Hidden Valley via Pima Canyon • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Mar 19 2026
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	13.14 Miles	2,197 AEG

Hiking	13.14 Miles	3 Hrs 11 Mns	4.15 mph
	2,197 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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With another record-hot weekend coming up, I squeezed in a morning hike on Thursday, starting around sunrise. Lots of gnats and flies, but the trails were as empty as I've seen in a long time on the hike out to Dobbins, but Hidden Valley had a lot of traffic on the way back. Sometime in the last few weeks, Hidden Valley got a new sign post for Black Rock Canyon marking the route up to Guadalupe Ridge...as the saying goes, the only constant in life is SoMo trail name changes.

400!

230118

Mar 13 2026

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Mar 13 2026
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	11.27 Miles	1,885 AEG

Hiking	11.27 Miles	2 Hrs 46 Mns	4.10 mph
	1,885 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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Ridgeline Trail - South Mountain

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I had a couple options in mind for the weekend but decided to put those off because of the heat, so it was back to South Mountain again. This one was pretty much a carbon copy of last Friday's hike...same start time, same route, just a little less crowded on the trails today and not quite as cool at the start.

2 archives

229987

Mar 06 2026

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Mar 06 2026
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	11.16 Miles	1,856 AEG

Hiking	11.16 Miles	2 Hrs 47 Mns	4.01 mph
	1,856 ft AEG

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Ridgeline Trail - South Mountain

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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.

1 archive

229819

Feb 28 2026

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Feb 28 2026
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	14.59 Miles	2,376 AEG

Hiking	14.59 Miles	3 Hrs 26 Mns	4.25 mph
	2,376 ft AEG

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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 30 2026

emilystardust

Routes 442
Photos 58
Triplogs 850

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 30 2026
		emilystardust • Triplogs 850

Hiking	6.79 Miles	1,018 AEG

Hiking	6.79 Miles	2 Hrs 13 Mns	3.06 mph
	1,018 ft AEG

no photosets

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apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...

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

_____________________

229110

Jan 25 2026

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 25 2026
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	11.16 Miles	2,538 AEG

Hiking	11.16 Miles	3 Hrs 34 Mns	3.20 mph
	2,538 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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8 linked trail guides

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TboneKathy

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

Dec 27 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Marcos - Mormon Double Double, AZ

Hiking		Dec 27 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	12.79 Miles	3,201 AEG

Hiking	12.79 Miles	3 Hrs 50 Mns	3.41 mph
	3,201 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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partners

TboneKathy

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

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 20 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	10.59 Miles	2,487 AEG

Hiking	10.59 Miles	3 Hrs 22 Mns	3.16 mph
	2,487 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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TboneKathy

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 12 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 12 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	10.67 Miles	2,459 AEG

Hiking	10.67 Miles	3 Hrs 26 Mns	3.12 mph
	2,459 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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partners

TboneKathy

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

Nov 21 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Buena Vista Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Nov 21 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	11.48 Miles	2,331 AEG

Hiking	11.48 Miles	2 Hrs 47 Mns	4.12 mph
	2,331 ft AEG

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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 14 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 14 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	10.51 Miles	2,198 AEG

Hiking	10.51 Miles	3 Hrs 15 Mns	3.27 mph
	2,198 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

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TboneKathy

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

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 25 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	10.01 Miles	1,923 AEG

Hiking	10.01 Miles	2 Hrs 59 Mns	3.41 mph
	1,923 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

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TboneKathy

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.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Unidentified Fauna

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Hike HAZard

226922

Oct 19 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 19 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	10.48 Miles	2,210 AEG

Hiking	10.48 Miles	3 Hrs 17 Mns	3.19 mph
	2,210 ft AEG

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TboneKathy

First time back at SoMo since the big rain last weekend, and it was the most crowded I've seen it this season...seems like everyone has realized the mornings are finally comfortable. It was noticeably greener than my last time out here, with grass growing in a few places, and even that prior visit was looking better after the September rains. Lots of washouts and erosion after the big storms, especially in Hidden Valley. We stopped by a few petroglyphs that TBK hadn't seen before, but otherwise a pretty typical SoMo morning.

226796

Oct 14 2025

LindaAnn

Guides 119
Routes 2,505
Photos 9,787
Triplogs 2,848

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 14 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,848

Hiking	7.35 Miles	1,324 AEG

Hiking	7.35 Miles	3 Hrs 14 Mns	2.31 mph
	1,324 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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6 linked trail guides

Hidden Valley Trail - South Mountain

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Tortoise_Hiker

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I think Denny flew home around midnight, but I told him he still had to hike with me today. Met up at Pima Cyn at 0715. Up Marcos, then up Mormon Loop/Javelina. Came down thru Hidden Valley, National, and Pima Wash.

