On Thanksgiving Day, rather than multiple helpings of turkey and everything else, I decided to take a hike at Mormon Trailhead. This trail is part of South Mountain Park and Preserve close to Tempe. I did check and see if they were open on Thanksgiving, and indeed they were. They were just closing a little earlier than usual. I arrived around 3:00 p.m. and didn't have any trouble parking in their small parking lot. The trail starts right by the parking lot. Mormon Trailhead is an intermediate hike. There are small portions of the hike where you have so climb (nothing crazy) and there is some incline and decline. If you're going at a decent pace, it will take you two hours or so to get through the loop. The highlight of this trail is Fat Man's Pass. There are also some cool rock formations to see. And of course, scenic views of Phoenix from your elevated vantage point. It's not an easy hike and not a difficult hike. I even saw two small kids on the trail, though I am unsure if they did it all. My hike ended up being a sunset hike. Always chasing sunsets! I believe they typically close at 8:00 p.m. but check their website to be sure. At a certain hour, they will close the front gate to not allow people on the trail too late. The exit is still open but there are spikes which prevent people from coming in using the exit but allows you to leave with your tires unharmed. Pro Tip: Download the AllTrails app. It helps you make sure you stay on track (as there are multiple trails in the area). One of the coolest things about Phoenix is the accessibility of nature. It's always a relaxing experience for me, being one with the outdoors. This has been one of my favorite hikes I've tried out so far in the area. read more

Mormon Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I came here for a sunset hike and it was stunning! There's a small parking lot I got a space in and there's no fees here. I hiked about 2.5 miles on the Mormon Trail with 700 feet elevation gain. It's a nice little workout and the views are incredible at sunset. If you wanted to hike longer this trail connects to some other ones. read more

Mormon Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Mormon Loop has many different trails that connect to it. So, it can vary the length and challenge to meet the different levels of most hikers. Starting t at the base the first mile of the trail is quite challenging, but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenic views to the top of the ridge. This trail is located quite close to Phoenix, so you will likely encounter many other hikers and bikers especially during the cooler months and on weekends. We did encounter a rattlesnake that was curled up on the trail. He did not give us any warning that he was there. We kept our distance, snapped a picture and kept on hiking. Keep in mind that there is limited shade so you will be exposed to the sun for most of the hike. Parking is free There are no bathrooms at the base of the mountain read more

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84°F In AZ on July !! Dog friendly hike Parking space Things to know No value toilets at the trailhead No permits required Opens at 5-7pm Be ready to see desert wild life : coyotes tail runners Gilamonsters rattle sneaks You can Either get to the summit 2.2 miles / 873f Or keep going and complete the hidden valley tunnel- fatman pass read more

Mormon Trailhead - Cool desert views - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This was my first time on this hiking trail, and I would rate it as a moderate hike. There's a lot of incline, but the views along the way are incredible. There are also plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath. The scenery is absolutely stunning. However, parking can be a challenge as it's very limited in this area. If you plan to hike here, I highly recommend arriving early since parking spots fill up quickly, and street parking is not allowed. Be sure to bring enough water--at least a 15 oz (1.5L) bottle. If you've already consumed half of your water by the halfway point, I'd suggest turning back, as the Arizona heat can be intense. Even after reaching the end of the Mormon Trail, there are other trails you can continue on if you're up for it, though I decided to stop there and head back. The hike back was definitely easier on the body. I'd also recommend wearing hiking boots instead of shoes for more ankle support, as the trail has plenty of rocks that can make it slippery. The wrong footwear could easily cause you to slip or lose your balance. read more

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Great hiking here on this trailhead! Lots of rocks and hills. Not a trail for the faint at heart. Getting up to where the loop where it really starts is a challenge all by itself. No way I'd ever think about doing this in summer. 70 was warm enough as is this past February! Either way pay attention as you'll come across mountain bikers from time to time. Once you do get up to the top though, enjoy the gorgeous panorama of Phoenix! It's absolutely gorgeous and worth the trek! The hike is really over 5 miles by the time it's all said and done, and it took me a little less than 3 hours by the time stopped and enjoyed the various views, nooks and crannies along the way. The best part is when you finish and come back off the loop, it's all downhill from there! No risk, no reward! read more

