New Year's Day 2010 - National Trail at South Mountain

National Trail South Mountain Park/Preserve Phoenix Join us as we start off the NEW YEAR in the best way we know how on the trail! Trail Length: 15 miles (estimate) Elevation: 2,500 ft ÂÂ- 1,500 ft Trail Composition: Compacted dirt, sand, loose rock, boulders, bedrock. Difficulty: MODERATELY-DIFFICULT (grade) to DIFFICULT (length) Hike Time: 7+ hours Shuttle Time: ~30 min each direction ATTENTION: This hike is rated MODERATELY-DIFFICULT to DIFFICULT and requires a greater level of fitness and NOT RECOMMENDED for beginners. Please evaluate your ability prior to RSVPing YES. Description: The National Trail is the longest and most scenic of the South Mountain trails. Views of the Phoenix skyline and surrounding mountain ranges, secluded valleys, interesting rock formations, and a wide variety of indigenous vegetation make every step of this trail worthwhile. We will begin our hike from the EAST END at the Pima Canyon Trailhead and trek to the WEST END toward the San Juan Trailhead. We will also take a side trip to Fat ManÂÂ's Pass along the way. Those not wishing or able to complete the length of the National Trail may depart via the Mormon Trail junction. New Year's Day 2009 - National Trail at South Mountain Depending upon the number of participants, we will utilize one of two options... Option 1: SHUTTLE dropping vehicles at the West end and driving to the East end (estimated drive time: 25 minutes). Shuttle vehicles will meet at the West end parking area at 8:15am. Option 2: DIVIDE participants into two groups, one starting at each end, and EXCHANGE vehicle keys when we pass on the trail. NOTE: VOLUNTEER SHUTTLE DRIVERS ARE NEEDED! If you or someone you know is not interested in the hike but willing to drive shuttle, please have them contact P-KITTY directly via this site. Please and thank you! WEST END: San Juan Trailhead: The parking area is located at the "Y" junction of the San Juan and Telegraph Pass roads. National Trail crosses San Juan Road about a mile west of the parking area. From there, weÂÂ'll take the road back to the parking area. Access this area from the Main Entrance to the Park via Central Avenue. Take the main road (do not make any turns) from the Central Avenue entrance for nearly two miles. EAST END: Pima Canyon Trailhead: Located at 9904 S. 48th Street and Guadalupe Road, behind the Pointe South Mountain Resort. What to Bring: WATER (4-5 liters), snacks, lunch, sunscreen, hat, and camera (optional). Carpool: TBA South Mountain Park/Preserve