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Kiwanis Trail - South Mountain - 47 members in 393 triplogs have rated this an average 2.8 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 20  Next
393 triplogs
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Jul 28 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Tukee Prospector Luv Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Tukee Prospector Luv Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 28 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.12 Miles 2,702 AEG
Hiking11.12 Miles   4 Hrs   49 Mns   2.46 mph
2,702 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I prehydrated 32 oz on the way over. Carrying 84 oz of water might be the creative limit without a pack. What started as a one-handed juggling act felt like hauling an elephant nearing the pass.

Prospector Sans Ranch
A little earlier netted a solid 4 minutes of shade on everyone's favorite miracle mile.

Ranger
1 minute stretch of shade

LL
The dance floor was quiet, so I self-entertained. The always locked restrooms are overflowing out the gate door, creating the origin of a moat. Saw a coyote in the wash waiting for me to leave to get water.

Kiwanis
A ranger was twiddling his thumbs and left slowly when I popped outta the wash into the lot.
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 04 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.85 Miles 2,407 AEG
Hiking10.85 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.16 mph
2,407 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
john and i set off from pyramid at 0500
we usually go up pyramid then decide on a combo
i wanted to hit las lomitas in celebration of july 4th, we we did a loop with kiwanis and ranger
a stop at goat hill and finish on ruins
quite a few people out early
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Jul 04 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.85 Miles 2,407 AEG
Hiking10.85 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   3.16 mph
2,407 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 no routes
Kelly had a strong yearning for Las Lomitas, so there is no saying no. Nice to have a little change of pace. Good workout hike. Moist. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jun 04 2025
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Walk to the Mailbox, AZ 
Walk to the Mailbox, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 04 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking9.76 Miles 1,921 AEG
Hiking9.76 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   3.10 mph
1,921 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
I forgot there was a mailbox up here. Seems a worthy destination.

I did a SoMo YoYo. Or is it a transomo?

For some reason I thought the gates stayed open past 7 in the summer. The two rangers were too busy doing ranger things together to get the gate closed before I entered at 7:01.

Good rain this morning left plenty of puddles, soft steps, and occasional mud. A nice change for June.

Up Tele, down Kiwa.

Fun story: I've never actually hiked the full Lomita. There are a couple of really nice stretches in there. Most is awful.

HAZ says you can't hike in Box Canyon. SoMo trail map has a friggen trail called Box Canyon. It parallels the geographic feature. But HAZ doesn't have the trail. Go figure.

On the ground, I couldn't find the trail. The GPS route for Holbert goes up a canyon signed as closed and aggressively obstructed with rock and natural debris. Holbert sign posts begin at the bottom of the Box Canyon wash along the paved road east of the fenced off activity center construction area. Which doesn't match the master trail plan. Who knew Somo could be so confusing? By all accounts, there is no currently legal way to connect Lomitas/Box with Holbert. After construction is complete, you will be able to traverse the huge parking lot. I think?

I hadn't hiked Holbert in over a decade. Maybe this is why?

Up and over. Nice breeze higher up. Stopped at the mailbox. Heading back to Telegraph, rangers on the road below got on the megaloudspeaker in their vehicle to ask if I was ok. I yelled back all good. A mile later it happened again. A different ranger this time. I wondered if I somehow looked distressed from hundreds of yards away through a windshield? Or maybe somebody had reported an overdue hiker and they were out looking for somebody. Or maybe there was a murderer on the loose? These mailbox walks are risky.

