National - Mormon Loop

by Chris 4/18/2000

So, you've finally come to the realization that the only rotten thing about a nice hike in Phoenix is that you usually have to cover the same territory twice, considering our most popular hikes are all out-and-back trails. Well let the 6-mile National-Mormon Loop sooth your pain, because this trail features wonderful landscape, a variety of viewpoints, and you never have to hike the same part twice. Well, sort of.

Getting to the trailhead does require a 1.2 mile walk in both directions along Pima Canyon Road (which is included in the 6-mile figure), but this is a good thing because there are subsequently far fewer people on the trail itself. Plus, you can easily shake things up by following Ridgeline Trail or the unnamed trail beginning atop Marcos de Niza Rock to the trailhead. Many people simply hike along Pima Wash to avoid the road.

However, an easy warm-up down Pima Canyon Road will take you across Pima Wash to the beginning of the trail in quick fashion. Start on National Trail, and within 100 yards you will come to a fork indicating National Trail to the left and Mormon Trail to the right. I recommend taking National Trail to start but you can easily take either direction. Starting out on National is a steep climb at first but the remainder of the trip gently descends back to starting level. The first section is a series of switchbacks that immediately take you to the top of Pima Canyon, where National Trail straightens out and heads west. This is classic desert scenery, replete with several varieties of cactus and other plantlife. There is also a good deal of vermin up here, so watch your step.

After 1.35 miles of National you will arrive at a fork allowing you to proceed left toward Hidden Valley. I recommend doing so, but this is not necessary so you may also continue straight ahead and shortly you will meet up with Mormon Trail on your right. However, if you take Hidden Valley you will cross through a natural tunnel into a truly "hidden valley" of immense boulders formed by years and years of flooding. Follow the valley west for a half mile, scrambling across boulders and keeping an eye out for footprints in the remote patches of sand. Before long, you will come to the end and be faced with Fat Man's Pass, an exit between two huge rocks that come within a foot of each other at the waist. You can also opt to climb over the boulders as your exit. You will then find yourself back on National at the 3 mile mark of your journey. Turn right heading back east in order to meet back up with Mormon Trail. Turn left (north) to continue.

Once on Mormon you will head toward the north face of South Mountain and eventually come to a saddle with magnificient views of Phoenix. From there, the trail turns right and begins descending as you head back east. Again, you will find yourself in the midst of classic desert splendor. Finally, the trail meets back up with National Trail and Pima Canyon Road.

Getting There: The park entrance is on 48th Street, one-half mile south of Baseline. Enter the park going west past an empty information booth.