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| Hiking | 1.50 Miles |
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| | Hiking | 1.50 Miles | 1 Hour | | 1.50 mph |
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| no partners | | A few disclaimers before we start:
1. This triplog is for Spook Hill, also called Spirit Mountain or Spirit Hill by the residents of Las Sendas. It should not be confused with the nearby peak that Google refers to as Spook Hill Mountain Preserve and that HAZ calls 9L Peak.
2. The signage at many parks and recreation areas within Las Sendas clearly indicates that only residents of Las Sendas are permitted to use those areas. Violators will be prosecuted under some ARS number that I don't remember.
3. Even if you are a Las Sendas resident, Spook Hill may still be off limits. There are no named or signed trails to the top. Hike at your own risk!
4. Considering all of the above, I will not be doing a hike description for this peak. If someone wants to do more research on the legalities of hiking here they are free to use my triplog to aid with their write-up.
Alright, now that we've gotten that out of the way, here's a quick primer on hiking Spook Hill. Park at Boulder Mountain Parke (not a misspelling), just north of Las Sendas Elementary School. Cross Red Mountain Road and hike up the wash between the houses. There's a trail here clearly labeled as Desert Pass Trail. The trail is only one-tenth of a mile and ends at the golf course on the south end of Spook Hill. Hang a left on the paved pathway and follow it along the west side of Spook Hill. As you round the north face you'll pass a below ground water tank. It's the first of two water tanks. The second one is above ground. If you reach that one, you've gone too far. After the first water tank you reach Hole 7 on the golf course. Stop here and look for the bell tower. It has several bells hanging from it that look like miniature Liberty Bells. Walk across the green to the bell tower and search out the faint trail leading up the hill. Finding the trail is the hardest part of the hike. It is not signed or cairned. Once you find it, it's easy to follow. It will take you up the north slope to the summit of Spook Hill. Views from the top include Red Mountain, the Phoenix skyline, the Usery Mountains and the aforementioned 9L Peak. Return the way you came, or, if the cops are chasing you because you're on private property, scramble down the south slope back to your vehicle. |
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"I've driven across deserts, driven by the irony, that only being shackled to the road could ever I be free"
- Frank Turner "The Road" |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Feeling no better (but no worse) today, I decided that rather than spend 10 hours on the couch watching commercials interspersed with 37 minutes of actual football action I should do something outside, without over-exerting myself and exacerbating my illness. I might be old-skool, but I think that light activity and fresh outdoor air is a key ingredient in fighting the cold or flu. 
There were quite a few cars in the parking lot at 9L Peak, and waaaaaaaay more people on the mountain than would fit in those cars! I stopped counting after I had passed 60 people 
on my way up. Apparently people from the local neighborhood walk from their homes and bring kids, dogs, and out-of-town relatives on this popular little hike. It's actually ideal for that.
