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Holbert Trail - South Mountain - 65 members in 527 triplogs have rated this an average 3.2 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 27  Next
527 triplogs
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Feb 28 2026
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 Guides 30
 Routes 432
 Photos 6,849
 Triplogs 397

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2026
John10sTriplogs 397
Hiking14.59 Miles 2,376 AEG
Hiking14.59 Miles   3 Hrs   26 Mns   4.25 mph
2,376 ft AEG
 
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.
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229702
Feb 18 2026
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 Guides 120
 Routes 351
 Photos 11,642
 Triplogs 911

male
 Joined Dec 20 2010
 Sunnyslope, PHX
Holbert Loop, AZ 
Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 18 2026
kingsnakeTriplogs 911
Hiking7.95 Miles 1,495 AEG
Hiking7.95 Miles   3 Hrs   26 Mns   2.32 mph
1,495 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Driving up Telegraph Pass Rd., the sun was just above the horizon of the pass. I couldn’t see for the glare. Prayed no one drove over the line towards me. To make matters worse, I got an arch cramp in my right foot. Argh! Agony. 😫

From Dobbins Lookout -- the pit toilet smelled like it had a dead cholo in it -- I hiked a clockwise loop of Holbert - National - Kiwanis - Los Lomitas - and the remainder of Holbert Trail. (I hiked Holbert … geez … 17 years ago? Wasn’t even hike blogging back then.)

Other than Fat Man’s Pass / Hidden Valley, my favorite part of National is the quarter mile between Holbert and the antennna farm, weaving about those rocky bits. Approaching the pass at 10:30 a.m., traffic was picking up. Some of it speeding over the double yellow line. 🤨

Kiwanis has a unique sign, with cut out & painted letters. Kind of fancy. Wonder who paid extra for that? Relatively lush Kiwanis was my other favorite part of today's loop. There’s a stone check dam, a quarter mile from the bottom.

Los Lomitas is mostly wide & smooth, and oldster friendly. But it's at the bottom of the ridge, so it has some photogenic boulders.

The visitor center parking areas are mostly a big constuction zone, and will remain so through late 2027. I followed the construction fence east.

At the bottom of Holbert a sign said “Area Closed”, but also “Do Not Leave Designated Trails”. I sure as hell wasn’t going to head back the way I came, so I followed the trail. It is closed because of a 10 ft. deep washout -- which is trivial to negotiate. Up by the water tank, I started the main climb, as it got dark across the valley. It seemed steeper than I recalled, but that is probably due to age. Or doing more biking than hiking. I only caught a few sprinkles at the end, so I didn't need that little cave a quarter mile before the Dobbins trail.

Rumble Video: https://rumble.com/v763y3k-hiking-south ... oenix.html
Vimeo Video: https://vimeo.com/1167100369
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Goat Hill  Maricopa Peak
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Brittlebush most common; quality varied. Next most common was Emory's rock daisy, on canyon trails. Lupine below antenna farm. Globemallow here & there. Mexican gold poppy closed up due to chill. Blue richard. Distant phacelia. A single desert marigold.
_____________________
http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored.
 
229545
Jan 25 2026
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 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,836

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Dobbins Lookout, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 25 2026
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,836
Hiking9.72 Miles 2,377 AEG
Hiking9.72 Miles   3 Hrs   9 Mns   3.17 mph
2,377 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
met john at geronimo at 0715
at bv lookout, went up to harvester benchmark, then national to holbert to dobbins lookout
back to and down geronimo
longer than i thought it would be
cool to start but perfect later on
good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
228963
Jan 25 2026
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 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,254

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Dobbins Lookout, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 25 2026
johnlpTriplogs 5,254
Hiking9.72 Miles 2,377 AEG
Hiking9.72 Miles   3 Hrs   9 Mns   3.26 mph
2,377 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
Back on the trails with Kelly. A bit chilly to start, then perfect once we got warmed up from hiking uphill. Not as many hikers out as I expected, especially at Dobbins Lookout. Some nice wildflowers. Not many poppies on this side of the range. Good hike. Thanks Kelly! :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
  2 archives
228995
Nov 23 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,836

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Holbert Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 23 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,836
Hiking3.80 Miles 1,016 AEG
Hiking3.80 Miles
1,016 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
went to central avenue entrance to south mountain only to discover it is silent sunday
drove over to 7th ave parking area
short section on road leads to the water tank along holbert
went to dobbins lookout and returned
kind of a waste of a drive for that short a hike, but i did find the parking area that cuts off all the boring reconfiguration for holbert
time to break out new trail running shoes as i was slipping and sliding on wet rock
_____________________
hazhole
 
227599
Nov 15 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 235
 Photos 1,321
 Triplogs 222

male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Holbert Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 15 2025
astrobrewerTriplogs 222
Hiking4.78 Miles 1,914 AEG
Hiking4.78 Miles   4 Hrs   6 Mns   1.21 mph
1,914 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Hike #5 of of 5 of the PHX5 Phoenix Summit Challenge. It was sunny at the start but there were some ominous clouds to the north and west. About half way up started getting a few raindrops. Continued on to the top. The rain wasn't enough to get us really wet, but it did cool us down which felt nice. Made good time both up and down. Legs were definitely feeling it on the way up toward the top, but kept going.

