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Marcos De Niza - South Mountain - 26 members in 689 triplogs have rated this an average 3.2 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 35  Next
689 triplogs
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Mar 08 2026
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 Guides 1
 Routes 236
 Photos 1,331
 Triplogs 223

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Marcos De Niza - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 08 2026
astrobrewerTriplogs 223
Hiking9.47 Miles 3,156 AEG
Hiking9.47 Miles   5 Hrs   5 Mns   1.95 mph
3,156 ft AEG      13 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I haven't hiked the Marcos de Niza trail in many years. Last time was before I started with HAZ. Decided to give it a go and follow it to hidden valley.

Trailhead parking at Pima was ugly. Cars were parked all the way out partially to the guard shack at the entrance. I followed two other cars all the way in to the end and cruised the lot a couple of times. I considered giving up, but noticed that nobody was behind me, and stopped and waited. After a few minutes a guy walked right in front of my car. Yay! But then he went between the parked cars to the next aisle over. Luckily there was nobody waiting there and I was able to race around the corner and snag his spot. Whew!

I remembered MdN trail as being steep, but damn! What a workout. Quite a roller coaster of ups and downs along the ridge. After about three miles miles I reached a high point with a spectacular 360 degree view. I stopped and rested there and enjoyed the view.

There was a sign post for Black Rock Canyon trail, and I didn't see any other options, so I followed it. It went North and led to Hidden Valley. Perfect. I went west to National Trail towards Burns Vista. I turned left and took the trail up to Guadalupe Ridge. I want sure if the trail would get me all the way back to Pima, but was hoping that it would.

After a fairly level section along the ridge the trail described steeply. It looked like it was going to go down to the south, but I noticed a fork that stayed on the ridge line and took it. The single truck trail was easy to follow along the ridge line. Then looking ahead the trail ran into the base of a large rock outcropping and disappeared. Going around the rocks didn't seem right so I started climbing. When I got to the top of the big rock pile I could see the trail continuing on the other side.

Guadalupe Ridge is a beautiful area. The trail was mostly easy with a number of rock outcroppings that have to be climbed to continue. Approaching some of these the way forward isn't obvious, but none were too difficult. But climbing over rocks is slow and tiring.

I stayed on the ridge all the way back to Marcos de Niza and the Pima trailhead. It had gotten hot by the time I finished and the car A/C felt really good. Really enjoyed this hike in a part of South Mountain I had never seen before.
_____________________
 
229901
Mar 06 2026
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 06 2026
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking11.16 Miles 1,856 AEG
Hiking11.16 Miles   2 Hrs   47 Mns   4.01 mph
1,856 ft AEG
 
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I wanted to get out on Friday to avoid the weekend crowds, and I started from Pima Canyon pre-sunrise. Cool morning in the mid-50s, and a steady breeze made it downright cold in a T-shirt...my fingers were numb within minutes. But the crowds weren't bad, the sunrise was nice, and two coyotes crossed the trail in front of me along National once I was up the hill and heading toward Hidden Valley. I turned around a little past Buena Vista and looped back on Mormon/Javelina/Ridgeline for something different. Done pretty early...still missed a meeting at work, so that was a bonus.
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229819
Feb 28 2026
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 Guides 112
 Routes 2,443
 Photos 9,563
 Triplogs 2,794

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Hidden Valley via Guadalupe RidgePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2026
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,794
Hiking6.57 Miles 1,360 AEG
Hiking6.57 Miles   3 Hrs   14 Mns   2.12 mph
1,360 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met up with Jill at Pima Cyn at 0600 and headed up Marcos De Niza, then up Guadalupe Ridge. Saw the new signs at the top of what used to be Young Man, but is now Black Rock Canyon Trail. It drops into Hidden Valley near the tunnel and is fully signed. We continued past the new signs and entered Hidden Valley near Fat Man’s Pass. Saw @john10s at this point, going the opposite direction.

