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Moon Rock Trail - 7 members in 67 triplogs have rated this an average 2.6 ( 1 to 5 best )
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67 triplogs
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Jul 13 2025
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Meridian TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 13 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking9.67 Miles 404 AEG
Hiking9.67 Miles   4 Hrs   6 Mns   2.39 mph
404 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Started from the Meridian TH that's about a half mile south of the Meridian/Bulldog Pass TH at the very end of Merdian Road, getting on the flat and easy trails right away. Made a big loop of Meridian, Blevins, Chainfruit, Lost Sheep, Moon Rock, Channel, Noso and back to Blevins and Meridian. I had just a little bit of shade when I started as the sun hadn't quite hit the horizon yet. By the end it was getting hot as it does this time of year. The last 2 miles when I got to the benches in the park I stretched my legs out on them as my legs were feeling a little stiff once I hit the 8 mile mark.

Lots of hikers and bikers seen, fewer as the morning wore on. No wildlife spotted, but I did see a track from a snake across the Meridian Trail on my way back, so I guess I just missed a diamondback at some point. Finished up just before 10am.
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Apr 27 2025
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 27 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking7.91 Miles 453 AEG
Hiking7.91 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   2.48 mph
453 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Sunday morning lazy hike. hit areas I haven't done in few years. Started on Chainfruit up to the visitor center, hit the 2 trails to the campgrounds along the way. The one just ended at the campground but I have an old track with a loop somewhere there, may have to go back one day to find it again.

Hit Desert Hawk by the Visitor Center then headed south on chainfruit and Lost Sheep, then took the side trails to the subdivisions and then headed over to finish up on Merkle. Got my shot of the day on Merkle of the hummingbird on top of a saguaro.

Weather was nice. Air seemed a bit hazy, couldn't see any of Mt Lemmon, which you usually can in this area. Traffic on the trails wasn't too bad.
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Mar 16 2025
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Amigos Wash TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking7.50 Miles 325 AEG
Hiking7.50 Miles   3 Hrs   16 Mns   2.31 mph
325 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
After the deathmarch slog from the day before, I just wanted to do something easy and laid back. Went over to Usery Park (short drive) and hit some trails I haven't done in a few years there. Started on Blevins, and did a loop with Amigos Wash, Channel Trail, Moon Rock, Lost Sheep and Chainfruit trails back to the Area 10 lot.

It was cool at the start because the sun hadn't hit the horizon. Then when I was in Amigos Wash it was cool again because of the shade and because it's usually cooler in washes in the mornings.

Nice to get a few miles in just after a huge hike the day before. my legs were stiff but not too bad. I felt it more by the end of the hike and decided that was enough for the weekend. The smooth and level trails here were a nice respite from the last part of the hike the day before. Got many distant views of Mt. Lemmon just after having been there. didn't see any wildlife other than birds and rodents, but heard the usual coyote packs howling in the morning as the sun rose.
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Nov 23 2024
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Talon TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 23 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking9.98 Miles 874 AEG
Hiking9.98 Miles   3 Hrs   52 Mns   2.58 mph
874 ft AEG
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Stayed close to home because of the plans for this weekend. Started from Area 10 in Usery and took Blevins, Chain Fruit, Talon, then some unmarked biker trails at the north end of Talon, Pass Mt. Loop, Talon, Lost Sheep, Moon Rock, and Blevins again back to the TH. Saw a couple hawks early on. At the very start a herd of coyotes started howling for a bit. Typical mix of hikers and bikers on the trail, mostly bikers. Weather got a little warm, but not hot. At the north end with the unmarked trails I hiked one that I hadn't hiked before, which I always like.
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Sep 26 2024
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 Routes 93
 Photos 7,758
 Triplogs 1,691

64 male
 Joined Mar 11 2003
 AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 26 2024
wallyfrackTriplogs 1,691
Hiking5.81 Miles 359 AEG
Hiking5.81 Miles   1 Hour   51 Mns   3.14 mph
359 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners partners
Tortoise_Hiker
Early morning hike with Denny to beat the heat. No bad if you start hiking in the dark and finish by 7am.
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  2 archives
Sep 26 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 26 2024
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking5.81 Miles 359 AEG
Hiking5.81 Miles   1 Hour   51 Mns   3.14 mph
359 ft AEG
 
