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Shadow Mountain Mega Loop - 9 members in 18 triplogs have rated this an average 2.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
18 triplogs
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May 04 2025
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Shadow Mountain, AZ 
Shadow Mountain, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 04 2025
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking
Hiking
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Shadow Mountain Big Loop #310
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma TH
Partners none no partners
  2 archives
Jan 22 2025
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Lookout Shadow, AZ 
Lookout Shadow, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 22 2025
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760
Hiking6.16 Miles 1,269 AEG
Hiking6.16 Miles   2 Hrs   39 Mns   2.43 mph
1,269 ft AEG      7 Mns Break4 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Lookout Mountain Summit Trail #150
Lookout Mtn Circumference Trail #308
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Shadow Mountain Big Loop #310
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I hadn’t tackled either of these since @Tortoise_Hiker and I completed them as part of our 7 Summits Challenge back in 2011.

Starting at Lookout Mountain, the chill quickly diminished as the climb began immediately from the trailhead. The steeper section was a bit rocky, but the burn was short-lived, with the top reached within half a mile.

The trail I took down was slightly slippery, leading me through Lookout Mountain Park.

Next, I circled around Shadow Mountain and reached the peak from the east. Initially, I had planned to descend to the north and complete the Shadow Mountain loop, but the ridgeline looked far more interesting, so I headed west instead.

The day wrapped up with some neighborhood walking to get back over to Lookout Mountain and complete the adventure.

It was a nice day exploring one of the city parks.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Feb 11 2018
avatar

 Routes 215
 Photos 1,337
 Triplogs 124

53 male
 Joined May 26 2017
 Phoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 11 2018
Nate_F • Triplogs 124
Hiking2.70 Miles 432 AEG
Hiking2.70 Miles   1 Hour   2 Mns   2.84 mph
432 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Wasn't feeling it this weekend so I just stuck close to home. Luckily, this mountain is 10 minutes away and never busy; except for a few neighborhood hikers. Whenever I come here, I always go for the summit. But this time, I chose to take the big loop all the way around the mountain, since I have never done the full loop.I liked it.
The only part that wasn't fun was walking close to houses or Cave Creek Rd., but that's only a small portion. This is a pretty hike if you want solitude. :) :) :)
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  3 archives
Apr 12 2016
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 1,367
 Triplogs 364

47 male
 Joined Jun 10 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Stoney Shadow, AZ 
Stoney Shadow, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 12 2016
The_Dude • Triplogs 364
Hiking5.87 Miles 2,036 AEG
Hiking5.87 Miles   2 Hrs   23 Mns   2.69 mph
2,036 ft AEG      12 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   7 linked trail guides
Charles M. Christiansen Trail #100
Stony Mountain
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Shadow Mountain Big Loop #310
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma TH
Partners none no partners
Got in a good urban double hike this afternoon, started out by Mountain View about 4:30. Second time up Stoney Mountain, this is a fun quick one with good effort. Be aware, there is a good sized bee gathering about a tenth of a mile up the summit spur trail, it is on the left hand side of the trail in one of the numerous rock holes. They were not aggressive, but if you stumbled into the rock it would make for a pretty lousy day. After this quick one, I rolled over to Acoma to start my way up Shadow Mountain. I climbed the main peak, and then proceeded to hit every high point in the area by way of a convoluted loop. Ran into a few folks up on the summit when I had come around for a second trip up. Otherwise, very few other people out on the trail, surprising for such a great weather day.
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Aug 25 2015
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 1,367
 Triplogs 364

47 male
 Joined Jun 10 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Mountain Preserves sampler, AZ 
Phoenix Mountain Preserves sampler, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 25 2015
The_Dude • Triplogs 364
Hiking5.60 Miles 2,217 AEG
Hiking5.60 Miles   2 Hrs   21 Mns   2.63 mph
2,217 ft AEG      13 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Stony Mountain
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma TH
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Partners none no partners
I had to be back to town early today, so I though I would hit up some local hikes. Despite growing up in the area and hiking around as a lad, I never made it up Stoney Mountain. This was a fun hike, good steep push albeit short. Nice to only see one other person on the trail. I had parked on Mountain View and made my way over to the 100 and then to the faint but steady peak trail. After I finished, I made the short drive up to the Acoma TH to knock out a big loop around the Shadow Mountain area. I took off up tot he summit, headed south along the ridgeline to the unnamed summit, skirted around the east side, hit up a few more of the high points, climbed up 1779, and circled around for one more trip up Shadow. Great weather, got this in before the storm started up, but there was some real nice wind and some sprinkles as I was finishing up a little after 6. Good stuff!
_____________________
  1 archive
Aug 04 2015
avatar

