Weather: 69º, partial sun
Time: ~2.5 hours
About this Hike: This is the second time this winter that I've explored the southwestern end of South Mountain via Pyramid Trailhead.
This trailhead is located at Chandler Blvd. and 19th Ave., deep in the suburban jungle of Ahwatukee Foothills. Last time I explored this area it was to find an old mine shaft and the remains of an old ranch. Turns out there are a lot of side trails that, while well-blazed, don't appear on the City of Phoenix map of the preserve. Following some of these can be tricky.
Last time as I was finishing up my hike, I got distracted and started to explore the well-signed Bursera trail. Bursera is part of the city's trail system. I wanted to explore some more, but was short of time.
With temps unseasonably cool and wildflowers abloom, today was the perfect day to head back to Pyramid Trail.
From the trailhead parking, Pyramid quickly gives way to Busera. The signposts are abundant marking these trails. Busera takes you up and over several ridges, with steep elevation gain, followed by steep drops. I'd recommend poles, and regret not bringing my own.
Eventually Busera drops through a valley that was carpeted in delicate yellow flowers. These flowers formed 'crop circles' around creosote and other desert brush. For that matter, Busera runs along a lot of north-facing ridges, and these were exploding with purple flowers, and gold Mexican poppies.
Busera climbs again and then joins National Trail (this 13 mile trail traverses the entire South Mountain Preserve). I hiked up a steep ridge along National as I wanted to see the view. Would I see Phoenix and Tempe in the distance? Actually, South Mountain is composed of two long ranges with a deep depression, valley, canyon—call it what you like—that runs east-west down the middle. Atop this ridge, I was able to observe this geography all the closer. A wash and San Juan Road run through the valley floor. As I gazed eastward the control tower at Sky Harbor could just be seen poking up in the crotch of the valley.
I'm sure none of this is news to Phoenix hiking aficionados. It just goes to show even after eight years in the Valley, there's still so much for me to explore—especially at America's largest urban park.
Time: ~2.5 hours
About this Hike: This is the second time this winter that I've explored the southwestern end of South Mountain via Pyramid Trailhead.
This trailhead is located at Chandler Blvd. and 19th Ave., deep in the suburban jungle of Ahwatukee Foothills. Last time I explored this area it was to find an old mine shaft and the remains of an old ranch. Turns out there are a lot of side trails that, while well-blazed, don't appear on the City of Phoenix map of the preserve. Following some of these can be tricky.
Last time as I was finishing up my hike, I got distracted and started to explore the well-signed Bursera trail. Bursera is part of the city's trail system. I wanted to explore some more, but was short of time.
With temps unseasonably cool and wildflowers abloom, today was the perfect day to head back to Pyramid Trail.
From the trailhead parking, Pyramid quickly gives way to Busera. The signposts are abundant marking these trails. Busera takes you up and over several ridges, with steep elevation gain, followed by steep drops. I'd recommend poles, and regret not bringing my own.
Eventually Busera drops through a valley that was carpeted in delicate yellow flowers. These flowers formed 'crop circles' around creosote and other desert brush. For that matter, Busera runs along a lot of north-facing ridges, and these were exploding with purple flowers, and gold Mexican poppies.
Busera climbs again and then joins National Trail (this 13 mile trail traverses the entire South Mountain Preserve). I hiked up a steep ridge along National as I wanted to see the view. Would I see Phoenix and Tempe in the distance? Actually, South Mountain is composed of two long ranges with a deep depression, valley, canyon—call it what you like—that runs east-west down the middle. Atop this ridge, I was able to observe this geography all the closer. A wash and San Juan Road run through the valley floor. As I gazed eastward the control tower at Sky Harbor could just be seen poking up in the crotch of the valley.
I'm sure none of this is news to Phoenix hiking aficionados. It just goes to show even after eight years in the Valley, there's still so much for me to explore—especially at America's largest urban park.