Partners partners
wallyfrack
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Wally and I hit the trail early to beat the heat. We figured we could get in a couple hours before it got hot. 🥵 Starting from the Crismon parking area. We did the Blevins Loop with Cat Peaks Loop added in there. It was good to get in a leg stretcher and catch up with Wally! Thanks Wally! Like HAZ, you rock!! 🪨
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Sep 16 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Sheep TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 16 2024
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking4.90 Miles 260 AEG
Hiking4.90 Miles   1 Hour   54 Mns   2.58 mph
260 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Just a morning meander. Stopped by the visitor center to see Al the tortoise on the way out!
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Jul 28 2024
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Moon Rock TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking9.82 Miles 388 AEG
Hiking9.82 Miles   3 Hrs   58 Mns   2.49 mph
388 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Sunday hike close to home. got to bed late because I had to get Natasha at the airport late, so it was hard getting out of bed at 4:30am.

the loop I did I thought I just did last year, but I guess it wasn't exactly the same. Started at Area 10, went to Chainfruit, Lost Sheep, Moonraker, Levee, Ruidoso, County Line, and Blevins back to Area 10. That southeast corner by the Ruidoso is my least favorite part of the park because it's right next to the Superstition Airpark where remote control model planes are buzzing like crazy.

Saw more hikers than bikers, no wildlife. Soaked again from the humidity despite nearly no AEG.
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Jun 02 2024
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 02 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking8.54 Miles 326 AEG
Hiking8.54 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   2.67 mph
326 ft AEG
 
Lazy Sunday morning hike. Started just after 6:30am. Took Dmitri with me out for this one. We stayed on the level trails so it was pleasantly easy. After the steep hike the day before, I was very pleased to have absolutely no soreness in my legs at all :y: .

Saw some owls on the Cat Peaks and got a good shot of one. Saw a hawk on a saguaro just after that. Nothing else really to speak of. Finished up before 10am and got over 8 miles in, which I was pretty happy with. Got a pizza for lunch and took an afternoon nap on the couch (kind of) watching the Pirates lose. Weather was still nice, the real heat hasn't hit yet, plus our early start helped.
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Feb 11 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Usury Mountain Regional Park, AZ 
Usury Mountain Regional Park, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 11 2024
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.94 Miles 699 AEG
Hiking10.94 Miles   3 Hrs   21 Mns   3.35 mph
699 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
I had not hiked the southern trails in Usery before. Pretty flat. Beautiful desert.
Frosty as we started and there was even a little ice out there.
Lots of bunnies and birds observed, including a Harris hawk on a saguaro.
Good hike. Thanks Kelly. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Feb 11 2024
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 11 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking8.23 Miles 349 AEG
Hiking8.23 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   2.57 mph
349 ft AEG
 
Little bit of a later start than usual for me, kind of a lazy day hiking. Did a loop on the flatter trails, doing some zig zagging north and south between the Blevins and Levee Trails. Lots of water and a little leftover hail from the storms the night before. Saw a coyote and a hawk. Only a few other hikers and shockingly no bikers. A couple more hikes on the Blevins Trail and I'll my first big red dot on my triplog map.
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  1 archive
Feb 11 2024
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Usury Mountain Regional Park, AZ 
Usury Mountain Regional Park, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 11 2024
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking11.00 Miles 699 AEG
Hiking11.00 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   3.35 mph
699 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
john and i sampled some of the easier trails at usury
got going around 0700 from the visitor's center
half of the trails were new to me, most of them for john
some frost on the vegetation, ice in the channel along levee trail
enjoyed the walk through the desert
lots of healthy saguaros, plenty of cholla
saw a few hikers and bikers, birds and bunnies
heard some coyotes howling
nice morning, thanks john :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
Aug 23 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Sheep TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 23 2023
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking4.00 Miles 203 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   1 Hour   35 Mns   2.53 mph
203 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Just a little wandering around at Usery. looks like they may have a got a few drops this week. Trails in great shape for a stroll. I saw three new Barrel Cactus laying over and one new Saguaro arm off. I saw three kangaroo rats (?) dead on trail in different locations. Strange!? Saw a nice Harris Hawk pretty close. Another nice sunrise! I added Desert Hawk to get 4 miles. I didn't remember there being a Tortoise :y: exhibit there and a little tiny amphitheater with a fire ring. I'll have to bring the young grandkids to see it. A nice morning leg stretcher! :D
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Apr 03 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Sheep TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2023
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking3.80 Miles 218 AEG
Hiking3.80 Miles   1 Hour   31 Mns   2.51 mph
218 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Afternoon stroll. Getting windy! Brittlebush here and there. Hedgehog starting to bloom. Waiting for the Buckhorn Cholla to start blooming.
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Mar 21 2023
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 Guides 4
 Routes 93
 Photos 302
 Triplogs 697