 Routes 297
 Photos 6,928
 Triplogs 552

49 male
 Joined Dec 30 2007
 Avondale,Az
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 04 2015
Stoic • Triplogs 552
Hiking6.60 Miles 888 AEG
Hiking6.60 Miles   2 Hrs   14 Mns   3.19 mph
888 ft AEG      10 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I hiked the Shadow Mountain Mega loop, with a connecting trip to Lookout Mountain Preserve. It was 1/2 mile urban hike to Lookout Mountain Preserve. I did 2.25 miles at the preserve then hiked back and finished the Shadow Mountain Mega loop. I was trying to gain some extra elevation wherever I could. I tried once or twice and quit. It was tooooooo hot for that.....
_____________________
 
Jul 03 2015
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma THPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma TH
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 03 2015
mazatzal • Triplogs 1,347
Hiking3.80 Miles 510 AEG
Hiking3.80 Miles   2 Hrs      2.07 mph
510 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Shadow Mountain Big Loop #310
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Partners none no partners
Went to both summits and added the loop around the south side.
Cloudy with a few sprinkles and humid but not very hot.
_____________________
  2 archives
Dec 01 2014
avatar

 Triplogs 26

male
 Joined Apr 27 2014
 Phoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 01 2014
kwinters311 • Triplogs 26
Hiking2.70 Miles 432 AEG
Hiking2.70 Miles      56 Mns   2.89 mph
432 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quick hike while in the North Phoenix area..I wanted to try a mountain that isn't in a bigger park. After the hike, I can say it served its purpose but I felt a little too connected to the city.

The terrain itself was a bit confusing, as I lost the trail many times. This was fun for the most part, scrambling freestyle and whatnot. I did not like the East side where it felt like I was trespassing on someone's property (there was a sign). This area should be marked and delineated better.

I elected to run up to the saddle from the church area, which gave me a great workout. Then I jogged down the other side and ran back to my car, which was parked curiously in a neighborhood at the Acoma trailhead. I didn't get to the South side of this mountain, having run the saddle instead. I would come back only if in the area and then would run the circumference instead.
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Dec 01 2013
avatar

 Routes 189
 Photos 7,236
 Triplogs 1,740

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 01 2013
Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,740
Hiking2.70 Miles 774 AEG
Hiking2.70 Miles   1 Hour   24 Mns   2.31 mph
774 ft AEG      14 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Started from the back of the church parking lot off Cave Creek. Didn't exactly follow the mega loop since we threw in one of the peaks. Great short hike with lots of elevation. We didn't do the highest point, but will for sure next time!
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Jul 04 2013
avatar

 Guides 6
 Routes 183
 Photos 5,612
 Triplogs 1,647

male
 Joined Mar 12 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma THPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Summit from Acoma TH
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2013
John9L • Triplogs 1,647
Hiking2.78 Miles 672 AEG
Hiking2.78 Miles
672 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Partners none no partners
After my trip up Lookout, I headed over to the Acoma Trailhead and hit the summit and then the mega loop. I find it comical that there are five descriptions for Shadow Mountain. Two would have been more than enough.
_____________________
 
May 06 2013
avatar

 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 06 2013
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking4.54 Miles 600 AEG
Hiking4.54 Miles   1 Hour   34 Mns   2.90 mph
600 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Did the "mega loop" around Shadow Mountain along with some side trails. Weather was beautful! No wildlife,except for a swarm of bees. :o
_____________________
 
Jan 20 2013
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 1,367
 Triplogs 364

47 male
 Joined Jun 10 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 20 2013
The_Dude • Triplogs 364
Hiking4.45 Miles 1,690 AEG
Hiking4.45 Miles   2 Hrs   7 Mns   2.50 mph
1,690 ft AEG      20 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Blast from the past! I grew up right at the base of Shadow Mountain, and used to climb it many times every summer. However, I have not hiked here in about 15 years! I started from the trailhead on the northeast side and went up the peak, around the whole circumference, and up every other high point I could find. Then I hit the peak again on the way back. Funny, I never remember there being as many trails as I found back in my day...but there is lots of off-trail scramble fun too. I only saw one other hiker in the whole time I was out there, but I had to have seen at least 20 big jackrabbits enjoying a sunny Sunday morning. It waws a real shame to see all of the graffiti at the peak, some people just don't have respect. All in all, a fun trip!
_____________________
 