Jill and I went down Hidden Valley, then stayed in the wash all the way back to the trailhead. Brushy in places. This route avoids the worst of the crowds. Nice morning!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Still a lot of flowers in Hidden Valley and Pima Wash, drying out though.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
229677
Feb 28 2026
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2026
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking14.59 Miles 2,376 AEG
Hiking14.59 Miles   3 Hrs   26 Mns   4.25 mph
2,376 ft AEG
 
Started from Pima Canyon TH around sunrise, and though and it wasn't terribly crowded yet, cars were pouring in. I hadn't hiked out to Dobbins Lookout in almost six months and decided to make that today's destination. Trails were busy, as expected, but otherwise it was a pretty typical SoMo hike. Highlights included a small snake on the trail, a guy carrying a cat on top of his backpack, and crossing paths with Linda near Fat Man's Pass on the way in. After a quick drink at Dobbins, I headed back the same way. The morning started in the upper 50s and was a lot warmer by the time I returned...an early reminder of what's ahead in a few months.
 
229702
Jan 25 2026
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ 
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 25 2026
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking11.16 Miles 2,538 AEG
Hiking11.16 Miles   3 Hrs   34 Mns   3.20 mph
2,538 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
Nice morning to be outside, and everyone took advantage of it. Parking wasn't bad, but the trails were packed, and it felt like a human obstacle course for most of the hike. Checked out some petroglyphs and metates I hadn't seen before, which provided an enjoyable diversion from the tourists.
 
229036
Jan 18 2026
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 Guides 34
 Routes 319
 Photos 448
 Triplogs 283

36 male
 Joined Oct 23 2017
 Tempe
Marcos De Niza - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Jan 18 2026
KingLeonidasTriplogs 283
 Hiking4.87 Miles 3,042 AEG
 Hiking4.87 Miles   1 Hour   51 Mns   2.66 mph
3,042 ft AEG      1 Min Break8 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Hiked Marcos De Niza as my weekend fitness hike.

Victoria was not feeling well so this one was solo
_____________________
 
229907
Jan 07 2026
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,313
 Triplogs 2,486

56 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Marcos De Niza - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 07 2026
mt98dewTriplogs 2,486
Hiking6.24 Miles 1,727 AEG
Hiking6.24 Miles   2 Hrs   20 Mns   2.67 mph
1,727 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Early morning hike at SoMo. Started from the Beverly Canyon TH (46th St.) around 5:30. Started off thinking I was going to do the Ridgeline….and then something. Wasn’t sure what. However, as I hiked, I thought today would be a perfect opportunity to visit Marcos De Niza. So from the Ridgeline I took the old Mormon Loop over to the rock structure. This is near where the Pima Wash Trail and the National juncture. There is a use trail just to the west of the building that goes up to the Niza. Took the Niza down to the Pima Wash TH. and then used the Pima Canyon Loop to circle around the eastern edge of South Mountain to return to the BC TH. Conditions made this an awesome hike. Temps fantastic….in the 50’s. Able to hike the whole route without a headlamp. The city lights reflected off the clouds was more than enough. No wildlife, except for a rabbit on the golf course. Encountered 2 trail runners and 17 hikers. Most of the traffic was on the Niza as I was heading out.
_____________________
 
228593
Dec 27 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Marcos - Mormon Double Double, AZ 
SoMo Marcos - Mormon Double Double, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 27 2025
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking12.79 Miles 3,201 AEG
Hiking12.79 Miles   3 Hrs   50 Mns   3.41 mph
3,201 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We got started a little before 10AM, and Pima Canyon was packed, with almost all the road spots taken in addition to the lot. That, of course, translated into very busy trails. The tourists were out in full force...someone stopped me on National and asked, "Is this the way to the rock formation?" When I asked which one, she said, "Any." If you're looking for any rock formation, I guess you're in luck.

TBK wanted to go all the way down to Mormon TH, so I went ahead and did two laps down and back up. The crowds were terrible--I think I preferred the Santas last week. On the hike out, I did a second lap on Marcos de Niza to make it a double-double. Aside from the crowded trails, it was a nice day to be outside--there were scattered clouds throughout, but very little haze and temps in the upper 60s.
 
