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National Trail - South Mountain - 93 members in 2608 triplogs have rated this an average 3.2 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 131  Next
2.6 k triplogs
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Sep 05 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Lost - Gila loop, AZ 
Lost - Gila loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking7.65 Miles 1,635 AEG
Hiking7.65 Miles   3 Hrs   20 Mns   2.34 mph
1,635 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
One of my usual workout loops. Got started around 0715. Very muggy. Very little breeze. Headed up Lost Ranch Mine, which has occasional shade. Most of the time, I didn’t know if I was crying from the misery, or if it was just sweat pouring down my face. Muddy in a few places.

Went up to Goat Hill, but the summit was swarmed by thousands of flying ant looking bugs. Turned around immediately. Continued east on National, then down Gila/Pyramid. Crossed paths with JJ near the top of Pyramid. Had a few patches of shade from clouds on the descent, which was quite nice.
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
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Sep 01 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 01 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.36 Miles 2,712 AEG
Hiking9.36 Miles   4 Hrs   2 Mns   2.52 mph
2,712 ft AEG      19 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Pin cushion cacti are blooming in force.

Cool breezes on the ridges were incredible. Yards away from the ridges were sauna-esque.

Live ocotillo and bursera have responded vibrantly to recent rains. The dead ocotillo is now easily distinguishable. The trails here are covered with gravel-sized rock debris after every rain; the mountain is slowly eroding.

A few more out for the holiday, but not much more due to the temps. A young couple mountain biking up Pyramid was remarkable for the weather; they were two-thirds up. Nice pricey bikes, and she was in good spirits but lagging as he crawled ahead.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Pin cushion cacti galore
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- joe
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Sep 01 2025
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 01 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking14.26 Miles 2,555 AEG
Hiking14.26 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   4.24 mph
2,555 ft AEG
 
Route Scout 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
  triplog is homepage hidden for 142 hours triplog hid 1 wk
Aug 27 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Mormon Loop TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 27 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles   1 Hour   34 Mns   3.19 mph
1,180 ft AEG
 
Partners none no partners
workout hike
crossed paths on mormon trail with @john10s and @tbonekathy - nice to see you both!
_____________________
hazhole
 
Aug 27 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Gila Gila, AZ 
Gila Gila, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 27 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking11.70 Miles 2,477 AEG
Hiking11.70 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   3.39 mph
2,477 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Early start. Moist. Quite a bit of erosion on the National trail from recent storms. Some green starting to show! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 27 2025
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 Guides 25
 Routes 376
 Photos 5,897
 Triplogs 346

40 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ 
SoMo Hidden Valley Mormon Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 27 2025
John10sTriplogs 346
Hiking10.31 Miles 2,283 AEG
Hiking10.31 Miles   3 Hrs   17 Mns   3.19 mph
2,283 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Started from Pima Canyon Trailhead around 6AM, and it was a cooler morning in the upper 70s, but still very humid. There were surprisingly few people out on a relatively nice morning for August. SoMo clearly got quite a bit of rain in the big storm on Monday--there were lots of little washouts along the trails and down in Pima Wash, a few remaining puddles with standing water, and millipedes enjoying the lingering moisture. Didn't see much wildlife but crossed paths with @trekkin_gecko on the way back up from Mormon Trailhead.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Millipede
 
Aug 24 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ 
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.22 Miles 2,175 AEG
Hiking10.22 Miles   3 Hrs   6 Mns   3.30 mph
2,175 ft AEG
 
john and i got going up geronimo at 0530
from buena vista went over to dobbins then gila lookouts
this might be my favorite combo from geronimo
good hike, good refreshments, good company
thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Aug 24 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ 
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.22 Miles 2,175 AEG
Hiking10.22 Miles   3 Hrs   6 Mns   3.35 mph
2,175 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
Workout hike. Sweatfest. Good pace set by the gecko. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 20 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.60 Miles 2,300 AEG
Hiking10.60 Miles   3 Hrs   16 Mns   3.26 mph
2,300 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
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
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Goat Hill Loop via Pyramid / BurseraPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
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
Early start. Warm but not oppressive. Good workout. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 17 2025
avatar