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One of my favorite local hikes. Moderately challenging. Smaller parking lot but there are plenty of options for parking on the road. No bathroom at the trailhead. Dog friendly trail! read more

Mormon Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I may have been here before, but don't really remember so here's a recent review! I hadn't hiked South Mountain in years and I was interested in coming back, so a friend and I met here early on a weekend. Parking was plentiful but this trailhead only has water and no bathrooms, FYI. There was a good amount of people here but not too many to feel crowded. The weather was ideal and we even got some wind and rain. After the clouds cleared up it remained a pleasant hike; we connected to the National trail and enjoyed the silence at a stopping point (it felt like the summit but not sure). On our way back we visited Fat Man's Pass, which is a unique point of interest of two rocks close together to walk through. I even spotted a rattlesnake hanging out by the rocks, but it seemed to be resting and wasn't rattling at us. Lots of trails at South Mountain and this was a moderate one that people of all abilities can come to. read more

Mormon Trailhead - Rattlesnake 7/22 - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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One of my favorite trails. Nearby parking is available. During the weekend and holidays then parking is tough but possible. Off 24th street and Baseline, turn at LA Fitness and head east until you hit the mountain. I love the views from this trail. You can easily see Dt Phx, Tempe and edge of Scottsdale. Pretty easy to navigate this route. Once we took the wrong route coming back down but no biggie. The first 7 minutes of this hike is a moderate climb. Then gets easier at times. Climbs has a lot of natural steps so be prepared to put in work on quads. Going down you will need to depend on your hamstrings. Worth doing a quick stretch before venturing up this mountain. Lots of picturesque spots and off the main trail so won't interrupt the flow. I would say that here are plenty of resting points if you need them I usually take one every 20 minutes (3 minutes or so)...followed by a 10 minute rest/reflection with at my stopping point. Quick tips: No bathrooms on this trail. So use potty beforehand. Bring plenty of water. Wear sunscreen. Need hiking all-wear shoes or boots. Do not do this trail with gym shoes. read more

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The South Mountain Park Mormon Trailhead is a great way to take in the beauty of Phoenix while avoiding the large crowds found at other trails. There's a trail for most preferences. The Trailhead consist of four trails ranging from moderate to difficult. Distance varies for each trail from about half to a full mile. The elevation is from 140' to 1150'. Of course, before you head out, be sure you have appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and water. Finally, be sure to check their website before you go. Park (and parking lot) hours change seasonally. read more

It's a nice hike with easy / moderate level. Located about 20 mins from city centre, it can get very busy, so parking lot gets full very quickly, so you have to park by the side of the main road and walk up to the trail. The trail itself is nice, plenty of K9 lovers on the trail! Do recommend to try atleast once! read more

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Just beautiful- being from the city it was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. The hike wasn't to difficult but wasn't super easy either. It was definitely worth it! We took our little pups, snacks and water, and hiked/walked about 2 hours. read more

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This hike is nice and moderate. There's some gain in elevation but nothing too intensely steep. It's short, leading to longer trail. Because it's not a loop, you can start going further if you're still up for more and just turn back when your water is halfway empty. There's some shade, but it's still a hike in Phoenix. Expect to get a little dusty. The view isn't bad, especially considering the overall lack of elevation gain. I like this trail because it's easy to find, meet up with friends, and not get lost. It's moderately popular but there's decent parking on the street nearby if the lot fills up. I've never not found a spot or had to wait around. I'm sure I'll be back again for a quick hike, at least for the convenience. read more

