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Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera - 13 members in 132 triplogs have rated this an average 3.7 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 7  Next
132 triplogs
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Dec 30 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 228
 Photos 1,296
 Triplogs 215

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 30 2025
astrobrewer • Triplogs 215
Hiking10.78 Miles 3,114 AEG
Hiking10.78 Miles   3 Hrs   56 Mns   2.76 mph
3,114 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Started seeing poppies on the way up Bursera. All the North-facing slopes were covered with yellow poppies. Very beautiful. Magical. All the way down to the bottom of the hill.

I saw one patch of poppies from National Trail near Goat Hill, but otherwise none. There likely were poppies on the steeper slopes not visible from the trail. Saw more poppies along the Pyramid Trail.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Coulter's Lupine
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Poppies on north-facing slopes.
_____________________
 
Dec 14 2025
avatar

 Guides 72
 Routes 1,173
 Photos 1,480
 Triplogs 1,524

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2025
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,524
Hiking
Hiking
 
Linked   linked  
Bursera Canyon
Maricopa Trail - Guadalupe/South Mtn/Tres Rios
National Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Partners none no partners
Started off CW with Bursera Canyon just to switch it up. No sign of any collarless Heelers (which would be illegal) but we may have passed JJ descending the Pyramid Trail. Who knows... G.Hill today, G.Mountain tomorrow!?!
  2 archives
Dec 08 2025
avatar

 Guides 42
 Routes 1,732
 Photos 15,354
 Triplogs 2,861

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Pyramid Lost Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Lost Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 08 2025
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,861
Hiking8.03 Miles 1,878 AEG
Hiking8.03 Miles   3 Hrs   18 Mns   2.77 mph
1,878 ft AEG      24 Mns Break3 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Lost Ranch Mine Trail
Prospector Loop - South Mountain
Partners partners
Bobzilla
lmarie0130
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Got out for a hike with my oldest son and his wife, in town from NC. The location of the Bursa TH has changed since the last time I hiked here.

We attacked this balloon loop CCW, hitting up the steady climb on Pyramid Trail to the National. After a break atop Goat Hill we made our way down what I think used to be called the Eliminator Trail (Now part of the Prospector Loop). First time on the trail and was surprised by the lack of switchbacks.

Pretty quiet out there with only a handful of hikers.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Nov 09 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 228
 Photos 1,296
 Triplogs 215

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 09 2025
astrobrewer • Triplogs 215
Hiking10.78 Miles 2,557 AEG
Hiking10.78 Miles   4 Hrs   10 Mns   2.74 mph
2,557 ft AEG      14 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My favorite loop trail on South Mountain. I arrived at the trailhead parking at 7:15 and there were a few parking spots left. Definitely arrive no later than 7:30 if you want to park.

Perfect weather for hiking. Best hiking day since summer for sure. Clear and sunny, but cool with a light breeze. Took a short break on top of Goat Hill where I had a bottle of Gatorade and an energy bar. Finished the loop in about four hours which is pretty good for me.

The hills are still very green, and there are lots of flowers blooming.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Chinchweed  Trailing windmills
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Desert Stink Beetle
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Gila Petroglyph Style (Abstract)
_____________________
 
Aug 20 2025
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 692
 Photos 7,526
 Triplogs 4,785

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2025
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,785
Hiking10.60 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles   3 Hrs   16 Mns   3.26 mph
2,300 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Linked   linked  
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
National Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
johnlp
0530 start up pyramid
national with a stop at goat hill, bursera
had to chug our na beers after :lol:
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
Aug 20 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2025
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking10.60 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles   3 Hrs   16 Mns   3.26 mph
2,300 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
National Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Early start. Warm but not oppressive. Good workout. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
May 11 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 11 2025
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking11.51 Miles 2,398 AEG
Hiking11.51 Miles   3 Hrs   18 Mns   3.54 mph
2,398 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Gila Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill via National West
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Partners none no partners
Clockwise starting up Bursera.
High clouds and a breeze made it very comfortable most of the hike.
Ran into JJ at the top of Pyramid. Call your mom! :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Mar 23 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 228
 Photos 1,296
 Triplogs 215

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 23 2025
astrobrewer • Triplogs 215
Hiking10.47 Miles 2,244 AEG
Hiking10.47 Miles   3 Hrs   54 Mns   2.80 mph
2,244 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My favorite loop on South mountain. It was pleasant for most of the hike, especially along the ridge lines where there was a cool breeze. That breeze disappeared the last couple of miles and it felt like I was baking. It's definitely getting to be the end of mid-day hikes on South Mountain. Gonna have to set an alarm and get out early going forward.

