Skyline Crest Trail - Skyline RP • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Started around 0815 and made a big loop around Skyline, hitting all four summits. Trails in mostly good shape, with a few rocky places. Cool and cloudy, light drizzle for almost the entire western half of the loop. Most of the hikers I saw were on the eastern half of the loop. Good workout.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Stop crying and just go do the hike.

229393

Jan 29 2026

Paintninaz

Guides 1
Routes 20
Photos 137
Triplogs 220

female

Joined Feb 04 2002
Phoenix, AZ

Quartz Mine-Skyline Crest-Mtn Wash Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 29 2026
		Paintninaz • Triplogs 220

Hiking	5.05 Miles	1,299 AEG

Hiking	5.05 Miles	3 Hrs 20 Mns	1.89 mph
	1,299 ft AEG	40 Mns Break

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hikngrl

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We made another trip out West this week, to Skyline Regional Park. Arrived about 8 am, parking lot was partially full, and filling quickly. We started on the opposite side of the parking lot, heading out east on Quartz Mine Trail for about 1.5 miles. Then north on Skyline Crest Trail, which goes up and up and up. As we caught our breath at the junction for the Crest Summit trail, we debated skipping the summit, but as it's such a short way up (0.17 miles) we decided we should go for it. It wasn't too bad, and the views were worth it. We took a short break for a snack here, before continuing back to the Skyline Crest Trail. The trail continues up for a ways, then you reach the ridge and it levels out for a bit so you can take in the views all around. There is a short steep descent to the end of this trail as you reach the junction with the Lost Creek trail. We headed left here, and hiked a short ways to the Mountain Wash Trail, which provided a gentle stroll back to the parking lot. The hike itself was only 4.97, I added a few parking lot circles to at least reach 5 miles.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Brittlebush was in bloom, and a couple of tiny various flowers (I should've gotten pictures, but didn't)

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Paintninaz

229061

Dec 03 2025

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 5,149
Triplogs 4,263

50 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Skyline Tour, AZ

Hiking		Dec 03 2025
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,263

Hiking	15.00 Miles	4,261 AEG

Hiking	15.00 Miles	5 Hrs 31 Mns		3.17 mph
	4,261 ft AEG	47 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

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Managed to hit all the summits and step foot on most trails in the park

Great route. fun trails. Nice park!

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hi

227861

Nov 22 2025

ScaredyCat

Guides 4
Routes 236
Photos 114
Triplogs 233

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 22 2025
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 233

Hiking	10.65 Miles	2,558 AEG

Hiking	10.65 Miles	4 Hrs 37 Mns	2.52 mph
	2,558 ft AEG	23 Mns Break

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Parking Lot Connector Trail - Skyline RP

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Consistently difficult to get peeps out to this spot. I'm still a fan. With many options, views and challenge. Tortuga was the only trail I hadn't followed out. Ends at a fence where more building is immenint.

Then up Javalina Peak which felt easier than it did 2 years ago. Wasn't going to reach stated numbers so added on Crest Summit. Next took loop around instead of same path back. Finally over bridge to opposite side of parking lot.

227600

Nov 21 2025

mt98dew

Guides 69
Routes 37
Photos 3,284
Triplogs 2,482

56 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 21 2025
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,482

Hiking	4.53 Miles	1,186 AEG

Hiking	4.53 Miles	1 Hour 50 Mns	2.47 mph
	1,186 ft AEG

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Belated post. Early morning hike at Skyline Regional Park. Wife and I had camped overnight. Got awakened at 3:30 with the arrival of the eaarrrllllyyyyy morning hikers. 3:30! AM!

And there were two different parties that arrived at (near) the same time. Now that is dedication! I decided that since I was up, I might as well get an early start on my hiking as well.

Took Mountain Wash up to the Skyline and then the Skyline over to the Pyrite Vista. Did most of this with out a headlamp. It really is amazing the impact of city lights. I did use a light as I descended along the Pyrite Trail. Passed one of the hikers going in. Otherwise had the trails to myself. No wildlife. Temps weren’t too bad. Nice view of the lighted cityscape from the top.