Mormon Trailhead - Not a bad view for a tea break - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The Mormon Trail begins at the far southern end of 24th Street and East Valley View Drive. Get there early, as this is a very popular hike. I drove in shortly after 5am (sunrise at 7:04am) last Tuesday (11-24-20) and there were already three cars in the 25-car lot. Two of those spaces are reserved for handicapped. There are no restrooms here, but there is a working water fountain. There is no fee. This starts out steep and rocky. Wear shoes with good traction. I took the trail, marked with "M" along the way, to Fat Man's Pass, the Tunnel, and looped back, for a mere four miles. This is dog-friendly, but dogs must be leashed. I only took my dogs off leash when maneuvering around Hidden Valley and the many rock slabs and boulders. The early morning shade kept this hike cool for the dogs and me. The National Trail, which is shared briefly with the Mormon trail, is shared with mountain bikers. Watch out for them, especially the men as they tend to be more inconsiderate. Also watch out for dog poop and plastic bottles. I picked up two bottles and discarded them in the recycle bin back at the trail head. I started this hike at 6:30am for a sunrise hike. Two hours later I was back down and the parking lot was packed with three cars waiting to get in. I was glad I started early, as the many kids and dogs were just starting when I got done. read more

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One of my faves but Don't go in from the EXIT you will pop your tires Very easy to get lost so BE CAREFUL , it goes off into two different trails - Mormon and Fat Mans pass- I've only ever made it to see Fat Mans Pass famous rocks once in my 8 years of hiking there. I always trail off and do my own thing it's so VAST; I always see wildlife , this used to be the spot my sister and I would go to for good conversation and beautiful sunrises read more

A very popular trail and really beautiful hike up the mountain. It is up hill, so you will be doing some climbing to get up to a point where it levels out to another trail or head to Fat Man's Tunnel and the caves that are pretty popular for those looking for that IG photo. Be aware, of Mother Nature while posing. While walking through the Hidden Valley where the caves are, I came across two bee hives hidden within the rocks. You can hear the swarms buzzing away. Friendly bees? I'm not sure nor did I get close to ask. Take your time, and enjoy your surroundings. You may run into more wildlife like I did. A few rabbits, lots of birds, and even a gila monster. The parking lot doesn't have tons of spaces so get there early or at mid morning/day to avoid crowds. And please pick up after yourself and your dog too! read more

Great workout! Once you've reached the top it has wonderful views. If you plan on hiking to the top, my advice is to bring a large water bottle, especially in this AZ heat. read more

This was a great family hike! Pro's - it's a great variation of flat, rocky, incline, down cline, and spots for water breaks. The views are also pretty amazing! It's so beautiful to look at. In addition, there are trails around to venture off in and challenge yourself on. The markers are posted clearly as well. Now the con's- very crowded spot especially on the weekend. I went on a Sunday. We had to park further away just to hike up the road before we actually got to the trail. Bummer. This trail would've gotten 5 stars, but there was poop everywhere and litter. We picked up plastic water bottles and wrappers on our hike. Just annoying when you're wanting a relaxing hike with the family. read more

Mormon Trailhead - Mid hike view - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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One of my favorite places to hike. I personally don't go passed two hours here. Once I hit the top, I go back down usually. It's a good workout. Dog friendly which is a must for me. Kids can climb it. The views up there are out of this world amazing. Parking here is always a hassle though. read more

Local trailhead gets you into South Mountain network of trails - for miles of biking and hiking. This trailhead has some nice parking but no restroom facility. 1/2 up the trail and the views are great! Go to the top for 360 degree of Phoenix. read more

Nice little trailhead in the middle of the city, the parking lot is super tiny (less than 20 spaces) so unless you get lucky you'll be parking a bit away. Also shaded picnic table to meet up with the rest of your party, though I wouldn't recommend for anything more then meeting. read more

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Nice trail head. But the parking is a bit small for it's popularity. It climbs quite a bit so it is not for everyone. Nice view to the city skyline. read more