FAT MAN’S PASS & NATURAL TUNNEL VIA MORMON TRAIL (CI)

Date:					Destination:		Morman Trailhead
Level:		Casual Intermediate			Area:		South Mountain Preserve Park
Approx hike distance in miles:		3.7			Hike leader:
Low to high elevation gain:					Hike leader phone:
Accum elevation gain in feet:		928			Hike leader email:
Departure time - Union Center parking lot:					Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in
Recommended gas donation:		$10
Unpaved miles:		None			Park entry fee per vehicle:		None
Road conditions:		Good			Website for reference info:		https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/hidden-valley-trail-via-mormon-trail
High clearance vehicle req'd:		No			Trailhead GPS coordinates:		33.36645 ,– 112.03101
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Maintained Trail:		Yes			Uneven Footing:		Yes
Steep Side Drop-offs:		No			Steep Trail:		Yes
Off Trail (scratchy):		No			Slippery Trail Surfaces:		No
Use of Hands Required:		No			Boulder Hopping:		No
Difficulty :		Strenuous			Water Crossings:		No
Restrooms at Trailhead:		No			Gloves Required:		No

Special Instructions:

This trail offers some interesting features like tunnels, dry waterfalls and a squeeze through Fat Man’s Pass.  The first mile of the trail is quite challenging, but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenic views all the way to the top of the ridge.  Once you reach the ridge, you’ll leave the Mormon Trail and enter the Hidden Valley Loop, which has even more fun to offer.  Bring water, snack and hiking sticks.

Directions: 

From the Union Center turn left on Sun City Blvd, right on Merrill Ranch Parkway, left on Hunt Hwy, right on Attaway Rd, right on AZ-287, left on AZ-387, right on I-10 West (29 miles).   Take Exit 155 (Baseline Road).  Turn left, and in 3.7 miles turn left on S. 24^th St.  In 0.8 miles turn right into the Mormon Trailhead (8610 S. 24^th St, Phoenix AZ).