Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. it's a terrible site. The hidden valley tunnel is gorgeous - a must see thing. The first was to a beautiful desert landscape inside South Mountain Park, which I would later learn is the largest municipal park in the US, with more than 57 miles of trails. Veer right here (away from the outcropping) where a trail post points towards the National Trail. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop. Tim Agne January 19, 2017. The Hidden Valley was the highlight of the hike - very cool! In all we did about 11 kms doing this loop. The hike took us about two hours. This is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. There is a parking lot at the trailhead but if it's full, you should be able to find free parking on the street. National to Hidden Valley to Mormon Loop - Hike near Phoenix, Arizona ~4501-4503 E Pima Canyon Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA , Phoenix , Arizona 33.36289566 , -111.98586101 Once reaching the Mormon Trail, continue back to the parking lot with wonderful views of Phoenix greeting you the whole way! Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail (Maricopa County, Arizona) As I was going to be in Phoenix this weekend for a couple of events, I thought I would research and hike a couple of trails near the city. The Mormon Trail Monument was designated a California Historic Landmark (No.577). Because it’s located close to town, the route can get very busy. Challenging Wave Cave Trail is an Arizona favorite for pictures; Best short hike in Phoenix: Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley and Fat Man's Pass in South Mountain Park; This secret, hidden waterfall in Madera Canyon may be the most accessible in Arizona; Totally awesome hiking trails … Jenn Aragon October 29, 2014. When you get to this junction, you want to go left and backtrack just a short ways west on National and you will meet up with the Mormon Trail Intersection. It's also dog friendly. Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail Hiking Not well known to tourists, the South Mountain Preserve is a gem used mainly by Phoenix locals, and this trail is one of its shining examples. Been here 100+ times. It was a very enjoyable hike and we will definately do it again. Take plenty of water. This occurs at the top of a hill, beside a large rock outcropping. Ask CsillaP about South Mountain Park. Winter is great for cool temperatures, and mornings in the late summer/fall are also approachable if you finish before the midday sun. other than that, get here early to avoid the rush and by early i mean before sunrise. HAZ uses cookies . Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley is a fun hike that features great views, petroglyphs, a natural tunnel and a tight squeeze through Fat Man's Pass. … Read more. The Mormon Trail takes an adventurous route into South Mountain's Hidden Valley region, providing fun scrambling opportunities and interesting geology. It kept the heart rate up, but not very difficult. The Hidden Valley loop offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a cool squeeze through Fat Man's pass. Named place photos near Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail. Finally, the Hidden Valley Trail finishes with an impressive nature tunnel created by several fallen boulders (pictured above). It kept the heart rate up, but not very difficult. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 3 customer reviews 4.0 4.2 miles 800 ft gain - Loop Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Hidden Valley is in the South Mountain Park just 8 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail. The trail becomes alot more defined again and as you climb a short ascent out of the valley, you will encounter the National Trail junction. The Mormon Trail is the 1,300-mile (2,100 km) long route from Illinois to Utah that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints traveled for 3 months. Social media is replete with negative comments about noisy groups, irresponsible hikers, food scraps, dog poo and painted rocks meant as inspirational gifts left in trees and clefts. We went to Hidden Valley via Mormon trail. To access Hidden Valley take the Mormon Hiking Trail for 1.1 mile to where it forks. There are many trails in this area, worthy of more hiking. Been here 10+ times. The path heads gently downhill and then across a small valley. Jan 3, 2020 - MORMON TRAIL-HIDDEN VALLEY LOOP: South Mountain Park. Find . The South Mountain Park has an extensive trail system and this is one of the many hikes… Home. Duration: 2 hours. Length: 3.4-mile lollipop loop. The trail is very nice, well maintained. Getting there: From central Phoenix, go south on … The Monument is near Phelan, California in San Bernardino County, California. Hidden Valley A junction after 1.5 miles marks the edge of Hidden Valley; the National Trail veers off northwards and a slightly narrower, rougher path enters the basin, rejoining the main trail on the far side. Date of experience: April 2014. This hike features stunning views and interesting rock formations. Easy to moderate difficulty. The Hidden Valley trail is a short trail and a must do with its natural tunnel and Fat Man's Pass. The Monument was built in 1937 and is on California State Route 138, 3.6 Miles West of Interstate 15. The trail gains 918 feet over a 3.4 mile loop, so it’s a bit of a challenge but nowhere near difficult if you’re looking for something new with unique sights. The Mormon trail was a constant uphill climb. In all, there are 29 routes in the park, ranging from a few half-mile hikes to the 14.3-mile National Trail, which is one of two ways to get to the Hidden Valley Trail — the other option is the Mormon Trail. We hiked the Mormon Trail to the Hidden Valley Loop. Mormon Trail is a fairly busy trail much of the time. The trails can be busy with mountain bikes. 3 Thank CsillaP . The trail gains 918 feet over a 3.4 mile loop, so it’s a bit of a challenge but nowhere near difficult if you’re looking for something new with unique sights. Either one will work, but the National offers better views and includes the scenic drive to the top of the Guadalupe Range, which is one of three ranges that converge in the park. We did the Mormon Trail, then onto the National Trail which leads to the Hidden Valley Trail. We hiked the Mormon Trail to the Hidden Valley Loop. Nov 17, 2015 - There are many trails in this area that are worthy of more hiking. At the west end of Hidden Valley there is a 'Fat Man's Pass' and naturally smooth rock 'slide.' TOO bad people don't know how to pick up after the dogs that they hike up with. Fat Man's pass is … Today, the Mormon Trail is a part of the United States National Trails System, known as the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail.. Once exiting the tunnel, return to the National Trail and continue left towards the Mormon Trail. Towards the top of the mountain, Mormon Trail comes to an end at a junction with National Trail, and there is a turnoff to the left for Hidden Valley Tunnel. Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail Not well known to tourists, the South Mountain Preserve is a gem used mainly by Phoenix locals, and this trail is one of its shining examples. Added by Kevin Kaminski. It was a very enjoyable hike and we will definately do it again. Elevation: 1,280-2,080 feet. cardio. Rating: Moderate. Hike to Hidden Valley via The Mormon Loop Trail. The Hidden Valley was the highlight of the hike - very cool! Great views of from the top and really interesting rock formations. The Mormon trail was a constant uphill climb. The Monument is to remember the 500 Mormon pioneers came to the San Bernardino Valley in June 1851. The hike took us about two hours. Season: Spring is the best for scenery – the trail will be filled with yellow brittlebush and other wildflowers. Length: 6.2 miles. Home FAQ Contribute. The historic 2,170-mile (3,490 km) Oregon Trail connected various towns along the Missouri River to Oregon's Willamette Valley.It was used during the 19th century by Great Plains pioneers who were seeking fertile land in the West and North.. As the trail developed it became marked by numerous cutoffs and shortcuts from Missouri to Oregon. The hidden valley trail is beautyful - there are lots of red rocks! Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. 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