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Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South Mtn - 8 members in 30 triplogs have rated this an average 1.5 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Aug 10 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

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
 
Jul 28 2025
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2025
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking4.00 Miles 320 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles
320 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
It’s been awhile. Did an easy hike involving Judith Tunnel, Crosscut and the Max Delta. Started around 5am from what is best known as the Max Delta TH (across from the stables), and took the Crosscut to the Judith Tunnel Trails. Walked the sidewalks, checked the area around the visitor center and then continued on the Crosscut to the Max Delta. Took the Delta back to the TH. Easy hike. Encountered a handful of people on the trails. Wildlife included a couple of coyotes, jackrabbit and quail.
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Apr 02 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 02 2024
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking1.15 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking1.15 Miles      25 Mns   2.76 mph
25 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Running errands today. Squeezed in this lasso. Didn’t even have my Garmin, so I went with previous stats. Surprised. Saw 6 other users on this trail. Also, had 16 riders go by from the nearby stable.
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Jun 17 2023
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Walk / Tour avatar Jun 17 2023
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Walk / Tour1.32 Miles 102 AEG
Walk / Tour1.32 Miles      20 Mns   3.96 mph
102 ft AEG
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
  3 archives
Mar 20 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 20 2023
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking3.10 Miles 265 AEG
Hiking3.10 Miles   1 Hour   34 Mns   1.98 mph
265 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
I got out for an afternoon leg stretcher. I tied in a few little trail sections and the big wash.
Nice variety of flowers on this one.
South Mountain looking good!
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Desert Bell
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Mar 04 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 04 2023
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking13.50 Miles 3,062 AEG
Hiking13.50 Miles   4 Hrs   44 Mns   2.98 mph
3,062 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 no routes
Kelly suggested a hike at lower elevation to avoid ice, snow, and mud.
Wildflowers really put on a show.
Stopped for a cup of coffee midway.
Fun day. Thanks Kelly. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Nov 02 2022
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Walk / Tour avatar Nov 02 2022
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Walk / Tour1.61 Miles 118 AEG
Walk / Tour1.61 Miles
118 ft AEG
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
  3 archives
Jul 11 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 11 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking2.00 Miles 60 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles      45 Mns   2.67 mph
60 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Sep 27 2020
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 27 2020
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking1.15 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking1.15 Miles      57 Mns   1.21 mph
25 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My mom is out visiting and this was a nice way to spend the afternoon. Walked the paved path with her and my wife. It was Silent Sunday at South Mountain and so all the cars were being funneled into visitor center's parking area. Not a bad deal for us because this was our planned destination. But the parking lot filled up with a lot of people who probably had not planned on using this as their TH. Easy walk, and for all the cars in the lot not too many people on the Judith. That being said the hills to the east of the trail was dotted with people scampering up the side of the hills. Most of this was off trail and I am sure the park rangers had thrown up their hands in defeat with the hope of trying to keep on trails. I don't really blame the people...options are very limited from this area. Lot of people out taking pictures, the professional type, with the screens and the tripod cameras. Scorpion Gulch parking area was packed with people taking pictures in the ruins. Looks like South Mountain is losing a little bit of their parking lot....build in some sort of structure across from the visitor center....pretty far along. Not sure how I've missed that over the last four months.
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Mar 22 2020
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 Photos 3
 Triplogs 1

47 male
 Joined Feb 15 2016
 Phoenix, Arizona
Biaaz Rwr 2020 Diy, AZ 
Biaaz Rwr 2020 Diy, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 22 2020
cellersickTriplogs 1
Hiking1.37 Miles 104 AEG
Hiking1.37 Miles      48 Mns   2.00 mph
104 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Our DIY walk & roll for the BIAAZ 2020 Run, Walk, and Roll.
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Jan 03 2019
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 03 2019
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking2.20 Miles 135 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles      43 Mns   3.07 mph
135 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
X2
Long version

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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Jul 23 2018
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 23 2018
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking1.00 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles
25 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Figure eight...
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Oct 19 2017
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 Photos 5
 Triplogs 1,041

36 female
 Joined Oct 04 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2017
WaitingForRainTriplogs 1,041
Hiking0.50 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking0.50 Miles      10 Mns   3.00 mph
25 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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Jul 29 2017
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Holbert Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Jul 29 2017
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
 Hiking5.36 Miles 1,119 AEG
 Hiking5.36 Miles   1 Hour   38 Mns   3.28 mph
1,119 ft AEG
 