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227748

Oct 25 2025

Nightstalker

Routes 195
Photos 7,436
Triplogs 1,832

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Skyline Crest Summit Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 25 2025
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,832

Hiking	4.70 Miles	1,110 AEG

Hiking	4.70 Miles	2 Hrs 44 Mns		2.14 mph
	1,110 ft AEG	32 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

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Harem hike (just me and Carey) at Skyline this morning. Did the loop counter clockwise. Fair number of hikers on the trails this morning. Temps were great. Winds were gusty. Big trail erosion on Mountain Wash trail. Some trail erosion on Quartz Mine.

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226909

May 01 2025

mt98dew

Guides 69
Routes 37
Photos 3,284
Triplogs 2,482

56 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 01 2025
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,482

Hiking	4.49 Miles	1,201 AEG

Hiking	4.49 Miles	1 Hour 45 Mns	2.57 mph
	1,201 ft AEG

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Early morning hike at Skyline Park. Got to the TH around 4:30. Was nearly blinded by an early morning hiker on top of Watson Overlook as I was driving in. His light crossed over my car and it felt like a head beam of car turning in front of me. Not sure what his lumens were, but he would have made Sky Harbor Tower of the 1960’s proud.

Really like Skyline Park. It’s one of the few “city parks” that don’t have gated hours.

Started with an (embarrassingly dim) headlamp taking the Quartz Mine to the Skyline Crest. It’s a short, but steep climb to make it to the ridge. I then did a brief detour taking the Crest Summit Trail to the peak. Grabbed a few pre-sunrise pics and then continued along the ridge on the Skyline Crest Trail. Probably one of the top 3 trails in the park, after Javelina and Pyrite. Took the Lost Creek down to Mountain Wash and the Mountain Wash back to the TH.

Decent loop. Temps in the upper 60’s. Encountered 4 hikers. Only saw a few quail while I was out.

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223091

Apr 02 2025

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 700
Photos 7,591
Triplogs 4,837

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Skyline Regional Park, AZ

Hiking		Apr 02 2025
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,837

Hiking	15.63 Miles	3,914 AEG

Hiking	15.63 Miles	4 Hrs 46 Mns	3.35 mph
	3,914 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

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johnlp

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

john and i decided to hit skyline this morning
got going around 0615
we did the reverse of a big loop we hiked in december 2022
hit the five main summits, plus another little one
breezy, a lot of dust in the air
saw a few people, more toward the end
good hike: mileage, aeg and linkage
i enjoyed certain things more this time, like skyline crest and the pyrite segment
the finish still drags a bit
na beers after and el norteno for lunch
good times, thanks john

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hazhole

222410

Apr 02 2025

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,261

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Skyline Regional Park, AZ

Hiking		Apr 02 2025
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,261

Hiking	15.63 Miles	3,914 AEG

Hiking	15.63 Miles	4 Hrs 46 Mns	3.35 mph
	3,914 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

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trekkin_gecko

I chose Skyline from a few hikes Kelly threw out as options. A bit of a drive but good to get out here annually. We followed a route, for the most part, we had done a few years ago.
Lots of miles and AEG to be had if you have the energy.
Temps were cool with a moderate breeze. Great hiking weather.
Lots of jets flying out of Luke today. Noisy but very cool to watch fly by.
Thanks, Kelly, for navigating and lunch. Like Denny you rock!

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

222416

Jan 12 2025

Nightstalker

Routes 195
Photos 7,436
Triplogs 1,832

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Skyline Crest Summit Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 12 2025
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,832

Hiking	4.60 Miles	1,158 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	2 Hrs 31 Mns		2.32 mph
	1,158 ft AEG	32 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

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Harem hike (Carey, Dan, Yolanda) at Skyline Regional Park this morning. Did the Quartz/Crest/Mountain Wash loop counter clockwise.