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

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Gila Harvester, AZ 
Gila Harvester, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 17 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.28 Miles 2,237 AEG
Hiking10.28 Miles   3 Hrs   10 Mns   3.25 mph
2,237 ft AEG
 
met john at 0530 for a senior get-back-in-hiking-shape hike
nice enough out
saw mostly trail runners and mountain bikers
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
Aug 17 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Gila Harvester, AZ 
Gila Harvester, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 17 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking10.28 Miles 2,237 AEG
Hiking10.28 Miles   3 Hrs   10 Mns   3.25 mph
2,237 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
The senior circuit ia back in action following summer break. Quite a few folks out enjoying the coolerish temps. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 15 2025
avatar

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

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Beverly Figure 8, AZ 
Beverly Figure 8, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 15 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking6.90 Miles 1,200 AEG
Hiking6.90 Miles   1 Hour   58 Mns   3.51 mph
1,200 ft AEG
 
reentry hike
got going around 0800
signs of moisture from last night
a few people out, mostly mountain bikers
_____________________
hazhole
 
Aug 15 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Ruins-Pyramid Loop, AZ 
Ruins-Pyramid Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 15 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking8.27 Miles 1,846 AEG
Hiking8.27 Miles
1,846 ft AEG
 no routes
Some erosion after the rain last night. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Aug 13 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.26 Miles 2,400 AEG
Hiking9.26 Miles   3 Hrs   44 Mns   2.67 mph
2,400 ft AEG      16 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Headed down into Bursera bathroom wash, and there was a mountain biker gasping/grinding like he was going up Prospector to get out of the 3% grade wash. Exiting the flip side I heard the wiz of another biker. I stepped aside. This was the steeper side and he could have bunny hopped over me going up. I don't think they were together... Lol

Tested the Dixie RS recipe for disaster, and it worked like a charm. I haven't had time to go over the debug logs, but I'm wondering if it might be Android-related. I need to test the sequence thoroughly on an iPhone. Just know that I had to bump up the Android version a couple of weeks ago. There was also an OS update to the phones last month. One of the core plugins that RS uses does not yet support 16 KB page size, so that might make it crash if not always in or out of airplane mode.

Absolutely no breeze early on was a little muggy. Always get a nice breeze coming up along goat ridge. Hints of Autumn in the breeze.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 10 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking20.28 Miles 4,525 AEG
Hiking20.28 Miles   9 Hrs   23 Mns   2.44 mph
4,525 ft AEG   1 Hour   5 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Prehydrated: 38 oz
Carried: 174 oz (124 frozen)

When I arrived, a large group of about 16-24 people was getting ready to head out. I thought they were runners, later realized they were mixed ages and backgrounds. I started a half furlong behind them. I passed them and then never saw them again, concentrating on transitioning from Grillz to My Way. Guessing they turned on Desert Classic.

This was my first time on the west side of Bursera. More people out here than expected. Teenage girl, three guys (Kurt Sedler types), then two guys who could be star quarterbacks or excellent car salesmen. The geology is more reminiscent of Estrella/Piestewa.

This is one of those rare hikes where you're hiking away from looking at the sun or without staring at the sun on the drive, either.

The West end of Gila is undoubtedly loved by no one. It skirts the bajada, dipping in and out of a few ravines. Whereas the Bursera across the ravine has nicer alluvial geology to glide over.

The steepest grade on Prospector was in full sun, but I got a nice breeze.

Generally, I avoid Goat Hill, since it's illegal. The pre-planned hike was under 20 mi and under 5K. So I figured I'd hit a few little peaks along the way.

Two rangers at the bottom of the Ranger Trail with a funky couple behind me. Luckily, I'd recently tackled these nondescript multi-use trails scattered about the actual trail and sailed through.

I needed to rearrange a lot of water bottles and such, so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to tackle a sliver of Judith Tunell Interpretive Trail and utilize the Ramada for a few minutes. Whoo doggy, the rubberized grate bench in the shade was comfy. What are the chances two families came off-trail directly down the hill and stopped at the Ramada... lol C'est la vie, probably best to keep moving anyway.

Dec 23rd 2024, KingLeonidas posted a clue via RS where the temporary or new trail routes. It worked out great. Just be sure to verify which days are legal, cuz I'm no angel. From previous hikes, I had a lunch spot in mind. Only partially shady, but it worked out. I ate half of a dry WinCo ham and cheese on a pretzel hoagie, cuz there needs to be something other than water and electrolytes in the mix.

Realized I only had 36 oz of water left. So I nixed two side trips to push it over 5K in favor of life. Since it was later in the day vs recent previous trips, a few more shade options were opening up. I took a 6-minute break at one, but just wanted to finish the hike.