228339
Dec 20 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ 
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 20 2025
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking10.59 Miles 2,487 AEG
Hiking10.59 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   3.16 mph
2,487 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Got started ~7:30AM...cool start to the day in the upper 40s/low 50s. Trails were busy, with an impressive number of people in Santa hats/full suits. Got stuck in a traffic jam of 30+ Santas coming back up Mormon Trail that must've been a holiday-themed Meet Up--that was pretty annoying...Santas aren't known for being particularly fleet afoot. Very comfortable morning and still crowded when we finished.
 
228252
Dec 16 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,843

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Guadalupe Ridge - National, AZ 
Guadalupe Ridge - National, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 16 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,843
Hiking8.71 Miles 1,847 AEG
Hiking8.71 Miles   2 Hrs   55 Mns   2.99 mph
1,847 ft AEG
 
all of marcos de niza and guadalupe ridgeline
returned via national, even the dirt road
great temps, very few people on the trails
started around 0815
using an old route, should be close
_____________________
hazhole
  3 archives
228121
Dec 15 2025
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 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 515

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Guadalupe Ridge - AKA Midlife Crisis / ScottPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 15 2025
Mike_FelsTriplogs 515
Hiking9.61 Miles 2,033 AEG
Hiking9.61 Miles   4 Hrs   16 Mns   2.25 mph
2,033 ft AEG
 
Partners none no partners
Great day for a hike. Started with 57 degrees and finished with 77 degrees. Very few people on the trails. A half dozen bikers most seen multiple times.
_____________________
 
228082
Dec 12 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ 
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 12 2025
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking10.67 Miles 2,459 AEG
Hiking10.67 Miles   3 Hrs   26 Mns   3.12 mph
2,459 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Got out for an afternoon hike on a warm day that felt more like spring than mid-December with temps pushing 80° and some flowers blooming. The sky was mostly clear to the east but very hazy looking north/northwest toward downtown. There were quite a few bikers and a fair number hikers out on the trails, and we finished a little before sunset on a nice day.
 
228045
Dec 07 2025
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 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 515

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Guadalupe Ridge - AKA Midlife Crisis / ScottPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 07 2025
Mike_FelsTriplogs 515
Hiking7.53 Miles 1,633 AEG
Hiking7.53 Miles   3 Hrs   15 Mns   2.32 mph
1,633 ft AEG
 
Bikes, bikes and more bikes. I've got to remember not to do the National on a weekend. Other than that it was beautiful. Cool at 7:30 AM but it warmed up quickly. Didn't see any wildlife, but there were several wildflowers starting to show.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Globe mallow and several yellow flowers.
_____________________
 
227896
Dec 03 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,261

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
San Gabriel RidgePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 03 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,261
Hiking8.56 Miles 1,922 AEG
Hiking8.56 Miles   2 Hrs   41 Mns   3.23 mph
1,922 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Cool and breezy mid-morning start. Lots of erosion from the rains, but also a lot of new plant growth and flowers appearing. Early for wildflowers. Should be a good year especially if we get some more rain before the ground dries out. Brittlebush and creosote blooming as well.
Only saw three mountain bikers. Rare since the pandemic.
Good day. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
  2 archives
227835
Dec 02 2025
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 Routes 17
 Photos 485
 Triplogs 515

77 male
 Joined Jan 07 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Chihuahua Ridge Trail, AZ 
Chihuahua Ridge Trail, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 02 2025
Mike_FelsTriplogs 515
Hiking7.01 Miles 1,630 AEG
Hiking7.01 Miles   2 Hrs   53 Mns   2.43 mph
1,630 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
After a couple years of light hiking, I have decided to try to get back into doing it on a regular basis. This was my third hike in the last 10 days. Now I have to work on getting the length back to normal. Luckily SM is close by.

The thing that bugs me is all the trail names being changed in eastern SM. For example, there is no more Beverly Canyon on the trail signage, it's now part of the Pima Canyon Loop. Though there are pieces of the Beverly-Pima Connector spread around. Makes no sense. Oh well...