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220438

Apr 12 2024

PatrickL

Guides 7
Routes 87
Photos 2,586
Triplogs 666

male

Joined Jan 10 2010
Pomona, CA

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 12 2024
		PatrickL • Triplogs 666

Hiking	10.10 Miles	2,730 AEG

Hiking	10.10 Miles	4 Hrs 10 Mns		2.42 mph
	2,730 ft AEG		14 LBS Pack

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Ran into a locked gate at White Tank Regional Park, turns out it doesn’t open at 5am until the end of this month. I bailed on my plans for Barry Goldwater Peak and headed over to Skyline, hitting the trail at 5:40am - no lamp necessary.

Decided to hit the main peaks in the area, Javelina, Crest, and Valley Vista in a counter-clockwise loop, starting just beyond the park gate. Last time I hiked Javelina, there were a ton of unsightly rock thrones built right on the trail - someone dismantled all of them that day and someone is happy to report they’re still gone.

It was quite warm around 8am - no shade to be found. I had the option to skip Valley Vista but had a hankering to gain over 2500ft for the day. It was worth it, even as I took the last sip of my reservoir a few minutes from the top. Thankfully I packed an extra liter, which got me back to the car. Last couple miles were dancing around my current physical threshold, especially in the unrelenting sunlight.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Not much left, some healthy stragglers here and there.

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1 archive

214637

Mar 01 2024

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 700
Photos 7,591
Triplogs 4,837

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Skyline Regional Park, AZ

Hiking		Mar 01 2024
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,837

Hiking	10.30 Miles	2,060 AEG

Hiking	10.30 Miles	3 Hrs 37 Mns	2.92 mph
	2,060 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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johnlp

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

early start driving out to skyline
john and i got going around 0630
we cut down the big loop we did last time, leaving out javelina and pyrite
went counterclockwise this time
still double digits, decent elevation gain and linkage
i think either direction, the last couple miles drag a bit
john brought coffee for after and then bought lunch downtown - thank you!
nice morning

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hazhole

1 archive

213538

Mar 01 2024

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,261

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Skyline Regional Park, AZ

Hiking		Mar 01 2024
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,261

Hiking	10.30 Miles	2,060 AEG

Hiking	10.30 Miles	3 Hrs 37 Mns	2.92 mph
	2,060 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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trekkin_gecko

For some reason we decided to drive to east LA to hike.
Got started at first light. Beautiful morning.
Quite a few folks out hiking for a sorta weekday (Friday).
Nice wildflowers in some limited areas. Probably quite a few in another week.
Coffee then lunch downtown after. Thanks Kelly!

Wildflowers Observation Light

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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

213542

Nov 18 2023

ScaredyCat

Guides 4
Routes 236
Photos 114
Triplogs 233

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 18 2023
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 233

Hiking	9.85 Miles	2,313 AEG

Hiking	9.85 Miles	4 Hrs 44 Mns	2.25 mph
	2,313 ft AEG	21 Mns Break

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Completed 3 of 4 peaks 1 year ago. Created a route to knock out the final one, plus 2 other trails that still needed to be checked off the HAZ list. Only spot in town to elude the rain today. Let's do it.

Checked out Watson overlook at the beginning. Javalina proved to be the most difficult peak of the 4. Registry at top. Next looped around, added an extra peak and then headed back toward parking lot.

Challenge check, not many people and also met a couple of cute Doodles along the route.

210971

Sep 02 2023

mt98dew

Guides 69
Routes 37
Photos 3,284
Triplogs 2,482

56 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Phoenix, AZ

Run/Jog		Sep 02 2023
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,482

Run/Jog	4.33 Miles	546 AEG

Run/Jog	4.33 Miles	1 Hour 9 Mns	3.77 mph
	546 ft AEG

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Early morning hike/jog at Skyline Park. It’s been awhile since I’ve been out here. Not a huge fan of the exit system they have when you get off the freeway at Watson. Looks nice, but the red arrow to make a right hand turn seemed laborious. They also have paved the parking at the main TH. Last time I was there I’m pretty sure it was crushed gravel.

