The South Mountain Ultra hike will test your physical and mental stamina over 14 miles of tough terrain and wild elevation challenges. But the reward for hard work is remote vistas and secluded valleys full of Hohokam Indian petroglyphs, wildlife, and hoodoo rock formations. Pay attention - you're route finding will be tested right away while you're tackling the toughest summit trek of the event!
ROUTE DIRECTIONS: From the Holbert trailhead walk West (away from the Holbert trail) along the road for 100 yards until you see a trail marker on the South side of the road and then veer off the road on to the trail. Follow this trail (Box Canyon trail) until it connects with Los Lomitas trail. Follow Los Lomitas through a large wash for .1 miles then exit the wash and hike through the desert until you intersect the Kiwanas trailhead (about 1.5 miles from the start). Hike Kiwanas trail for 1 mile to Telegraph Pass where you'll take Telegraph Pass trail down the back side of South Mountain. When Telegraph Pass intersects the Desert Classic trail veer left on to Desert Classic and hike about 5 miles until you intersect the start of the Corona de Loma trail. There are several junctions along the way - pay close attention to the waypoints and their instructions for which way to go to follow the proper route. Corona de Loma gets very steep very fast but offers scenic rewards. You'll eventually intersect National Trail where you'll go left for about .75 miles and intersect the antenna tower road. Follow the road to Gila lookout and then trace your steps back to the Holbert trail. Holbert is a scenic (and steep) 3 miles back to your car and the conclusion of the toughest hike of the Phoenix Seven Summits!
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
South Mountain: Ultra Route
Distance: 14.24 mi
Points: 2277
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
This 14.3 mile route cris-crosses South Mountain on some wonderfully scenic trails. Prepare for some serious elevation change over the course of this route.
Points of Interest
Antenna Tower Road Narration
Location: 33.338730, -112.052414
This is the formal end of Holbert Trail but you can continue up to Gila Lookout along the road for more great views.
apt 0017
Location: 33.335220, -112.028900
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apt 0036
Location: 33.332970, -112.025101
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Ascent To The Road
Location: 33.328449, -112.073959
Nice trail work on the final ascent to the road
Author Self Portrait
Location: 33.331261, -112.060654
Self timers on cameras are great! I'm at the top of Gila Lookout on a stormy day with the Eastern part of the metro area behind me - I've been using my GPS phone to collect audio, GPS tracks, and mark waypoints along the way.
Beautiful sunset
Location: 33.346500, -112.080521
This is the wash where Box Canyon trail meets the Los Lomitas trail
Beautiful Wash View
Location: 33.340847, -112.045998
Once you begin the ascent out of the long wash the view looking back is fantastic.
Begin the steep ascent
Location: 33.335220, -112.028900
Best Rock Art
Location: 33.351719, -112.068405
A short detour off the Holbert Trail will lead to fantastic petroglyphs high above on a rock cliff underneath a great cliff overhang.
Bike Racers
Location: 33.342846, -112.054161
Road bikers fly down from the top of South Mountain after a tough climb. The distance by road is much longer that by trail.
Broadcast Facility
Location: 33.338715, -112.052406
These antennas on top South Mountain beem TV and radio to all of metro Phoenix.
Buena Vista Lookout
Location: 33.342972, -112.044189
Great views to the North part of Phoenix from this location.
Buena Vista Views!
Location: 33.342983, -112.044212
You can see Piestawa Peak and Camelback Mountain in the background.
Centipede
Location: 33.352345, -112.057541
A big centipede was making its way up the trail too.
Chuckawala
Location: 33.329659, -112.074554
Look at the center of the photo on the rock.
Chuckawala
Location: 33.345493, -112.056885
If you look closely just to the right of center in this photo you'll see a large Chuckawala lizard under the rock slab. It's almost a shadow - I saw it scurry under there and turned on the flash to see if I could get it to show up in the photo.
