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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a short, quick climb to great views in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. From the Phoenix area, take state route 51 North to the Shea Boulevard exit. Take Shea Blvd West (left), turning left (South) onto 26th street. Take 26th street South, turning right (West) onto Mountain View Road. Take Mountain View Road until it ends in a cul-de-sac. Park in this area. This is a residential area, so be respectful. Alternate access points to this trail could be the Dreamy Draw park via trail 100 and taking Shea Blvd West until it ends, then parking there. Be Aware of: Scrambling, minor bushwhacking, route finding, mountain bikers 30 yr old Recommendation: It's not a tough climb, but there is a bit of route finding and scrambling to be done. The views of the surrounding area are pretty impressive. This is a Moderate difficulty hike. Elevation change: about 400 ft gain.
One way elevation gain Distance: 3.2 miles for the total out and back to the peak Time: It took us 1 hour and 30 minutes. Time of year: Winter is best. Fall and Spring could be nice too. Solitude: Trail 100 is very popular, but once you're off trail 100, you'll have the peak all to yourself. Map: Click here for a map. While recovering from a flu, I was looking for a short and easily accessed hike that would allow me to see if I had my energy level back. This hike did a good job of this, as well as providing some nice 360 views of the area as a reward. There are several ways to get to this peak. I think if I were to do it again, I'd park at the Dreamy Draw park and hike Trail 100 north to this area instead of parking in the neighborhood described. This is a pretty short hike, so starting at the park would add a bit of length and it leaves the neighborhood peaceful. However, since we started at the end of Mountain View Road, I'll describe the hike from that location. Within a hundred yards of starting on this spur trail, you'll reach the well worn and popular Trail 100. Turn right here and walk about one mile to a trail junction (Jct 1 on the map). Trail 100 continues with a bend to the right. To your right is a trail that goes over a ridgeline towards civilization. To the left is a trail that heads West. Turn left on to the West trail. You'll climb for a bit, then the trail will drop down and head back towards Trail 100 again. When you reach a wash, turn left and follow the faint trail up this wash (Jct 2 on the map). From this point, the hike becomes an exercise in route finding with some minor scrambling. Your goal is to get on top of the ridgeline. There are a few routes here, but no clear trails (at least none that we could see). Use your good judgment and make your way up to the highest point you can see. There will be some minor bushwhacking and some minor scrambling to get there. When you reach this point, you'll be on the ridgeline. Walk along this ridgeline to the top of Stoney Mountain. It's an airy summit and the views are a fitting reward for the scramble to get here. After enjoying the views, you can take the same route back, or you can pick one of your own routes East to intersect with the unmistakable Trail 100. Which ever you choose, the rock is pretty crumbly here, so take your time.
[Walking along trail 100]
[Looking North from the ridgeline during the climb]
[A hazy downtown Phoenix]
[View along the ridgeline]
This hike was done in late December 2008.
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