Finished in under 4 hours even with a snack break on top of Goat Hill.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Some ocotillo in bloom. Also saw a pincushion cactus in bloom.
_____________________
 
Mar 16 2025
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 692
 Photos 7,526
 Triplogs 4,785

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2025
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,785
Hiking11.51 Miles 2,648 AEG
Hiking11.51 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.40 mph
2,648 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Gila Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill via National West
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
johnlp
met john at 0615 at bursera trailhead
we did a variation on the goat hill loop
bursera, gila, national, goat hill, pyramid
a nice reroute done on the west end of gila
not many people out for a sunday
good hike, thanks john
refreshments after :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
Mar 16 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2025
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking11.51 Miles 2,398 AEG
Hiking11.51 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.45 mph
2,398 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Gila Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill via National West
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
First one in the parking lot. Usually there is 10+ cars. Quiet on the trails too.
Clockwise today. Cool with a breeze. Ran into JJ on Pyramid!
Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
  1 archive
Mar 09 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 09 2025
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking12.94 Miles 2,759 AEG
Hiking12.94 Miles   3 Hrs   34 Mns   3.70 mph
2,759 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   7 linked trail guides
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Ranger Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Gila Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners none no partners
Added Ranger to a hike Kelly and I did in January. Nice and cool. No dust after the rain!
Some new trail has been constructed rerouting part of the Gila trail to remain inside the park boundaries, according to a sign on the trail. About a third of a mile of new trail has been built.
Saw a beautiful rust colored coyote near the trailhead. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jan 08 2025
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 692
 Photos 7,526
 Triplogs 4,785

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 08 2025
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,785
Hiking11.35 Miles 2,459 AEG
Hiking11.35 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   3.31 mph
2,459 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
National Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Gila Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
johnlp
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
met john at 0700
warm overnight temps, windy
looked like rain potential but we only got a few drops
up pyramid, west on national with a stop at goat hill
took national all the way to gila, then returned on bursera
slightly different combo
good hike, thanks john :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
Jan 08 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 08 2025
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking11.35 Miles 2,459 AEG
Hiking11.35 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   3.31 mph
2,459 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
National Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Gila Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
A little different route, starting up Pyramid. Windy. A couple sprinkles. Good hike, Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Nov 16 2024
avatar

 Guides 4
 Routes 230
 Photos 109
 Triplogs 227

male
 Joined Aug 08 2020
 Phx az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 16 2024
ScaredyCat • Triplogs 227
Hiking12.34 Miles 2,412 AEG
Hiking12.34 Miles   7 Hrs      1.99 mph
2,412 ft AEG      48 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Haven't been to this area for awhile. Was originally planning for 7 Springs so switched to opposite side of town. Had to park on side or street down a lil from TH. Got going the wrong way early so had to turn around.

After comparing our route to the one on here, route she was following from AT must be a bit different. Strong climb up National Trail. Suddenly there were a bunch of other hikers. A summit challenge was in progress.

Got my pic taken with flag even though we weren't a part of it. 😎 Last several miles were mostly chill. I would give this a 3 for difficulty but I'm a mere mortal unlike @pseudalpine 🙇‍♂️
 
Oct 31 2024
avatar

 Guides 112
 Routes 2,380
 Photos 9,470
 Triplogs 2,731

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 31 2024
LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,731
Hiking10.68 Miles 2,219 AEG
Hiking10.68 Miles   4 Hrs   12 Mns   2.60 mph
2,219 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Goat Hill via National West
Gila Trail - South Mountain
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Did the loop clockwise. Not too hot until the last four miles. Decent enough breeze most of the way. Saw a few other hikers, but not many. I’m guessing a good 10-20% of the saguaros in the park have died in the last five years. The west end of Bursera looks like a saguaro graveyard. Lots of toppled ocotillo in the stretch of National just west of Goat Hill.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Oct 25 2024
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 692
 Photos 7,526
 Triplogs 4,785

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 25 2024
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,785
Hiking10.61 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.61 Miles   3 Hrs   14 Mns   3.32 mph
2,300 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
johnlp
met john at pyramid at 0555
did the loop counterclockwise with a stop at goat hill
saw very few people
nice temps, decent amount of shade
good workout, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Oct 25 2024
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 25 2024
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking10.61 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.61 Miles   3 Hrs   14 Mns   3.32 mph
2,300 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Pyramid to Goat Hill
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Kelly bribed me with breakfast. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jun 23 2024
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 692
 Photos 7,526
 Triplogs 4,785

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 23 2024
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,785
Hiking10.61 Miles 2,299 AEG
Hiking10.61 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   3.09 mph
2,299 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
johnlp
Met john at pyramid at 0447
Did the loop clockwise
Nicely overcast
It was moist
Didn't see anyone until the top of pyramid
Good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Jun 23 2024
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,247

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 23 2024
johnlp • Triplogs 5,247
Hiking10.61 Miles 2,299 AEG
Hiking10.61 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   3.09 mph
2,299 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Kelly's choice on hike and direction. Up Bursera first. The only drama was on Kelly's cell phone. Dog sitter lost neighbors keys. Catastrophe avoided.
Thanks Kelly! :)
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill Cocktus
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
May 25 2024
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 699
 Photos 12,467
 Triplogs 883

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / Bursera
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 25 2024
DarthStiller • Triplogs 883
Hiking11.07 Miles 2,338 AEG
Hiking11.07 Miles   5 Hrs   30 Mns   2.05 mph
2,338 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Pyramid Trail - South Mountain
Bursera Trail - South Mountain
National Trail - South Mountain
Partners none no partners
I got a later start so arriving at the Bursera TH at 7am I found a full lot and had to park on the street.

Lots of traffic on the trails early on, even up higher on the Pyramid Trail. Traffic got lighter along the National Trail, but still some here and there. Finishing up on the Bursera there was pretty much no one, and the parking had 2 cars when I got back.

Weather never got too hot, at the higher elevations there were breezes at times that cooled things down.
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 2.53 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 7  Next

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