Tons of evidence of recent rain, with still some flowing water. Trails are chewed up. Saw two caterpillars. A handful of bikers and other hikers. Good workout, abd always good to hike with Denny.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

226645

Oct 14 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 153
Photos 10,233
Triplogs 3,821

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 14 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,821

Hiking	7.35 Miles	1,324 AEG

Hiking	7.35 Miles	3 Hrs 14 Mns	2.31 mph
	1,324 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Hidden Valley Trail - South Mountain

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LindaAnn

Joined Linda for a mid morning hike at South Mountain. Flew in last night so I was dragging a little. Wait, that's my normal

! Signs of the rain storm were evident. Some ruts here and there and occasional standing water. A little water running in the tunnel and in Lower Pima wash. Linda was able to spot a little "quick sand" and showed me were it was.

Pima wash trail had signs of a foot or two flow recently. The pavement work on the drive in and the parking lot seemed to be done. New top and paint.
It was great to get a hike in with Linda and catch up.

Like HAZ, she rocks!

_____________________

Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

226652

Oct 09 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Oct 09 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	13.71 Miles	2,225 AEG

Hiking	13.71 Miles	3 Hrs 19 Mns	4.13 mph
	2,225 ft AEG

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

Morning hike at SoMo after a few weeks away...I wanted to get out there before the rain started on Friday. After all the rain late in monsoon season, everything was looking a lot greener than when I was here last month. It was a muted sunrise with the clouds, and they hung around to varying degrees for the rest of the hike. Not too many people out on the trails on a Thursday morning.

1 archive

226635

Oct 02 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 153
Photos 10,233
Triplogs 3,821

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 02 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,821

Hiking	6.90 Miles	912 AEG

Hiking	6.90 Miles	2 Hrs 35 Mns	2.67 mph
	912 ft AEG

no routes

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wallyfrack

Wally came over and joined me for a South Mountain hike. We did Mormon loop along with Hidden Valley. Instead of Pima road we took Pima wash at the end. They definitely got some rain in those storms and the trail was chewed up in a couple places. The wash looked like it got some flow. Would have like to have seen that. Trails were still in pretty good shape. With an early start the temps weren’t too bad when we finished around 8:30. The road going in and parking lot have been getting resurfaced since the weekend and they are still working on it. You could park in lot but not on road. Always great to get a hike in with Wally! Like HAZ, he rocks!!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] White-lined Sphinx Caterpillar

_____________________

Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

2 archives

226326

Sep 13 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Pima Canyon - Hidden Valley Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 13 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	7.06 Miles	899 AEG

Hiking	7.06 Miles	2 Hrs 50 Mns	2.72 mph
	899 ft AEG	14 Mns Break

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An old friend was in town from New England, visiting Arizona for a few days on an ASU/U of A college football tour. We were roommates 20 years ago during an internship out east and hadn't seen each other for 14 years. He's not used to the desert heat and wanted to do something short and with 1,000' AEG or less, which limited the options, but SoMo has plenty of trails to make that work.

He hiked in Saguaro Nat'l Park on Friday and drove back to Phoenix early Saturday morning, and we got started a little after 8AM and caught up as we hiked. We followed Pima Wash and then went off-trail through Pima Canyon and saw some of the petroglyphs and mines, then connected with the trail again near Hidden Valley Tunnel, continued through Hidden Valley and Fat Man's Pass, then looped back on National.

Hot by New England standards, but pretty nice weather for AZ in mid-September, with a high below 100°, and he seemed to like the route with the SoMo touristy highlights

. We grabbed lunch after the hike, and it was a fun morning catching up after so long.

225888

Sep 01 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Sep 01 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	14.26 Miles	2,555 AEG

Hiking	14.26 Miles	3 Hrs 22 Mns	4.24 mph
	2,555 ft AEG

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

Decided to get up early on Labor Day for a morning hike before the day heated up. It was already in the upper 80s before 5AM, but a steady breeze kept it from feeling too uncomfortable. I forgot to bring a flashlight--haven't started this early at SoMo in a while--but there were enough city lights that I could get by without it, then a colorful sunrise. The trails were emptier than I expected for a holiday with reasonably nice late summer weather.

I stuck to my usual route, which I hadn't done in more than two months, and went out to Dobbins Lookout, paused for some water, then headed back and went over Marcos de Niza again to finish it off. Nothing too interesting out there today, though I saw what looked like a squished frog on National Trail...that's a new one. And the ocotillo leaves have greened up a lot in the past week after the recent rain.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Red Spotted Toad

225722

Aug 27 2025

Guides 31
Routes 440
Photos 6,880
Triplogs 404

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 27 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 404

Hiking	10.31 Miles	2,283 AEG

Hiking	10.31 Miles	3 Hrs 17 Mns	3.19 mph
	2,283 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

Linked