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Mormon Trail (Closures in Effect)

Arizona > Central Arizona > *Phoenix Areas > S Mountain
Warning Access Issue: Phoenix South Mountain Park & Preserve DetailsDrop down

Description

Many boulders surround the Mormon Trail at South Mountain. Most of them are unclimbable due to choss, but with some imagination, there are many to be found with solid holds. The highest density of boulders is closer to the top of the trail, both on the hillside to the left and the canyon to the right.

This area is not well developed. My recommendation is to not commit to a move unless you are confident that the holds will not break.

Getting There

Start at the Mormon Trailhead, which is located at the end of 24th St. There will be a parking lot just on your right once you turn left onto E Valley View Rd. If the lot is full, you can park on 24th st.

Hike up the trail for around a mile. The boulders that I have found so far are located around where the trail opens up into a sandy, flat crest. I will try to add GPS coordinates and pictures for each boulder.

It's a moderately steep approach, so be prepared. Also, this is a popular hiking trail, so of course be courteous and expect a lot of "Is that a yoga mat on your back?" kind of questions.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

View of the 2017 Summer Solstice sun rising over Four Peaks from atop the Split Dome. Petroglyph in the foreground that may be depicting an atlatl (a prehistoric tool used for hunting).
[Hide Photo] View of the 2017 Summer Solstice sun rising over Four Peaks from atop the Split Dome. Petroglyph in the foreground that may be depicting an atlatl (a prehistoric tool used for hunting).