Aubade did have to be carried down as she was completely exhausted, and ended up napping on my mom’s back (we had been alternating the carrier – I had it most of the way up without Aubade, and my mom got stuck with it going down. The trailhead is to the right very shortly after. After the sun and heat of the trail, the pass feels almost frigid, the eerily smooth rocks around the narrow path very cold to the touch; it is quite refreshing, and the pass itself is really fun to play in. Mormon Trail to Fat Man's Pass is easily one of my favorite hikes. Nice cool walk through hidden valley with some points where you will need to sit and slide down smooth rocks. There are multiple ways to get to Fat Man’s Pass, but because Limerick is an avid climber I thought we’d try starting at Mormon Trailhead, where the trail climbs steeply upward for 1.3 miles before leveling off and descending to Hidden Valley. Cardio. Named place photos near Mormon Trail - South Mountain. Cardio. Fat Mans Pass is what the area is known to hikers as. Keep fitness resolutions on track with Fat Man’s Pass hike. Turn either way and go until you get to Hidden Valley. How to get there: from the I-10, exit on Baseline Rd and drive west till 24th Street. It's a quick but fun hike and workout. The hike begins at the Mormon Trail parking lot in south Phoenix. Starting from the junction with the National Trail, the Hidden Valley Trail veers right to immediately reach the main event. Trail Mix Hiking. They're especially nice around sunset and sunrise. To enter Hidden Valley, a challenge awaits: Squeezing through the rock crevice known as Fat Man’s Pass. Hidden Valley is worth the trek to get there, and the Sonoran desert is beautiful this time of year. For a shorter, steeper hike, next time we’ll try the Mormon Trail from the 24 th Street parking area to the National Trail and Hidden Valley to Fat Man’s Pass covers approximately 1.7 miles and about 900 feet. Hike to Hidden Valley via The Mormon Loop Trail. Mostly rocky trail and fairly rigorous from the get go. You don't wanna miss that. Great way to get to Hidden Valley and Fat Man's Pass." Mormon Trailhead. This loops back onto the National Trail and returns back to the trailhead. Marshall. Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. The kids ran back and forth through it for a long time, and we ate a picnic lunch in the shadow of the overhanging rocks behind it. These are some of the best views in my opinion! Great views of from the top and really interesting rock formations. Andy Manning July 22, 2014. It is an approx. Other boulders and little caves make this a fun spot for kids to scramble around and explore. + 0. ( Log Out /  Get a taste of the Mormon Trail – Hidden Valley – Fat Man’s Pass Loop in this video: * Please remember to hike at your own risk. Challenging Wave Cave Trail is an Arizona favorite for pictures; Best short hike in Phoenix: Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley and Fat Man's Pass in South Mountain Park; This secret, hidden waterfall in Madera Canyon may be the most accessible in Arizona; Totally awesome hiking trails in Arizona that don't require a pass or permit The viewpoints are the perfect spots to take small breaks or take in the city. Go up Mormon Trail until you hit National Trail. 1.5 miles (40 minutes at a steady pace) until you reach a signed junction that points to Hidden Valley, just a few feet off the National trail onto the Hidden Valley trail you will come to Fat Man's Pass. A … During this incline, you will undoubtedly notice the large boulders in the middle of the trail- just watch your step as these appear in several spots. The first mile of the trail is steep, with the most elevation gain happening in this Mormon Trail starts off with an immediate incline. 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