City View Narration
Location: 33.349976, -112.058548
City Views
Location: 33.350868, -112.058418
After the first big switchback you can see the trail where you've been. Nice rock formations and city views too.
Corona de Loma junction
Location: 33.333832, -112.030899
Go right here to ascend up the mountain
Desert Classic Jct
Location: 33.322899, -112.066597
There is a round concrete pad near the Telegraph Pass - Desert Classic trail junction
Desert Classic Junction
Location: 33.328220, -112.028900
While you can go right and take a shortcut, the official trail stays straight.
Desert Classic Junction
Location: 33.322899, -112.066597
This is where the Telegraph Pass Trail meets Desert Classic
Desert Classic marker 46
Location: 33.332970, -112.025101
Go left at this junction
Desrt Classic marker 54
Location: 33.326469, -112.038498
Stay left at the junction to keep on the Desert Classic trail
Desrt Classic marker 69
Location: 33.323509, -112.048203
this is a ridge with good views on the Desert Classic
Dobbins Jct
Location: 33.345192, -112.056999
Juction with the Dobbins Trail. If you take Dobbins it will ascend up to the rock fortress we saw in an earlier photo.
Dobbins Jct Narration
Location: 33.345192, -112.056999
Don't turn here!
Location: 33.328217, -112.028900
Stay straight on Desert Classic rather than taking this shortcut to the right.
Downtown Views
Location: 33.333920, -112.075256
Be sure to turn around and look behind you as you asend the Kiwanas trail. A great view of downtown Phoenix can be had.
Enter Wash Here
Location: 33.339497, -112.043335
The trail enters a wash here and you stay in the wash for .1 miles before the trail starts the ascent out of the valley.
Exit Wash Here
Location: 33.340462, -112.044800
Exit the wash on the faint trail to the right
Expansive views to the East
Location: 33.333630, -112.031921
Notice the rain showers in the distance
fire pit
Location: 33.351036, -112.068398
stay strait across fire pit area
First View Saddle
Location: 33.349655, -112.058914
This saddle affords the first view of the Dobbins lookout rock fortress.
Gila Overlook
Location: 33.331253, -112.060654
This is the turn around point for the Phoenix Seven Summits hike up Holbert Trail. It's 7 miles round trip. The views from here are wonderful.
Gila Overlook Narration
Location: 33.331253, -112.060654
Panoramic Views
Hohokam Art
Location: 33.350475, -112.074280
Notice the petroglyphs high on this big rock.
Hohokam Rock Art
Location: 33.326241, -112.069817
A great example of ancient rock art.
Hole in rock
Location: 33.345512, -112.056946
Don't miss this waypoint for a supreme photo opportunity.
Hole In Rock
Location: 33.345516, -112.056946
Note the saguaro cactus visible through the hole in rock formation.
Hoodoo Narration
Location: 33.345417, -112.056770
Gorgeous rock formations dot the head of this canyon.
Isolated but NOT
Location: 33.345417, -112.056770
Where else can you see fabulous hoodoo rock formations with city views in the distance. That's the story of South Montain preserve. The largest park preserve in the US.
Jct with Corona de Loma Trail
Location: 33.333843, -112.030930
At this junction marked by the saguaro you need to go right to begin the ascent up the Corona de Loma trail
Kiwanas Trailhead
Location: 33.340748, -112.076172
This is the official start of the Kiwanas trail. Here you'll find some nice ramadas to take a shade break. It's about a1 mile climb up to Telegraph Pass from this point.
Kiwanas Trailhead at dawn
Location: 33.340836, -112.076225
Marker one - the start of the one mile climb up to Telegraph Pass
Left side petroglyph
Location: 33.333336, -112.074242
Nice rock art on the left on the way up at this GPS mark.
Looking Northwest
Location: 33.349983, -112.058548
City of Phoenix inset with rock spires and the Holbert trail.