Another beautiful day to be out. Very few people on the trails.
_____________________
 
227810
Nov 21 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 21 2025
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking11.48 Miles 2,331 AEG
Hiking11.48 Miles   2 Hrs   47 Mns   4.12 mph
2,331 ft AEG
 
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I got started from Pima Canyon a little before sunrise. It was a nice, cool morning in the 50s...the summer SoMo sweat-fests felt like a distant memory. It was a spectacular sunrise on the way to Buena Vista Lookout, and the trails were surprisingly empty--I didn't pass anyone until I was on my way back. There were a few lingering puddles on the trails from the recent rain, and this latest round has things looking very green. The sky clouded over for most of the hike, and I ran into TboneKathy along National on the hike out.
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunrise
 
227617
Nov 17 2025
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 Guides 112
 Routes 2,443
 Photos 9,563
 Triplogs 2,794

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Hidden Valley via Guadalupe RidgePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 17 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,794
Hiking5.92 Miles 1,214 AEG
Hiking5.92 Miles   2 Hrs   51 Mns   2.10 mph
1,214 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Got started from Pima Canyon around 0830. Up Marcos, then up Guadalupe Ridge. Dropped down to Hidden Valley at Fat Man’s Pass, then stayed in the wash down to the dirt road. Recent rain has the vegetation growing like crazy. I need to remember to bring some clippers next time I’m hiking the wash. Finished on the road, which I basically the Walmart of hiking trails, but I ignored the nonsense. Nice weather, but I was hoping for more clouds.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Brittlebush is flowering in a few spots
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
227477
Nov 14 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ 
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 14 2025
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking10.51 Miles 2,198 AEG
Hiking10.51 Miles   3 Hrs   15 Mns   3.27 mph
2,198 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
I got a little bit later start than usual at ~9AM, but the weather was nice and the trails were more crowded than expected for a Friday morning. There were several classrooms' worth of young kids (field trip?) clogging National near the Pima Wash/Javelina intersection, so that was annoying. Otherwise, pretty typical morning at SoMo. I didn't see any blood remaining on Mormon Trail from my last visit, and I avoided any rock collisions today, so that was a step in the right direction.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Hidden Valley Tunnel
 
227462
Oct 25 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 433
 Photos 6,852
 Triplogs 398

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ 
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 25 2025
John10sTriplogs 398
Hiking10.01 Miles 1,923 AEG
Hiking10.01 Miles   2 Hrs   59 Mns   3.41 mph
1,923 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I headed out for an early hike at SoMo, starting around sunrise. Weekend crowds were in full force--I passed 20+ people along Marcos de Niza, and there was a big running group getting started near the National/Javelina Canyon intersection that fortunately went a different way. Along Mormon Loop, I came across a snake eating a lizard in the middle of the trail. I almost missed it until a trail runner pointed it out--he said it came tumbling down the trail in front him.

On my way down to Mormon TH, I accidentally grazed my upper shin on a rock as I passed someone. It hurt, but I didn't think much of it until I felt the warmth of blood running down my leg...lots of it. I figured it was one of those minor scrapes that looks worse than it is and I'd wash it off after the hike, so I kept going down to the TH and started back up. Meanwhile, blood was soaking into my sock/boot, and someone finally commented, "Sir, you're bleeding!" as I passed. Yeah, I noticed that, too...

A few miles later, I finally took a closer look at the cut and realized it was deeper than I thought and might require stitches. By the time I finished the hike, my boot looked like a murder scene. I went to urgent care later, and sure enough, three stitches...dumbest hiking accident ever. Nice morning to be outside other than the minor brush with the rock.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ - Hike HAZard
 
226922
Oct 19 2025
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 Guides 34
 Routes 319
 Photos 448
 Triplogs 283

36 male
 Joined Oct 23 2017
 Tempe
Marcos De Niza - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Oct 19 2025
KingLeonidasTriplogs 283
 Hiking4.69 Miles 1,937 AEG
 Hiking4.69 Miles   2 Hrs   21 Mns   2.00 mph
1,937 ft AEG8 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Hiked Marcos De Niza with Victoria for our weekly fitness hike.

The weather is starting to get good so next time we will have to bring Eanair. (probably not on this trail that would be too risky with the baby carrier).

A good fitness hike overall.
_____________________
 
227313
average hiking speed 2.35 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 35  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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