40 oz more water would have been better, but it all worked out.

Android stats in airplane mode start to finish, 2,983 points, used 25% battery.
iPhone 20.15 mi / 4483 AEG | 3,228 points, never in airplane mode, used 35% battery.
2 bug fixes for RS 7.2.4 in dev worked, perhaps out in a few days.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 07 2025
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Short Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 07 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking11.52 Miles 2,813 AEG
Hiking11.52 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   2.43 mph
2,813 ft AEG      29 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
It was supposed to be warmer today, but that fizzled out. Gusty winds for the first three miles.

It's easier to drink from water bottles, yet too cumbersome without a pack. So I ditched the water bladder and the hot hose.

Bursera was new for me. The whole southwest corner of South Mountain is better than I ever gave credit. It's a series of ridges, which are a bazillion times more exciting than anything flat.

Prehydrated 40 oz on the drive over, then consumed 107 out of 108 oz carried. When I did five laps on Piestewa several times in August, I would consume 24 to 48 oz between laps and carry 24 oz on each lap.

Stats are RS Android airplane mode start to finish because it's the only way to force the GPS radio. Carried in the upper back portion of my pack. Used 15% battery, 1697 points.
iPhone RS 11.43 mi / 2,785 AEG, Used 23% battery not in airplane mode, 1,829 points.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 05 2025
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Prospector Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 05 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking9.20 Miles 2,272 AEG
Hiking9.20 Miles   3 Hrs   51 Mns   2.41 mph
2,272 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Above the road, just after 7am, I passed three high school guys. A few minutes later at the Gila junction was a naked native dude.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 03 2025
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 03 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.16 Miles 3,400 AEG
Hiking15.16 Miles   6 Hrs   39 Mns   2.44 mph
3,400 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The third ascent of this loop two days ago was rough. I knew why from an eight-lap blur on Camelback long ago, and wanted to make key adjustments.

Several out early, heading up, but nothing like that first week of back to school, which was oddly the busiest weekend of the year. A few clicky groups you won't see at Piestewa. Most of which would be dead if I saw them on the trail later on in the day.

The few impressive athletes were a runner and two mountain bikers in the outback.

There were no construction workers on the Holbert trailhead project, so I decided to hike through. Coming across three guys who could undoubtedly explain how to split an atom, wanted to know how to get up to Dobbins Lookout.

Overwhelmed by a hind thot of why on earth are you fine people wasting your time going to Dobbins mid-day in August. One guy was showing me his app, which I couldn't see without glasses or squinting in the sun.

Not to be rude, but the spring chickens couldn't have been parked too far away, and I needed to get moving, so I pointed right and went left.

I never encountered a stay out sign or any signage for that matter, but the old trail from the parking lot is gone. They wasted more time sourcing boulders that didn't belong than putting up a single sign for anyone coming across their trails that they haven't updated in eons on their website. ie: Pyramid is still on the static and interactive maps.

Disturbing wildlife in the middle of a city with a huge construction project yards away weighed heavily on my mind. A boulder hop from wherever the new trail was, I carried on.

In the old roundup area, I expected to see Team 4.0 giggling equations with their handy dandy app guiding them.

The old trail that went across and hooked up to the road by the water tower has been obscured. From the road up, it's the same old same old. Apparently, you hook into the road lower or further north now; I have no clue.

On the bright side, I felt much better than 2 days ago. Took a break at a semi-shady spot in a ravine crossing, thinking I might spot the trio, but they never surfaced.

My favorite part of National Trail was once again the last step, but the hike across didn't drag on today.

EDIT
KingLeonidas clued us all in Dec 2024
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 01 2025
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 01 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.55 Miles 3,561 AEG
Hiking15.55 Miles   6 Hrs   57 Mns   2.42 mph
3,561 ft AEG      32 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The faucet at the tables trailhead had a slow flow of screaming hot water perfect for tea or ramen.

The gate doors on the ranger trailhead restrooms appeared open from 20 yards out. The junior sized cattle tank had a light flow, clear and therapeutically warm.

Approaching Holbert, I realized it's under renovation. Construction workers galore and unaware if it was open for that or extreme advisory, I elected for an old pioneer route to bridge the gap. Minutes on the Holbert, a jogger passed me heading down, apparently it's open... Lol
_____________________
- joe
 
average hiking speed 2.46 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 131  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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