Dec 20 2012
avatar

 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 20 2012
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking4.50 Miles 432 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles   1 Hour   25 Mns   3.18 mph
432 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Short hike after going around the base of Shadow Mountain with a few side trails thrown in. The recent rains have really roughened these trails up. Trails became water channels, exposing more rocks.
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Dec 22 2011
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Lookout for Shadows, AZ 
Lookout for Shadows, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 22 2011
joebartels • Triplogs 5,894
Hiking5.55 Miles 1,465 AEG
Hiking5.55 Miles   2 Hrs   10 Mns   2.56 mph
1,465 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Lookout Mtn Circumference Trail #308
Shadow Mountain Small Loop #312
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Shadow Mountain Big Loop #310
Shadow Mountain 1779' Prominence
Partners none no partners
Since I had to be in the area I hit up a couple hikes. First Lookout Circ about 11am and it was still a tad nippy. Considerably more people out than I see in the summer. The slopes are Scotland green. Hopefully the wildflowers will come before the cheat grass takes over. On the east side I recall African Daisies from years past, perhaps they'll reappear in January! :)

I passed four teenage girls hiking and starring at their phones. I threw 'em a curve ball and said hi. If it wasn't for the water bottles I would have sworn they were lost. Yet I'm sure some manly dude in boots and such thinks the same seeing me in sandals with a GPS...lol

After some errands and a "snack" I hit up Shadow. This was my first visit ever. Cheat grass has dominated the northern approach slope. I zig zagged all over and hit all the tiny peaks. This kinna reminds me of Westwing with it's short steep slopes. There wasn't anyone else out except a neighbor walking her dog. I was thinking the people that live on SSE were pretty lucky to have a steep grade out their front door. Well that was until I went down it. I don't think I'd want to ski down that on a daily basis. I assume it's not an official trail but it's such a maze who knows. With two park rangers busy directing traffic at Camelback every day I doubt this area sees much attention. Some of the graffiti on the major peak was only a day old. Looks like it's been trashed fairly heavily for fifty years.

All that aside I enjoyed the hike. Heading back I came about 30 feet within a dog. So here I'm thinking to put my hand out for the sniff when I notice there isn't anyone around. Then he headed down off the trail. Then another. Then it dawned on me they were coyotes. After a brief wow moment I got a little concerned. This is a tiny mountain surrounded by homes. What are they doing here and why didn't they run. They did move on and didn't act funny so I figured they weren't rabid and finished the hike.
_____________________
- joe
 
Feb 05 2011
avatar

 Photos 18
 Triplogs 38

46 female
 Joined May 13 2010
 Scottsdale, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 05 2011
Daydreamer21 • Triplogs 38
Hiking3.20 Miles 550 AEG
Hiking3.20 Miles   2 Hrs      1.60 mph
550 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is a guestimate of distance and elevation since the BF and I hiked up and over three of the prominences on what didn't really appear to be maintained trails (though he swore they were). He's hiked there many times before so I was just along for the ride
_____________________
 
Jun 29 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 81
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 409

60 male
 Joined Feb 02 2010
 Scottsdale, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 29 2010
paulshikleejr • Triplogs 409
Hiking2.86 Miles 471 AEG
Hiking2.86 Miles   1 Hour   20 Mns   2.15 mph
471 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Getting track data and wandering around a bit. "Mega Loop Plus" version. Saw several "herds" of young quail.
_____________________
Decisionmaking and action should only be informed by, not subject to, healthy, reasonable concern.
That being said, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.
 
Apr 20 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 81
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 409

60 male
 Joined Feb 02 2010
 Scottsdale, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2010
paulshikleejr • Triplogs 409
Hiking2.70 Miles 432 AEG
Hiking2.70 Miles   1 Hour   3 Mns   2.57 mph
432 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Noticed more the second time (even though I was trying to move along).
_____________________
Decisionmaking and action should only be informed by, not subject to, healthy, reasonable concern.
That being said, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.
 
Apr 11 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 81
 Photos 542
 Triplogs 409

60 male
 Joined Feb 02 2010
 Scottsdale, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega LoopPhoenix, AZ
Shadow Mountain Mega Loop
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 11 2010
paulshikleejr • Triplogs 409
Hiking2.70 Miles 432 AEG
Hiking2.70 Miles   1 Hour   15 Mns   2.16 mph
432 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Good hike!
_____________________
Decisionmaking and action should only be informed by, not subject to, healthy, reasonable concern.
That being said, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.
 
average hiking speed 2.45 mph

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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