National Trail

by Chris 4/17/2000

We began this hike on a beautiful Phoenix Sunday mid-afternoon. After the obligatory 1.2 mile hike from the parking lot to the beginning of National Trail (take Pima Wash to avoid the dirt road), we commenced our hike up the introductory switchbacks. This was just the beginning of the 14 mile trail, which crosses the entirety of South Mountain Park from the east to the west. A round-trip accomplishes more than a marathon.

However, a marathon was not in our plans for the day. We hiked through the first few, beautiful miles of National Trail enjoying the desert scenery, replete with saguaros, ocotillos and cholla cacti, as well as palo verde trees and impressive rock formations. Having considered settling for National-Mormon Loop, we decided to carry on west on National. As we distanced ourselves from the Loop, people grew more and more scarce and finally those that we did encounter were coming from the parking lot at Buena Vista, in the opposite direction. Before long we reached Buena Vista, and contemplated our next steps. However, we realized that it was too late to carry on down National Trail, so the completion of this article will come another day.

Instead, we traversed the canyon to the north, crossed Pima Wash, and went back up the other side of the canyon. Eventually, this unnamed trail went down the other side toward the homes in Awhatukee, and met up with Desert Classic Trail. We hiked along this winding path for quite some time and bemoaned the fact that we were slowly working our way past trailposts beginning at 46. Before too long, we realized that we would not be able to return to our car before sunset and needed to call a friend on a cell phone in order to be rescued. We found an exit onto Equestrian Trail in Awhatukee and admired the homes until our ride finally arrived.

Despite our poor planning, National Trail is a wonderful route to explore and there are many areas of it to try out. Many of them are virtually deserted, despite wonderful views that are perfect for a picnic lunch. And, if you are close to your car, the views of the sunset are wonderful.

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.