The triplog stats are wrong. Total time was 2:21 including a ~8 minute rest at the top. I didn't stop Route Scout at the end. I used the route editor to delete a couple hours of the URock party and the drive out. The route editor showed the correct time, but the times didn't update in the triplog. :( Also the AEG should have been around 1000' per my watch, but that may be because I didn't put my phone in airplane mode.

2025 PHX 5 triplogs
1. Ridgeback Overlook Summit [ triplog ]
2. Dixie Butte Summit [ triplog ]
3. Alta Trail [ triplog ]
4. Ranger Trail [ triplog ]
5. Holbert Trail [ triplog ]
_____________________
  7 archives
227446
Nov 08 2025
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 Routes 432
 Photos 49
 Triplogs 840

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Holbert Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 08 2025
emilystardustTriplogs 840
Hiking4.74 Miles 1,117 AEG
Hiking4.74 Miles   2 Hrs   31 Mns   2.14 mph
1,117 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
 
227561
Oct 09 2025
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 Guides 30
 Routes 432
 Photos 6,849
 Triplogs 397

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 09 2025
John10sTriplogs 397
Hiking13.71 Miles 2,225 AEG
Hiking13.71 Miles   3 Hrs   19 Mns   4.13 mph
2,225 ft AEG
 
Route Scout 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 04 2025
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 Guides 72
 Routes 1,186
 Photos 1,493
 Triplogs 1,543

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
SoMo Plan B, AZ 
SoMo Plan B, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 04 2025
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,543
Hiking7.16 Miles 1,474 AEG
Hiking7.16 Miles   2 Hrs   46 Mns   2.70 mph
1,474 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Tuck Frump!
  2 archives
226366
Oct 03 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,836

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ 
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 03 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,836
Hiking10.22 Miles 2,175 AEG
Hiking10.22 Miles   3 Hrs   15 Mns   3.16 mph
2,175 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
met john at 0600 for a geronimo combo
trails had some erosion from last weekend's storm
not our best work but still a good hike, thanks john
_____________________
hazhole
 
226347
Oct 03 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,254

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ 
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 03 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,254
Hiking10.22 Miles 2,175 AEG
Hiking10.22 Miles   3 Hrs   15 Mns   3.16 mph
2,175 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 no routes
Senior tour continues. :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
226485
Sep 01 2025
avatar

 Guides 30
 Routes 432
 Photos 6,849
 Triplogs 397

41 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 397
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
 
225722
Aug 24 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,836

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ 
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,836
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
 
225490
Aug 24 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,254

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ 
Dobbins & Gila Lookouts, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,254
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
 
225508
Aug 10 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,867
 Photos 14,760
 Triplogs 5,967

male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ 
Telegraph - Bursera Holbert Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,967
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
 
225246
Aug 03 2025
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,867
 Photos 14,760
 Triplogs 5,967

male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 03 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,967
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
 
225098
Aug 01 2025
avatar

 Guides 264
 Routes 2,867
 Photos 14,760
 Triplogs 5,967

male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ 
Prospector - Holbert Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 01 2025
joebartelsTriplogs 5,967
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
 
225067
Jun 20 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 700
 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,836

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Dobbins Harvester, AZ 
Dobbins Harvester, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 20 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,836
Hiking9.91 Miles 2,254 AEG
Hiking9.91 Miles   3 Hrs   8 Mns   3.18 mph
2,254 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
met john at geronimo at 0445
at buena vista lookout, headed west, then took holbert to dobbins lookout
on the return, went up to harvester benchmark and east to hook back up with national
we disagree on whether we've done this exact combo before (no)
good hike
not many people out
thanks, john
_____________________
hazhole
 
224192
Jun 20 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 15
 Photos 7,285
 Triplogs 5,254

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Dobbins Harvester, AZ 
Dobbins Harvester, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 20 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,254
Hiking10.10 Miles 2,254 AEG
Hiking10.10 Miles   3 Hrs   8 Mns   3.24 mph
2,254 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 no routes
1st trip
Senior solstice slumber. No speed records were set this day. Good hike. Thanks Kelly! :)
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
224198
Jun 19 2025
avatar

 Guides 30
 Routes 432
 Photos 6,849
 Triplogs 397

41 male
 Joined Mar 01 2018
 Chandler, AZ
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ 
Dobbins Lookout via Pima Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 19 2025
John10sTriplogs 397
Hiking13.76 Miles 2,299 AEG
Hiking13.76 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   4.35 mph
2,299 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Another quick pre-work hike...I got started around sunrise at 5AM on relatively quiet trails with temps in the mid-80s and climbing. I stuck to my usual route out to Dobbins, took a quick water break there, then headed back. The city added a lot of temporary signage reminding people about the 8AM-5PM trail closures on extreme heat days, though I'm not sure how strictly they enforce that--there were still quite a few people on the trails when I finished a little after 8AM. No interesting wildlife today, just glad to be done before it got hotter.
 
224209
average hiking speed 2.24 mph
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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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