Dozens of millipedes enjoying the damp soil. Toad and vinegaroon. Coyotes howling. A bunch of western banded geckos. Nothing without shoulders, which surprised me a bit.
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
  3 archives
May 02 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking9.39 Miles 2,037 AEG
Hiking9.39 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   2.78 mph
2,037 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met John at Telegraph at 0630 and got started. Up Telegraph, then west on National. Went out to the old lookout off the east end of Goat Hill. It’s been a couple of years since I was out there, but the abandoned trail is still pretty clear. From there, we headed up to Goat Hill, then looked at the old mines near the top. Headed back east, then down Ranger. The occasional morning shade was nice. Then east on the gem of South Mountain, which left John speechless, most likely with awe. Headed over to Piedras Grandes, which is supposedly closed for “construction” so we didn’t stick around too long. From there, it was a warm hike up Kiwanis, then all downhill on Telegraph. Good workout. Didn’t see many hikers other than on Telegraph. Some new trails for John.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
May 02 2025
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 02 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking9.66 Miles 2,075 AEG
Hiking9.66 Miles   3 Hrs   29 Mns   2.77 mph
2,075 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Linda and I met at 6:30AM and headed up to Telegraph Pass, then turned left on National as I continue to expand my SoMo horizons west beyond the Pima Canyon area. We left the trail to check out a nice overlook, then went up Goat Hill and dropped down the east side to look at a few mine shafts. Unfortunately, no chupacabras home today.

Back down to National, then down Ranger to Las Lomiatas, where the crown jewel of SoMo took my breath away, with visions of imaginary poppies dancing in my head. We did a quick pass of Piedras Grandes, where the ramadas are allegedly closed for construction, though there was no sign of construction beyond some dirt piles. We hiked back up Kiwanis and then down Telegraph Pass to finish it off as it started to warm up. Fun way to start the day, and nice to see a few new areas and hike a couple new SoMo trails.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill
 
Apr 27 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 209
 Photos 1,231
 Triplogs 196

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Gila Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 27 2025
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking21.04 Miles 4,012 AEG
Hiking21.04 Miles   8 Hrs   4 Mns   2.82 mph
4,012 ft AEG      36 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Forecast was for another cool-ish weekend day, so I took advantage of it. Did the same 20 mile loop trail as last weekend, but this time did it counter-clockwise which should have been easier. The route started at Bursera trailhead heading toward Lost Ranch. Took the Gila Trail eastward this time to where it meets National Trail. Took National east down the hill, then Kiwanis Trail. Then Las Lomitas to Max Delta.

After a short rest and a snack at the Bike Hub at the "Y". Then up and over the Alta Trail. On Alta I started noticing that my brand new boots that I was breaking in didn't fit as well as I thought they would in the store. Not great. Still another 15 miles to go. Hopefully it won't be too bad (my feet were in pain for the last 5 or 6 miles :( - not fun). Ate my lunch at the San Juan lookout, then headed north to Ma Ha Tuak Perimeter trail. There was a nice breeze that kept it cool and comfortable. As the trail got closer to the 202 freeway that breeze turned into a stiff headwind that tried to take my hat. All day there were times with no wind when it was hot, and strong wind when it felt cold. On average it was pretty comfortable.

From the Perimeter Trail to National Trail to Gila Trail and then back. This time I hiked the entire length of the Gila Trail starting from the middle to the east end, and from the west end back to the middle. There are shorter ways to hike Gila end to end, but none of then are real short since neither end of the trail is at a trailhead.
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  2 archives
Apr 19 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 209
 Photos 1,231
 Triplogs 196

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
South Mountain west Loop, AZ 
South Mountain west Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 19 2025
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking20.65 Miles 6,792 AEG
Hiking20.65 Miles   7 Hrs   55 Mns   2.78 mph
6,792 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I wanted to get in some distance this weekend. I was going to drive north for cooler weather, but Saturday morning was cool in Phoenix so I decided to save a couple hours driving each way and hike South Mountain. I started at the Bursera trailhead as usual toward Lost Ranch. Decided to take Gila and check out the new Western end of the Gila trail that I haven't been on yet.

First thing I have to say is that it felt great walking on well maintained trails. Last weekend's hike in Prescott was slow and steep and tiring. This was the exact opposite. The trail was well marked. When I reached the junction of Gila and Bursera there was a post pointing to the new section of Gila trail. It gently climbed up the hill heading west. Then at the ridge line it went down the other side with long, easy switchbacks. Well done South Mountain! They could have saved a lot of distance by taking the shortest route straight down the slope, but instead made a long, easy switchback which kept the slope gentle.

