Mormon Trailhead
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Mormon Trailhead offers a moderately challenging desert hike with significant incline, rewarding families with stunning panoramic views of the cities and abundant opportunities for children to explore and climb large rocks. It provides a vigorous leg workout amidst beautiful natural scenery.
Key Highlights
- ✓Incredible and stunning panoramic views of the cities and natural landscape.
- ✓Challenging yet doable hike, suitable for active families seeking an outdoor adventure.
- ✓Numerous large, climbable rocks for children to explore and interact with the environment.
- ✓Offers a significant incline, providing a great leg workout.
- ✓Plenty of designated spots along the trail to stop, rest, and catch your breath.
Standout Features
- ⭐Stunning panoramic views that serve as a rewarding payoff for the hike.
- ⭐Natural rock formations that encourage exploration and climbing for kids.
- ⭐The physical challenge of the incline, offering a satisfying workout.
- ⭐The option to continue onto other trails after completing the Mormon Trail, for those wanting a longer hike.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Arrive very early:** To secure one of the limited parking spots, especially on weekends or busy days, as street parking is not allowed.
- →**Bring ample water:** Pack at least 1.5L (50oz) of water per person. Reviewers advise turning back if half your water is consumed by the halfway point due to intense Arizona heat.
- →**Wear appropriate footwear:** Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended due to the rocky, potentially slippery terrain.
- →**Be mindful of the heat:** Plan hikes for cooler parts of the day, especially in Arizona's intense heat.
- →**Practice Leave No Trace:** Encourage children to carry out all trash (including gum wrappers and dog poop bags) to maintain trail cleanliness, as litter is a reported issue.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Parking is extremely limited and fills up very quickly; street parking is strictly prohibited.
- ⚠No restrooms are available on the trail, which can be inconvenient for families.
- ⚠The Arizona heat can be intense, requiring careful hydration planning.
- ⚠The trail is rocky and can be slippery, posing a risk of slips or falls if wearing inadequate footwear.
- ⚠Some hikers report issues with poor trail etiquette, including litter (gum wrappers, water bottles, dog poop bags) and unleashed dogs.
Price & Value
No pricing information provided in reviews; presumably a free public trail. Value is derived from access to stunning natural scenery and a challenging outdoor activity.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned. The trail's description (rocky, incline, no restrooms) suggests it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No explicit food policy, but it is implied and recommended to bring your own water and snacks due to the length and challenge of the hike, and intense heat.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is extremely limited and fills up quickly. Street parking is strictly not allowed, making early arrival critical to finding a spot.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Implied to be busy, especially during peak times, as parking spots fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No explicit safety features (e.g., staff, first aid stations) are mentioned for the trail. Safety relies on personal preparedness regarding water, appropriate footwear, and awareness of the challenging terrain and heat.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Mid-day hikes during intense Arizona heat.
- • If you have toddlers or very young children (under 5-6 years old) or require stroller accessibility.
- • If you or your children require restroom facilities on the trail.
- • If you are unprepared for limited parking and potential crowds (arrive early instead).
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Pima Canyon Trailhead Closure
September 29 - October 2
N/A
Closed to vehicular traffic for roadway and parking lot improvements. Pedestrian walk-up access is still permitted. Alternative parking at Beverly Canyon and Mormon Trailheads, as well as on E San Gabriel Avenue.
Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs
Ongoing (registration required)
Not specified
Programs include 'Hike with a park ranger, backpacking 101, family workshops, and more'.
🍎Food Policy
- • Amplified Music and Bounce Houses are not permitted in Ramada usage areas.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • More than 200 hikers annually are rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves. Follow simple checklist to help avoid becoming a statistic.
- • Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program: Designed to help outdoor enthusiasts navigate the Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of high heat conditions.
- • Fire Ban: Annual ban of open fires in the City's desert parks and mountain preserves is in effect through September 30, 2025.
- • Roadway Safety: Park's scenic roadways are shared by motor vehicles, bikers and hikers. Extreme caution should be maintained and adherence to the speed limit followed due to many blind corners, narrow sections, and treacherous drop-offs.
📅Booking Policy
- • Ramada reservations require submission of a Special Activity Request Form no more than 6 months ahead of your event/reservation and no less than 72 hours prior.
- • Ramada reservations can be placed on a ramada anytime between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- • Ramada reservations will not be accepted on holiday weekends to increase the availability of ramadas during popular holidays.
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking/Entrance Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- • Pima Canyon Trailhead Closure: From September 29-October 2, vehicular traffic is closed. Alternative parking is available at Beverly Canyon and Mormon Trailheads, as well as on E San Gabriel Avenue.
- • Silent Sunday (All-Day): All vehicles must turn into the Activity Complex and park there during the road closure (4th Sunday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Belem Ramos
a month agoThis was my first time on this hiking trail, and I would rate it as a moderate hike. There’s a lot of incline, but the views along the way are incredible. There are also plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath. The scenery is absolutely stunning. However, parking can be a challenge as it’s very limited in this area. If you plan to hike here, I highly recommend arriving early since parking spots fill up quickly, and street parking is not allowed. Be sure to bring enough water—at least a 15 oz (1.5L) bottle. If you’ve already consumed half of your water by the halfway point, I’d suggest turning back, as the Arizona heat can be intense. Even after reaching the end of the Mormon Trail, there are other trails you can continue on if you’re up for it, though I decided to stop there and head back. The hike back was definitely easier on the body. I’d also recommend wearing hiking boots instead of shoes for more ankle support, as the trail has plenty of rocks that can make it slippery. The wrong footwear could easily cause you to slip or lose your balance.
Justin Lanier
a month agoGreat hiking location. Challenging enough for the family to have lots to see and explore! Lots of big rocks to climb and awesome view of the cities.
Pegah Kh
2 months agoI absolutely loved it! The mountain was rocky, and there were numerous stones stacked on top of each other, some appearing to have a precious quality. It was truly extraordinary. However, I really wish it had a restroom for convenience
Brian Pollock
2 weeks agoEnjoyed this hike very much. It's a shame others don't have any trail etiquette. Saw numerous gum wrappers, water bottles, dog poop bags, etc. Also people letting dogs run unleashed and walking off the designated trail, like this guy.
Cheryl Luka
3 months agoGreat trail. Was a challenge but very doable. Great leg workout with heading incline. Beautiful scenery