7 Best Hiking Trails In South Mountain Village, Arizona

1. Mormon Loop Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A trip to Mormon Loop Trail starts at Mormon Trailhead, found along East Valley View Drive. You’ll have to traverse pretty deep into the Mormon Trail, about 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometers), before finding Mormon Loop Trail by taking a left turn.

Mormon Loop Trail is a one-way segment that extends about 1.28 miles (2.06 kilometers) further into South Mountain. It intersects with Devastator Trail and Javelina Canyon Trail before terminating along South Mountain National Trail. Expect an elevation change of 410 feet (125 meters). It will also take a 46-minute one-way hike before you can go back. You can enjoy the vistas of downtown Phoenix and faraway areas such as Camelback Mountain.

Mormon Loop Trail

Address: Mormon Trailhead at 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, Arizona 85042, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

2. Hidden Valley Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hidden Valley Trail can be found deep in South Mountain, past Mormon Trail, and loops around to connect to South Mountain National Trail. Despite being only 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) long, its rugged and shrubby terrain can pose quite a challenge to beginner hikers. Moreover, it has an elevation of 150 feet (456 meters). Getting from Mormon Trailhead and looping around just Hidden Valley should take about one hour.

Hidden Valley Trail is famous for its two landmarks. One of which is the Hidden Valley Natural Tunnel formed by gigantic boulders falling on top of each other. The Fat Man’s Pass on the other end of the trail is also a rock formation with a narrow passage between two huge boulders.

Hidden Valley Trail

Address: Mormon Trailhead at 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, Arizona 85042, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

3. Telegraph Pass Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The hike starts at Desert Foothills Trailhead, so you’ll have to traverse 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) of the Desert Classic Trail before reaching the actual Telegraph Pass Trail. Once there, the trail will lead you in a northwest direction for 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) until it terminates once it intersects with the South Mountain National Trail.

Hikers should expect an elevation change of around 240 feet (73 meters) as they make their way up this one-way trail. Making your way from the trailhead to the end of the Telegraph Pass Trail should take about 31 minutes. Note that this trail is moderate when it comes to the level of difficulty.

Telegraph Pass Trail

Address: Desert Foothills Trailhead at 14251 S Desert Foothills Pkwy, Phoenix, Arizona 85048, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

4. Holbert Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Holbert Trail is named after Charles M. Holbert, South Mountain Park’s first custodian. One should note that this trail is difficult mainly due to its distance and changing terrain. Hikers planning to trek the whole length of the trail will need to venture 2.5 miles (4.02 kilometers), so bring water and trail snacks.

The elevation change is a whopping 1,100 feet (335 meters), so it’s better to pace yourself while making your way up. The trail is also one-way, allowing you to loop around on your way back.

Holbert Trail

Address: Holbert Trailhead at 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85042, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

5. Ridgeline Loop Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The official Ridgeline Loop Trail is on South Mountain, past the Beverly Canyon Trail. However, another Ridgeline Trail starts near the trailhead with a steady 1.8-mile (2.9-km) route to the official trail and continues until meeting with the Javelina Canyon Trail. Traversing all the way here should take around 43 minutes.

Although Ridgeline Trail is pretty straightforward, the loop provides a change of scenery and pace on the way back. Hikers who started at the Beverly Canyon Trailhead can make their way back through Beverly Canyon Trail. Those with time to spare can also loop back via the Javelina Canyon Trail since the Javelina Canyon Trailhead is in the same lot as the Beverly Canyon Trailhead.

Taking the Ridgeline-Javelina loop will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the Ridgeline-Beverly loop takes about 55 minutes. Hikers should note that Ridgeline Loop Trail is moderately challenging.

Ridgeline Loop Trail

Address: Beverly Canyon Trailhead at 8000 S 46th St., Phoenix, Arizona 85044, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

6. Pyramid Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Pyramid Trail has a distance of 3 miles (5 kilometers) and starts at the Bursera Trailhead located in the Ahwatukee Foothills Village of Phoenix. Pyramid Trail also branches out or intersects early on with other trails such as Bursera Trail and Gila Trail. The route meanders onward until finally terminating as it meets the South Mountain National Trail. The hike should take about 1 hour and 25 minutes to get to where the trails merge.

Because of its distance, it has been given a moderate to difficult trail rating for hikers. It is also designated as a one-way trail, so you’ll have to loop to make your way back.

Pyramid Trail

Address: Bursera Trailhead at 15441 S 19th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85045, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

7. South Mountain National Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Being the eponymous trail of South Mountain, the South Mountain National Trail has a staggering distance of about 14.93 miles (24.03 kilometers) and an elevation of 1,150 feet (351 meters). Its two trailheads are Curtis Saddle Trailhead and Pima Canyon Trailhead. As the longest trail on the mountain, the National Trail is also the most scenic route, taking you through old stone houses and petroglyphs scattered around the slopes.

Do note South Mountain National Trail is a one-way trail, so you’ll have to switch to a different trail to loop back. If you plan to hike from one end to the other, it will take about 5 hours and 35 minutes.

South Mountain National Trail

Address: Curtis Saddle Trailhead at W Estrella Dr, Laveen Village, Arizona 85339, United States / Pima Canyon Trailhead at 4500 E Pima Canyon Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85044, United States

Website: South Mountain Trail Map and Descriptions

Opening hours: trailhead opens at 5am - 11pm (daily)

Experience the natural beauty of South Mountain Village

Avid outdoor lovers will love staying at South Mountain Village for its proximity to South Mountain Park and Preserve and its numerous scenic trails. Embrace its natural beauty by trekking through these best hiking trails in South Mountain Village, Arizona.