Meeting Place
Location: 33.351200, -112.069450
Just about 150 yards into the hike you ascend a small saddle and find a meeting area on the other side. The area contains a fire pit and a bunch of benches where the rangers tell park visitors about South Mountain and its history
National - Holbert Trail Jct
Location: 33.338570, -112.052299
This marks the GPS location where National Trail intersects the Holbert Trail. The Ultra route continues up the road to the Gila lookout and then retraces back to this spot where you'll veer on to the Holbert trail across the road.
Ocotillo
Location: 33.349987, -112.058556
The recent monsoon rains have this ocotillo in full bloom.
Ocotillo in the storm
Location: 33.344471, -112.056259
What a color contrast - a blooming ocotillo with storm clouds on the horizon and a black ciff bacjkground wall. Note the barrel cactus hidden in the ocotillo
Other Summits
Location: 33.331249, -112.060661
In the background you can see Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak which are also on the Seven Summits hike list.
Overhangging Rock Shelter
Location: 33.346134, -112.057480
After switching to the West side of the canyon this rock formation comes into view. It looks like you could stay dry in a douwnpour!
Parking
Location: 33.352028, -112.070221
The trailhead is just across the street from a large parking lot. There are restroom facilities and water at the trailhead. The trailhead sign is visible in the background of this photo.
Rattle Snake
Location: 33.351418, -112.066643
At first glace this rattle snake looks threatening! Well...its actually dead. Some low life killed the snake by bashing its head with a rock then they cut the rattle off! This is a CRIME in Arizona.
rattler
Location: 33.351414, -112.066643
This is where I found a dead rattler
Right side petroglyph
Location: 33.333179, -112.074356
Nice Hohokam spiral petroglyph to the right of the trail as you head up about 20 yards off the trail.
Road Jct
Location: 33.342930, -112.054291
The Holbert trail intersects the road that runs to the top of South Mountain about 2.5 miles into the hike.
Road Jct
Location: 33.353741, -112.062958
Turn right at the road and follow it for 100 yards to where the trail starts again on the right.
Road Jct 1
Location: 33.344177, -112.078522
Los Lomitas trail cross the road here
Road Jct 2
Location: 33.342773, -112.076927
Los Lomitas cross the road again here. There is a Kiwanas trail sign here. Don't follow the road. Cross and continue on Los Limitas trail.
Road Jct 3
Location: 33.328205, -112.073654
You'll intersect the road to the top of South Mountain here. Make a left at the road junction and walk downhill slightly for a tenth of a mile to the junction with Telegraph Pass Trail.
Road Jct Narration
Location: 33.342922, -112.054291
Holbert intersection with road.
Road Jct Wpt
Location: 33.353741, -112.062958
Be sure to turn right at the road and walk up the road for about 100 yards (toward the water tank) where the trail starts again on the right.
Road Jct Wpt 2
Location: 33.338730, -112.052414
Intersect a nice asphalt road that leads to the antenna towers.
Road Junction Narration
Location: 33.342922, -112.054298
First intersection with civilization
Rock Art
Location: 33.351105, -112.068863
Signs of ancient art on top of the saddle on a rock to the left.
Rock Art
Location: 33.351814, -112.067978
This art is high above the path but has a great spiral and warrior.
Rock Art
Location: 33.351414, -112.069725
Just 40 yards down the trail you'll find the first ancient rock art on a cliff high above the trail to the left.
Rock Art
Location: 33.351433, -112.066513
Ironically, this petroglyph of a snake was just down the trail 100 feet from where I found the dead rattler.
Rock Art -
Location: 33.351669, -112.068382
Best panel location
Rock Art - left
Location: 33.333302, -112.074280
Rock Art --
Location: 33.351788, -112.067970
Just down the way from the best panel
Rock Art ---
Location: 33.351456, -112.066521
This panel is to the right about 50 feet off the trail.
Rock Dam 2
Location: 33.333721, -112.074806
Another great rock waterfall to prevent erosion.