Wanted to do a loop involving the Skyline Crest trail. Did this loop in a clockwise manner. In on the Mountain Wash trail and then a very slow jog up Lost Creek trail to get to the Skyline Crest. Everything up to this point had been rocky and roadlike. But the Skyline is a nice single track that goes along the ridgeline. There are some ups and downs, but most of the climbing was over until I got to the summit trail. Jogged most of this until I got to the summit, which I hiked. On the return trip I took the Quartz Mine back to the TH. Nice morning. Weather was nice, though a little humid. No wildlife, but I saw quite a few people on the Quart Mine trail.

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209060

Dec 04 2022

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,261

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Skyline Regional Park - Five Peaks, AZ

Hiking		Dec 04 2022
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,261

Hiking	15.32 Miles	3,730 AEG

Hiking	15.32 Miles	5 Hrs 54 Mns	2.79 mph
	3,730 ft AEG	25 Mns Break

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trekkin_gecko

Kelly wanted to put this hike on our list. It remained there just one day.
Lots of rain for 18 hours before the hike, and it rained most of the drive out, but conditions were excellent once we got underway. Cool with a moderate breeze. A few light sprinkles.
Clouds and fog enveloped the peaks. Petrichor permeating our senses. Barrel cactus beaming red. Route Scout announcing the distance to the Skyline shltter (thanks Bruce). What's not to like?
We hiked the main loop clockwise. Only saw a dozen other hikers.
Fun hike. Thanks Kelly.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

201397

Dec 04 2022

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 700
Photos 7,591
Triplogs 4,837

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Skyline Regional Park - Five Peaks, AZ

Hiking		Dec 04 2022
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,837

Hiking	15.32 Miles	3,730 AEG

Hiking	15.32 Miles	5 Hrs 54 Mns	2.79 mph
	3,730 ft AEG	25 Mns Break

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johnlp

john and i had this on our list, and it was a good choice for today given the recent rain
copied @the_eagle's track and mostly followed it
we especially enjoyed the waypoint for the skyline pumpkinter

got going around 0700, clockwise on the loop
hit all the peaks: pyrite, valley vista, crest, javelina and watson
took skyline crest instead of lost creek and hit another little high point off trail along the ridgeline
fun hike, good variety, mileage and aeg, trails in good shape
fog rolling over the ridgelines was cool to see
the bright red barrel cactus after rain look nice
didn't realize i had been on crest summit, and javelina once we got near the summit
it's been awhile
thanks, john! good times

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hazhole

201391

Nov 29 2022

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 5,149
Triplogs 4,263

50 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Skyline Park, AZ

Hiking		Nov 29 2022
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,263

Hiking	15.10 Miles	3,927 AEG

Hiking	15.10 Miles	6 Hrs 36 Mns		2.51 mph
	3,927 ft AEG	35 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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I have wanted to check out this park for a while now and i finally got the chance. Followed the big outer loop from Linda, Joe and Denny's trip out here a few years ago. Hit 4 summits - all with very nice views and different feels.

I was impressed with this park. Lot of fun trails out there and nifty summits to keep you busy all day

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hi

201321

Nov 13 2022

ScaredyCat

Guides 4
Routes 236
Photos 114
Triplogs 233

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 13 2022
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 233

Hiking	14.78 Miles	3,717 AEG

Hiking	14.78 Miles	7 Hrs 23 Mns	2.26 mph
	3,717 ft AEG	51 Mns Break

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Parking Lot Connector Trail - Skyline RP

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Had been to this park once previously in 2019. That was a Meetup outing where I continued out beyond anyone else. Upped the ante further with this trip.

Grand tour across much of the park, up several peaks. We turned around a bit shy of the 4th peak due to light concerns. Encountered a couple delays in getting started. May return for a diff outing to finish Javalina Peak.

200846

Apr 10 2022

RunMule

Triplogs 40

43 male

Joined Sep 04 2014
Goodyear, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 10 2022
		RunMule • Triplogs 40

Hiking	14.30 Miles	3,769 AEG

Hiking	14.30 Miles	5 Hrs 29 Mns	2.78 mph
	3,769 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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