Mormon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

This is a busy trail on the weekends and singletrack. Most runners on the trail don't seem to be familiar with trail etiquette; be prepared to stop.

This is a great trail in the heart of the city. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but is often full on weekends. You may be able to find street parking, but large areas are marked as no parking. There is a shade gazebo in the parking area, but no bathrooms.

The trailhead is easy to find and there are four trail markers along the way. The trail is busy on weekend mornings, so if you lose the trail due to large rocks you can get back on track by following others.

The trail is a steady climb with two or three flat areas that provide a nice break if needed. As the description says, this trail will get your heart beating. Expect to see some folks taking breaks on nearby rocks.

You'll know you have reached the end of the trail when you see a sign pointing runners on to the National Trail and the Mormon Loop (see photo). This is one of the great features of this trail; you can turn around at the top and do just under 2.5 miles total or you can choose to continue your outing on the National Trail or the Mormon Loop. Completing the Mormon Loop and then heading back down to the parking lot is just over five miles.

You'll see older children and dogs on the trail. There are a lot of dogs, big and small, and a lot of dog poop, so watch your step!

This also makes a great late afternoon outing after work and parking is a breeze during the week. In the late afternoon/early evening, you may hear coyotes howling when you reach the top of the trail.

This is great run in the heart of the city and close to the East Valley. There are great views and friendly people out on the trail.

Do not forget to bring water on your outing, it is a must year round.

Saguaro cactus, barrel cactus, ocotillo, creosote bush.