Alta Trail

cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

I would like to form a group to do the alta trail in south Mountian Park.

The trail is 4.5 miles from end to end and not real difficult. We will start at the terminus of San Jaun road and work back to the Bajada trail head.

The elevation gain is about 1100 feet and we will gain all of it at once within the first mile and a half, then follow the ridgeline for a casual stroll and a mild descent back to the valley floor.

This will be a shuttle hike, we will leave a few vehicles on both ends.

Date is yet to be announced, ( I dont want to interfere with the Barnhardt Trail hike) If we can hit this one right, there will be an abundance of seasonal wildflowers.

Who's with me?

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

I'm interested, depending on when you do it.
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mike t · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 175 Location: Gilbert, Az

Like Mike, I'm interested depending on when. BTW, the wildflowers are really starting to poke up out there now.
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Mike T
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phrankster · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Chandler

I'd be interested too, depending on when, I was up to hidden valley and the ridge line Monday and the flowers are starting to come up now.

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Post the date & I may be tempted to view them wildflowers !
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cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

It so happens that im off on Saturday - March 15th - That will be the day.

Who's still with me?

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

I'm a possible. That may be the only saturday this month that I can't, but there's still a chance I may be able to go.
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phrankster · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Chandler

I have to work Saturday (all Saturdays really) so I can't make it.

mike t · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 175 Location: Gilbert, Az

Yeah, that knocks me out too Sad

Maybe next time.
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Daddee · Posted: 3/7/2003, 12:02 pm Post subject:

Hmmmm - I was looking at doing Flatiron that day - but perhaps this would be a good trip too. I'll talk to my buddy and see if he wants to switch plans.
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Kristyn · Posted: 3/7/2003, 4:09 pm Post subject:

I'll join you all with my daughter. She and I will be hiking the loop though. Sounds like fun!
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cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

anyone else?

srlatty · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 270 Location: Ahwatukee

You guys are going to be right in my backyard and I can't go Crying or Very sad

I was thinking of having someone pick me up at the top of Telegraph Pass and I would do the Alta with you, then head back home on the National up past Goat hill. But....I have family coming in next weekend and I have a lot of stuff to do this weekend to get ready for them. Maybe next time Yes

Have fun guys, I'll be thinking of you!
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Steve

Guest · Posted: 3/11/2003, 8:17 am Post subject:

How difficult is this or where can I read a trail descrition? My surgery has been pushed back to the 19th and I'd like to do something since the recovery time is 2-5 weeks and it will be awhile until I'm up and about. I can't push myself too hard though, I have a few 'temporary' limitations.

cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

Here is the trail description fromthe HAZ website:

" Beginning from the San Juan trailhead hikers should be ready for a few switchbacks and some serious elevation gain, over 1100’, in the first mile or so. It’s easy to forget about the elevation change with the great views to the north, west and south. We had a clear winter day and watched the morning sun race across the valley and light up the Estrella Mountains from Maricopa to Goodyear. The trail sticks almost exclusively to the north face of the ridge. The shrinking shadows in the morning light made it chilly for us but would make for a great cool morning hike in late spring or early fall. The high point of the hike comes quickly and offers great views of the west valley all the way out to the steam plume of the Palo Verde nuclear plant. After another half mile or so at lower elevation on the north face, the trail climbs back to the ridgeline. From this vantage point, the trial offers a wonderful perspective view. The encroaching development of Phoenix on the north contrasts sharply with the great expanse to the south of the undisturbed wilderness of South Mountain Park. Leaving the ridge and turning south, more switchbacks bring you easily to the valley floor and the east end of the Bajada trailhead "

Its a fun trail very scenic I hope we can get a good group, so far only 3 total.