Papago Park Adventures

Pagago Park

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For directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Papago+Park,+Tempe,+AZ&hl=en&ll=33.451209,-111.943302&spn=0.035019,0.075874&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.684144,77.695313&vpsrc=6&hq=Papago+Park,+Tempe,+AZ&t=h&z=14

The Park

Papago Park is a large (1,200 acres) beautiful place with lots to offer. Where else can you find a red sandstone mountain with chambers that you can explore, a Lake with two beautiful swans, a pyramidal tomb, a nature trail, and hiking? Papago Park is a unique and wonderful place to visit!

Hole in the Rock

 The first stop on our Papago Adventure was The Hole in the Rock trail. It’s a very short (0.10 miles) and easy trail, I would call it more of a sightseeing trek than a hike, but it’s interesting nonetheless. 

*Warning* There was A LOT of broken glass all over this path and up into the rock itself. Be careful of where you and your dog walk.* 

Hunt’s Tomb

Papago Park

          Our next stop was a visit to Hunt’s Tomb. This is the resting place of Arizona’s first governor, George W.P. Hunt. We simply walked from where we had parked at the Hole in the Rock parking lot, followed the road down a path to one of the ponds and crossed the street to the Tomb. Once again, there’s not much hiking going on, but the park is lovely and the weather was so beautiful that it was just nice to be outside. 

The plaque

Papago Ponds

          Feeling the need to explore, we walked back to the car taking a different route. Morgaine was excited when she spotted the ducks by the water’s edge and we went to say hello…well,. I said hello, she said “woof.” 

The Nature Trail

Still feeling adventurous, we meandered around until we came across the Nature Trail, which starts at the Ranger’s Station. There are bathrooms and a drinking fountain located in the parking lot, so if you need a quick stop, this is a good place to go. The trail is easy and only 0.5 miles in length. It is marked with plaques that describe the local flora and fauna and provides an enjoyable stroll.

I thought the name was cute.

Another reminder to be careful when you hike

Eliot Trail

Papago Park

Feeling the need for more of a workout, we got back in our car and crossed the road to the other side of Papago (the road is called East Moreland on the west side of the Galvin Parkway). On the right-hand-side is a trailhead parking lot for the Eliot Trail. This trail is 2.7-miles, an easy path with great views. 

We took a short detour and climbed a steep hill that lead to great views

It was around 9:30 am when this picture was taken, this is the back side of the #5 trail

Hiking the National Trail, South Mountain

Once again, we started at the Kiwanis trailhead lot (for more information see my post entitled “Hiking South Mountain's Kiwanis Trail”), and took the Kiwanis trail, which eventually leads to the National Trail (see the pictures below). We crossed the road and followed the sign to take the National trail, and then started climbing up,up,up. This trail is strenuous, and Morgaine and I really enjoyed the challenge.

It’s a narrow trail with a very steep drop-off to the right-hand side as you work your way up.

Morgaine was so excited that she made me wonder if she’s part mountain goat as she skipped up the trail.

It was pretty busy on this Thursday morning, with a lot of trail runners working their way both up and down the path. The challenge for a hiker with a dog, is finding a good place to stop and let the runners go by. So, if you decide to take the National with your dog, try to keep a lookout ahead of you for places to ‘pullover’ and let others pass. 

To reiterate, it is strenuous, but if you keep going, there’s a great reward waiting for you. (See the pictures below). I’m not sure what this little overlook is called, but it’s a fantastic spot to rest and have a little snack.

I would highly recommend that you enter the little building in front of your dog and walk the entire circle (there’s a stone table in the center of the structure that you’ll have to walk around). I found a large piece of glass on the ground and had to kick it away so that Morgaine didn’t end up cutting her paws. You also want to do this check because there could be creepy little surprises waiting inside as well (finding a tarantula or a snake would not make snack-time so pleasant).

We continued on a little further, over the ridge and to the next marker, but Morgaine began to show fatigue and I decided to call it quits.

We still had to work our way back down the National Trail, and all the way back through the Kiwanis Trail, which has some steep areas to climb through.  We took it slow, had lots of breaks and plenty of water.

This hike is great! Especially if you’re looking to get some serious exercise in.

Hiking Las Lamitas Loop Trail

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Follow the link to get directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=south+mountain+park+central+ave+phoenix&hl=en&ll=33.341428,-112.06604&spn=0.142547,0.308647&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.231745,79.013672&vpsrc=6&hq=south+mountain+park+central+ave+phoenix&t=m&z=12


The “hike” began at the Kiwanis Trailhead parking lot (see map above) and we took the trailhead on the right side of the lot (as you face the parked cars). We followed the Las Lamitas trail, which is a smooth, gradual path that seems to be more of a connection point from one lot to another. It finally let out at another parking lot and a very nice picnic area. We searched for the continuation of the trail and couldn’t locate it, so we headed back to the Kiwanis lot. I didn’t take many pictures of this trail because there wasn’t much to see. 

The loop is 1.2 miles (http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/smtnlarge.pdf) in length. It might not be a very exciting hike, but if I was to picnic, I would consider using the Las Lamotas picnic area.

Hiking the Phoenix Mountain Preserve: LV Yates Trail to Trail #8

We accessed this trail by taking N. 40th Street until it ends at the trail head parking lot. You can plug "9200 N. 40th Street, Phoenix AZ" into your GSP for guided directions.

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You’ll find bathrooms, covered picnic tables and the trail head sign in the lot (see the picture below for the trail head sign). 

Our hike started around 6:00 am and the weather was pleasant and cool, gradually warming up as the day progressed. The LV Yates trail is wide and gradual, a great trail for beginners or for those looking for a less strenuous day out. 

Eventually there is a small fork in the trail, you can go straight to Trail 100 (this is a strenuous trek that might be hard on your dogs paws), or right to Trail 8. If you take Trail 8, and veer left, you will move further into the mountain on an easy path. 

In the distance, you can see a giant piece of snowy quartz standing in contrast against the mountain. Keep going and you’ll reach a bench, if you look to your left, there is a small “trail” (more like a less-traveled path) that will take you to the quartz. 

*A word of caution here, be sure to keep your pet close and watch (and listen) for snakes. Any path that’s less traveled is more likely to have wildlife utilizing it, so be vigilant.*

Hiking South Mountain's Kiwanis Trail

We accessed this trail by taking S. Central Avenue all the way to the South Mountain Park and Preserve.


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Here's a link for a more detailed map: http://g.co/maps/dxmnh


We drove past the Rangers Station and followed the signs to the Kiwanis trail, making the first left (look for the sign) eventually parking on the right-hand side of the road in a small trailhead lot. The trailhead starts on the left side of the lot, where the sign (in the picture above) is located. There are also picnic tables in the vicinity with shade that provide a great place to sit and rest or gather all of your gear before the hike.

The trail is moderate... a 2.1 mile hike round trip that twists and turns through the mountain.   There are some areas that are rather steep and may be slightly difficult to traverse if you have an older dog or have any knee issues. It is by no means mountain climbing, but you will get your heart rate up.

The trail has a lot to offer, from Native American hieroglyphs to amazing views of the Phoenix skyline. At times, it felt like we were away from it all, then we would turn around and see the city in the distance.

The sign above is where the trail ends. You can turn around or go across the road and continue to the National Trail.

On our hike we encountered children, dogs, and a few lizards. During the week, the trail is quiet with a few hikers disbursed throughout it, while the weekends can be a bit busier.