Gila trail ends at National where National crosses the the big wash at the bottom of the hill. My plan was to flow National to San Juan lookout and take Alta Trail. Along the way I saw a sign for Ma Hua Tauk Perimeter Trail. I know that goes near San Juan and I had never hikes it so I turned of National and followed it. It started heading west toward the casino and goes past a number of houses just east of the 202 that are hidden from view on the freeway by the sound wall. The trail runs above and parallel to the 202 for a while and the traffic noise is VERY LOUD! I couldn't even hear Route Scout announcements. Once the trail turns east the freeway noise faded.

Got to San Juan and rested for a few minutes at the lookout. Then headed up Alta Trail to the Y. Then Max Delta to Las Lomitas. To another break near the Kiwanis trailhead. Then up Kiwanis to National to Gila. I took the old Pyramid Trail back to the start. In retrospect I should have stayed on Gila where it branches off so that I could have done the full length of Gila. But phone battery was dying and I didn't want to lose the end of the route recording.

South mountain has been doing a great job maintaining the trails and making them easy to walk on.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Ocotillo
_____________________
 
Mar 30 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.88 Miles 2,604 AEG
Hiking10.88 Miles   3 Hrs   19 Mns   3.35 mph
2,604 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
met john at 0600 at pyramid
did this combo for the third time - double digits
decent elevation gain, might be a bit high
saw a few people
good temps, nice breeze
refreshments after
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Mar 30 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.88 Miles 2,604 AEG
Hiking10.88 Miles   3 Hrs   19 Mns   3.40 mph
2,604 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 no routes
Clockwise loop from Pyramid trailhead. Not many early risers anymore. Not sure why. Parking overflowing when we finished.
Great hiking temps. Fun morning. Thanks Kelly! :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Mar 29 2025
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 Routes 189
 Photos 7,236
 Triplogs 1,740

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
SoMo Ranger Kiwanis Loop, AZ 
SoMo Ranger Kiwanis Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 29 2025
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,740
Hiking4.10 Miles 1,060 AEG
Hiking4.10 Miles   2 Hrs   10 Mns   2.32 mph
1,060 ft AEG      24 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
South Mountain shuttle hike with the Harem (Carey, Christina, Yolanda) this morning. We had planned on parking at Piedras Grandes Picnic Ground, but the entrance gate to that area was closed/locked. I managed to snag a spot at the Ranger trailhead, but Carey and Christina were not so lucky. Yolanda and I jumped in car with Carey and Christina and found plenty of parking over at the Ranger trailhead. So, our planned loop turned into a shuttle, no problem! Up Ranger, across National, and back down Kiwanis to the Mystery Machine. Lots of people on the trails, especially Kiwanis. Saw 2 bikers. Perfect day morning for a hike. A few idiot car parkers had a present waiting for them under their windshield.
_____________________
 
Feb 03 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Goat Hill via Telegraph PassPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 03 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.90 Miles 1,782 AEG
Hiking7.90 Miles   3 Hrs   17 Mns   2.48 mph
1,782 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I was jealous Kelly & John hiked Las Lomitas over the weekend, so I had to find a way to include it in today’s hike. Started on Telegraph around 0745. For February, it was already as hot as the devil’s pumpkin crack. Passed plenty of the Tukee crowd on the way uphill.

Continued west on National over to Goat Hill. Very breezy along National, which kept me alive. Very clear air made for some nice views.

After Goat Hill, I headed down Ranger, which had a few moments of shade. East on on Las Lomitas. It’s a real gem. Lots of dead saguaros.