Rock House
Location: 33.349659, -112.058914
A stone fortress built on the Dobbins overlook. While the trail is isolated, many tourists stop at this overlook which is accessible by road.
Rock House
Location: 33.328449, -112.073944
A view of the rock house on top of the hill near the apex of Kiwanas Trail. You can hike to the house by exiting on the road and then connecting to National Trail to hike up.
Rock House - First View
Location: 33.349655, -112.058914
Rock Wall
Location: 33.337326, -112.074898
How about this construction in the wash to minimize erosion. Very nice!
Rock Wall Waterfall
Location: 33.337315, -112.074883
This waypoint marks a unique rock wall waterfall made in the wash to minimize errosion.
Rough Trail
Location: 33.348515, -112.059021
The trail is rough and steep all the way. Be sure you have good ankle support.
Scenic Narration
Location: 33.349976, -112.058548
Sign
Location: 33.342800, -112.076958
This sign is your first clue that Kiwanas trail is around here. IGNORE the sign and continue across the road on Los Lomitas trail instead of walking on the road. Either way will get you to the trailhead.
Slick Rock
Location: 33.353508, -112.062927
Looking Southeast from here you see a large slick rock slide high up the mountain.
Start climbing!
Location: 33.338028, -112.074913
The Kiwanas trail is well maintained.
Starting Directions - Ultra
Location: 33.351597, -112.071121
Steep Ascent
Location: 33.353630, -112.060135
From this saddle a steep ascent up the left side of the canyon continues. The views just keep getting better.
Steep, Rocky Relentless!
Location: 33.337410, -112.036629
While the views are rewarding, the 1,000' gained in a hurry will take your breath away!
Summit View South
Location: 33.338181, -112.038429
At the crest of the Corona de Loma trail you have expansive views to the South over Awatukee
Sunset colors the rocks
Location: 33.346447, -112.080322
Telegraph Pass Trail Junction
Location: 33.329689, -112.073700
Telegraph Pass View
Location: 33.329700, -112.073708
View down Telegraph Pass trail to the Southeast.
The Ascent up
Location: 33.333630, -112.031906
Coronda de Loma is a steep ascent up the mountain
Trail skirts a parking lot
Location: 33.351349, -112.073174
Trailhead
Location: 33.351597, -112.070045
Trailhead Sign
Location: 33.351597, -112.069908
The trailhead is well marked in case you forgot to plan your route ahead.
Transition
Location: 33.346123, -112.057480
The trail crosses the canyon and proceeds up the West side
Turn Off
Location: 33.352417, -112.076988
Just after entering Sounth Mountain region park at the guard post you'll make a left to head toward Holbert trail head.
Up Canyon
Location: 33.353645, -112.060120
Heading up a steep and remote canyon
Veer Left
Location: 33.342243, -112.045143
When you intersect the road veer left on to National Trail. If you have spare time you can go right to the Buena Vista lookout for expansive vews of Phoenix to the North.
Veer Off road here
Location: 33.351597, -112.071121
View Across the Valley
Location: 33.338165, -112.038414
From the summit of the Corona de Loma trail you can look across a hidden valley to another ridgeline that has the highly traffic'ed Buena Vista point. This valley is very remote and you'll see few people here.
Views
Location: 33.351929, -112.065323
Nice scenic views of the mountains and canyon systems.
Wash Crossing
Location: 33.334431, -112.075485
Steep ascent out of a wash after the cross
Wash Crossing in Secret Valley
Location: 33.339161, -112.042114
The trail crosses a wash in the bottom of the secluded valley
Water Hole
Location: 33.349659, -112.058914
There is a pool of water visible from this saddle in the slick rock below. It's likely from recent rains and not a spring.
Westside Narration
Location: 33.346127, -112.057480
White Tanks
Location: 33.338715, -112.052429
Distant views of the White Tank mountains bordering the far West part of metro Phoenix.
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