Partners none no partners
hit dobbins lookout after work
busy trail
felt slow today and it was indeed my slowest ascent all summer
decided to walk over to the judith tunell interpretive trail and check it out
flat and paved, curiosity satisfied
checked off the south mountain list and a unique, but nothing exciting
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
Mar 15 2017
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 15 2017
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking1.00 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles
25 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The Brittlebush are putting on a show on this little nature trail. Chitchatted with a nice Ranger for about half this hike.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Brittlebush are substantial with a trace of Poppies.
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
  1 archive
Feb 14 2017
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 14 2017
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking1.00 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles      30 Mns   2.00 mph
25 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My friend Joe suggested I do this after my sluggish hiking performance the other day...
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Dec 25 2016
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail - South MtnPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 25 2016
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking0.95 Miles 25 AEG
Hiking0.95 Miles
25 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I was hobbling around the house Christmas morn - family doesn't stir until at least 8 - so I figured I might as well hobble around a trail. I figure the best way to deal with aching feet and knees is to get them back out....slowly. Trails don't get much easier than this. Took Bella for company. She would be a good trail dog if I gave her chance. Got out there a little after 6. Not use to having a canine companion, I had to backtrack shortly after starting. Bella had decided to poop right in the middle of the paved trail and I was unprepared. So back we went looking for one of those dog stations with plastic bags. No luck. So after scavenging through a couple of trash cans I found a cup that would serve and tidied the trail. On we went. This turned out to be an ideal trail for us. Bella got out for a walk ( which she dearly loves) and I got a low impact walk (hike) in. Drainage in Arizona is amazing! The little dirt that we walked on was pretty firm, though I did see some pools of water in low lying spots.

Merry Christmas HAZ!
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Jul 30 2016
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 Routes 67
 Photos 2,708
 Triplogs 755

89 male
 Joined Mar 28 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Holbert Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 30 2016
Tough_BootsTriplogs 755
Hiking7.00 Miles 1,144 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles
1,144 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
It was just a touch toasty heading up the Holbert at 6pm but not really too bad at all. By the time we hit the National, temps were perfect. It was really nice to get a few miles in after a couple weekends off. I've been having to stay close to home-- taking care of the mutt as she recovers from surgery. I was dying to get out on the trail.
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Apr 23 2016
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 Routes 39
 Photos 353
 Triplogs 128

37 male
 Joined Sep 30 2015
 Carrboro, NC
Holbert - National - Kiwanis - Lomitas - Box, AZ 
Holbert - National - Kiwanis - Lomitas - Box, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 23 2016
afrankieTriplogs 128
Hiking6.83 Miles 1,201 AEG
Hiking6.83 Miles   1 Hour   57 Mns   3.94 mph
1,201 ft AEG      13 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Been a while since I'd been down to SoMo so carved up a loop for a sunrise romp around South Mountain. Stopped for a few to take in the view at Dobbins - quiet up there but the hiking crowds were down at Telegraph Pass. Felt like summer time with the warm morning air...
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Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.
Evan Hardin

Footloose adventures are documented instagram @afrankie8.
  1 archive
Feb 22 2016
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 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 510

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Hau'Pal TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 22 2016
Mike_FelsTriplogs 510
Hiking9.85 Miles 2,205 AEG
Hiking9.85 Miles   4 Hrs   18 Mns   2.58 mph
2,205 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
I needed a hike. HAZ site was saying I had hiked 57% of the trails in SM. So I figured it was time to try out some of the missing trails. Mike was also up for a hike, so we met at the 19th Ave TH at 6:30am. Headed out the Ma Ha Tuak trail, then onto the Derby Loop, on to the Los Lomitas, even threw in the Judith Tunell, over to the Max Delta and finally the T-Bone back to the TH. The 7 miles was interesting, but I needed some elevation which is missing from most of these trails.

So seeing as the Warrior was right there... Mike said he had somethings to do, so he took off. Man that Warrior is a butt kicker, especially after 7 miles of other trails. It took almost exactly 2 hours to hike the 7 miles. The Warrior took me 10 minutes less than 2 hours just to do the 1.5 miles to the Alta and back. But it's done.

No other people on the trails, at least seen by us. We saw several cotton tails, quail and a few Jacks. But my high point is after several hundred miles of hiking in SM I saw a fox today. Looked up just to see him running beside the trail and a leap over the edge. This guy had very red fur, including a full furry red tail. Really surprised me.

Almost no wildflowers.
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average hiking speed 2.36 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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