I went on an awesome hike today right in our own backyard! South Mountain is a great place to hike. It is such a blessing to live so close to such an amazing natural resource. I have been taking it easy with my running after Monday’s experience. (I ran two miles and had to stop three times and walk. My knee was bothering me a lot, too.) So I decided to do a long hike today.
Here I go!
This is the beginning of Telegraph Pass
This is where the trail branches off into two trails
One direction is Desert Classic Trail, which is great for mountain biking and trail running. It is relatively flat in comparison to many other trails in the area, so it is boring to hike; at least to me.
The other side of the fork is Telegraph Pass, which is one of my favorite trails. It is a quick workout, with a lot of elevation gain in just over a mile of trail. Telegraph intersects with the National Trail at the top, which goes all the way across South Mountain, from one end to the other. The National Trail is about 15.5 miles long. I really want to do the National Trail Trek this weekend, which is a huge group that hikes from one side of the National Trail to the other; but it filled up, and I didn’t realize it. If anyone knows anyone who registered, and now doesn’t want to go, please let me know. I still really want to go!
The really nice man in the background of the previous picture was nice enough to offer to take a picture of me!
The sun setting over South Mountain casting a huge shadow over the trail.
View from the top of Telegraph Pass in the evening.
Part of the National Trail
Top of Telegraph Pass from top of South Mountain
The stone ramada at the top of the trail
Between the ridgelines
Beautiful vegetation along the Pyramid Trail
Pyramid Trail-How perfect is this for trail running? Too bad I had to seriously hold back because I really wanted to!
Beautiful Ahwatukee from the top of the mountain
Those were just several other good pics I got while hiking
This is where I took a wrong turn and almost got lost in the wilderness this past summer. Always make sure you know where you are going. Especially in the summer! Even if you bring three liters of water, and a coconut water, (warm coconut water is realllly disgusting!) it may be SO hot that not even THAT is enough. Take it from someone who knows from experience!
How much do you want to run these trails? Aren’t they just screaming “run me! run me! I’m flat and I’m a trail, you know you wanna run me!” I LOVE being injured and having to coddle my body.
I just love this picture! It might actually be a framer!
The beautiful AZ sunset behind South Mountain.
Back in civilization
Some lowfat organic chocolate milk for some refueling and recovery
The best part is my shirt. You know you love it 🙂
Happy Trails and Happy Friday everyone!
Loved all of the pics today, of course you know how I feel about mountains! SO glad that you have found the love of hiking that your Dad and I have. We knew the “hiking gene” would kick in some day! It has been almost a year now, and we are so happy and proud of all that you have accomplished. Love your blog. it shortens the thousands of miles that we are apart, so keep it up! Love you, Happy Trails! Mom
Thanks Mom! I love you guys, too, and miss you! I can’t wait to take you hiking all over Phx when you come to visit 🙂
Great pics! …finally! Hahaha. Hilarious/adorable shirt. You look so cute in your hiking get-up. Be careful not to aggravate your knee injury! Today is our 6 year anniversary and we’re driving up to Prescott to hike Thumb Butte. I’ll try to remember to take pics and share the experience with you.
That’s awesome, Abbey! Congratulations on six years! I hope you guys have fun. Can’t wait to see pics!
What a lovely trail. I was actually going to do Hobert trail but just it alone. I don’t know the trails enough to mix them up yet. I too have almost gotten lost there! How long was this hike? Hope your knee gets better soon!
The hike I did this day was about 5.5 miles. I did a big loop from the top of Telegraph Pass. I almost got lost the first time, but I figured it out. I suggest getting a map of the trails on South Mountain and taking it with you. The trails are very easy once you get to know them. Do you want to hike Friday afternoon? I am off that day and availavle after 1pm. I could meet up at Camelback or Squaw Peak, or you could come down to South Mountain if you want me to take you on some of those trails. Let me know! Update 1/31/12-I just realized I have a work meeting (on my day off!!) at 2pm Friday. Maybe Saturday or Sunday?