51 male
 Joined Jul 05 2008
 Gilbert, AZ
Levee Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 21 2023
adeniumTriplogs 697
Hiking4.00 Miles 173 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   1 Hour   10 Mns   3.43 mph
173 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Partners none no partners
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Feb 18 2023
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Chain Fruit TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 18 2023
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking10.47 Miles 439 AEG
Hiking10.47 Miles   3 Hrs   34 Mns   2.94 mph
439 ft AEG
 
I had something to attend Saturday but the time got moved back from 10am to noon. My original plan was to go jogging early Saturday, but once the time was moved, it made more sense to pick a quick hike close to home. Usery is one of the closest options, so I picked the biggest loop in the flat trails.

I got to the gate at 5:45am to find that they open the park at 6. First time I was aware of this. Started from Area 10 and did a loop of Blevins, Chainfruit, Lost Sheep, Moon Rock, Levee, Spillway, Ruidoso, County Line, Meridian and Blevins again.

It turned out to be a more interesting hike that I had expected since I saw about 3 small packs of coyotes while I was hiking along the Levee Trail. One would cross on the top of the levee and then I would see a few more below running through the trees and chollas. At one point one pack I saw earlier started howling and the others responded. it made for an interesting show.

then on the County Line Trail I walked up on a small herd of deer that were sitting right on the trail. They took off but then took their time, giving me the chance to get some pics.

Cold to start, then warmed up quick once the sun hit the horizon. Mostly sunny throughout the morning. Nice to see the green grass carpet covering most of the ground. Finished up in 3.5 hours, averaging a good 3 mph.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Coyote
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Jan 06 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Sheep TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 06 2023
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking5.10 Miles 279 AEG
Hiking5.10 Miles   2 Hrs   2 Mns   2.51 mph
279 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Nov 12 2022
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 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Pass Mountain 50 Miler, AZ 
Pass Mountain 50 Miler, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Nov 12 2022
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Run/Jog50.85 Miles 4,800 AEG
Run/Jog50.85 Miles   12 Hrs   26 Mns   4.38 mph
4,800 ft AEG      50 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
Ran my second 50 miler this weekend. Had a good day overall

first 13 miles were easy and i soaked in some smooth running. after that the route went out of the park and into much rougher territory for a while including some off trail through bulldog canyon and some rough, steep and rocky jeep roads. was still feeling pretty good at this point.

miles 21-25 were sandy uphill roads but i still managed to run some of it.

after the 25 aid station we entered the Hawes trail network. i ran some, struggled some and passed some people.

i was able to see Michelle and Sierra at the mile 34 aid station and that really helped because i hit that at a low point mentally and physically and was also dehydrated. they gave me a much needed tune-up and out i went.

the next 10 miles were the hardest of the day for me. lot of uphill, physically wasted and battling demons - really the reason why i was there lol. did pass some more people.

the dude at the mile 44 aid station was a life saver. he got me on track with electrolytes, food and positivity. the last part of the route was the hardest, climbing up pass mountain trail then dropping down the rocky way in the dark, but this was one of my best stretches of the day. i ran quite a bit of the uphill and hit the high point at sunset - which was lovely. also i love running in the dark so i did pretty well from there on to the end.

really a stellar weather day, could not have asked for more. Happy to have another one of these under my belt. Feel pretty good about this one. oh one last thing, my right arch hurt for every single step of the way.
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hi
  1 archive
Sep 08 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Sheep TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 08 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking3.60 Miles 181 AEG
Hiking3.60 Miles   1 Hour   31 Mns   2.37 mph
181 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Mar 24 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Lost Sheep TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 24 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking3.60 Miles 153 AEG
Hiking3.60 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   2.40 mph
153 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Made a balloonish loop out of it. Creosote still blooming with the Brittle Bush a little less and sporadic. Saw maybe half a dozen Hedgehog with a bloom or two. The normal bunnies and birds with even a couple jacks! A handful of bike riders with one lost. Getting warm.
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
average hiking speed 2.52 mph
1, 2, 3, 4  Next

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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