Up Kiwanis, which looks to have received some recent maintenance. Finished up on Telegraph again. Good workout, but ridiculously warm.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ - Selfie
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Feb 02 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 02 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.97 Miles 2,344 AEG
Hiking10.97 Miles   3 Hrs   33 Mns   3.21 mph
2,344 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
repeat of a combo we did in november with the primary objective to hit las lomitas
beautiful morning
we ran into @sredfield and @paintninaz at the goat hill turnoff, and spent a few minutes chatting on goat hill
nice to see you two again!
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
Feb 02 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ 
Las Lomitas Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 02 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.97 Miles 2,344 AEG
Hiking10.97 Miles   3 Hrs   33 Mns   3.24 mph
2,344 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routes
Hiking again on the South Mountain senior circuit. Ran into Shawn and Tracy and had a nice chat with them on Goat Hill. Perfect temps. Thanks Kelly. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jan 28 2025
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Ranger Goat, AZ 
Ranger Goat, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 28 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking6.35 Miles 1,294 AEG
Hiking6.35 Miles   2 Hrs   9 Mns   3.10 mph
1,294 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 no routes
Top 10 weather day. :y:

Had to get out and enjoy it. Perfect 60, light breeze, sun and clouds, good air quality.

Ranger was raked/swept this morning. It was pristine. Not a spare pebble on the tread. Made the short side trip to the cocktus before bagging the goat. A trio of paragliders were riding the afternoon thermals adding to the enjoyable views.

Passed by an actual ranger on foot patrol. Not on Ranger though. On Kiwanis. LL as crappy as ever, but you gotta complete the loop somehow.

I'd gladly walk LL every single day if the weather was always like today. :)
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Jan 04 2025
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Kiwanis Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 04 2025
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking5.41 Miles 1,400 AEG
Hiking5.41 Miles   1 Hour   41 Mns   3.21 mph
1,400 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Family plans, required a short hike, close to home. Decided on Kiwanis. Started from the Kiwanis TH a little after 6:30. I did a loop, but decided to the Kiwanis on the backend. I took Los Lomitas over to the Ranger to the National with a short excursion to Goat Hill. I then took the National over to where it connects to Kiwanis and took Kiwanis back to the TH.

Weather was nice. Skies not as smoggy as I anticipated. Trails were busy again today. Encountered 25 hikers, (one guy was doing the loop going the other direction. Probably started from Telegraph). While on Goat Hill, I saw several groups coming west on the National which is usually not that active. I love the solitude, but I also love seeing people out enjoying the Parks. No wildlife today. Weird. I did this same hike back in August (the last month we had rain :o ) and I had almost 5.8 for my mileage. I didn’t think my Garmin was that inconsistent.
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Dec 05 2024
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Holbert - Kiwanis loop, AZ 
Holbert - Kiwanis loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 05 2024
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking10.07 Miles 2,033 AEG
Hiking10.07 Miles   3 Hrs   47 Mns   2.71 mph
2,033 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Good workout loop with Daniela. Up Telegraph, east on National. North on Holbert, with a side trip to Dobbins. Down Holbert, the new reroute at the bottom is kind of blah. Walked across the parking lot and hopped onto Lomitas, up Kiwanis, then finished on Telegraph. Didn’t see many people. Had a good amount of shade for the first half. Warm coming up Kiwanis. Barely hit double digit mileage.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Nov 15 2024
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 15 2024
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.75 Miles 2,416 AEG
Hiking10.75 Miles   3 Hrs   32 Mns   3.09 mph
2,416 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
john and i got going from pyramid around 0640
pyramid, national, kiwanis, las lomitas, ranger, goat hill, ruins
double digits, slightly different combo on the senior circuit
beautiful morning
coffee after, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Nov 15 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 15 2024
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.75 Miles 2,416 AEG
Hiking10.75 Miles   3 Hrs   32 Mns   3.10 mph
2,416 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 no routes
Changed the hike midstream due to Kiwanis Fever and Las Lomitas Longing. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Nov 03 2024
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Geronimo Kiwanis, AZ 
Geronimo Kiwanis, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 03 2024
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking13.65 Miles 2,649 AEG
Hiking13.65 Miles   4 Hrs   12 Mns   3.29 mph
2,649 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
met john at geronimo at 0620
he proposed a new combo: geronimo, national, kiwanis and back the same way
not many people out other than on kiwanis
cool temps and a few sprinkles as we finished
good hike, good coffee, thanks lp!
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
average hiking speed 2.64 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 20  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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