Telegraph. Some new trails for John.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
May 02 2025
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking9.66 Miles 2,075 AEG
Hiking9.66 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   2.77 mph
2,075 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Linda and I met at 6:30AM and headed up to Telegraph Pass, then turned left on National as I continue to expand my SoMo horizons west beyond the Pima Canyon area. We left the trail to check out a nice overlook, then went up Goat Hill and dropped down the east side to look at a few mine shafts. Unfortunately, no chupacabras home today.

Back down to National, then down Ranger to Las Lomiatas, where the crown jewel of SoMo took my breath away, with visions of imaginary poppies dancing in my head. We did a quick pass of Piedras Grandes, where the ramadas are allegedly closed for construction, though there was no sign of construction beyond some dirt piles. We hiked back up Kiwanis and then down Telegraph Pass to finish it off as it started to warm up. Fun way to start the day, and nice to see a few new areas and hike a couple new SoMo trails.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill
 
Apr 18 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Telegraph - Corona loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Corona loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 18 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking10.73 Miles 2,116 AEG
Hiking10.73 Miles   3 Hrs   52 Mns   3.01 mph
2,116 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I took advantage of the cooler temps for a longer workout hike on SoMo, and John opted to join me. As boring as SoMo can be, it’s still better than a morning of working. Got started up Telegraph at 0745. Less clouds than I was hoping for, and I whined accordingly.

East on National, with a quick stop at the old lookout. Continued east to Corona. Nice breeze at times. Down Corona, then back west on Desert Classic and Guadalupe Perimeter. Stopped at the Helipad. I gazed at a nearby house for sale that I really like. Talked myself again out of buying it. Finished up on Desert Classic. A few more clouds by the finish.

Good workout and good conversation. Thanks, John, for joining me on this one!
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Apr 18 2025
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 Guides 25
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40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Telegraph - Corona Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Corona Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 18 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking10.84 Miles 2,139 AEG
Hiking10.84 Miles   3 Hrs   52 Mns   3.00 mph
2,139 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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Linda and I met at Desert Foothills at 7:45AM and headed up to Telegraph Pass, once again entering the side of South Mountain I rarely visit. I think this made it five hikes from four different SoMo Trailheads in the past 10 days for me, several of those in the foreign lands of the west side...not bad :). We looped clockwise on National with a stop at the old lookout, and Linda shared her knowledge of SoMo history and off-trail points of interest that I've passed many times but never noticed, so it was educational in addition to being a beautiful morning to spend outside.

It stayed mostly sunny throughout, but it was in the 60s when we started and low/mid-70s at the end...days like this are numbered as summer approaches. I'd been on at least parts of all these trails before, but it had been years for some, and the helipad was a new stop for me as we looped back on Desert Classic and Guadalupe Perimeter. Didn't see even a single fireman, but I noticed the first saguaro blooms of the season earlier this week, and there were a lot more out there today. Nice hike, fun morning and conversation--thanks, Linda, for setting this up!
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average hiking speed 2.59 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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