Old Man Trail
Phoenix, Arizona
| Address: | ~11827 S Montezuma Ct, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA |
| GPS: |
33°20'18.6"N 112°0'47.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 4.90 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 1299.00 feet |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
Pet Friendly
Hike
The Old Man Trail is a short but steep and rocky route in South Mountain Park and Preserve, the vast Phoenix mountain park on the city's south side, best known as one of the park's more technical connector trails. Climbing and dropping across the rugged desert flanks of the range, it links the lower trails with the higher country around the Mormon and National trails, and it is especially popular with mountain bikers, who prize it as a genuinely challenging, boulder-strewn descent, as well as with hikers after a stout workout.
The trail packs a lot of rugged desert into a short distance: loose rock, ledges and steep pitches amid saguaro, cholla and volcanic outcrops, with fine views out over the Phoenix valley. Because it connects into South Mountain's huge trail network, it is usually done as part of a longer loop rather than on its own, paired with the Mormon Trail, National Trail and others.
This is exposed low desert with no shade and no water, and South Mountain's summer heat is dangerous, so the cooler months and early starts are the way to go, and riders and hikers alike should carry plenty of water. Rugged, steep and rewarding, the Old Man Trail is a favorite of those who like their South Mountain outings with a technical edge.
More Information
Mountain biking - Wikipedia
Mountain biking (abbr. MTB) is a sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, usually using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, such as air or coil-sprung shocks used as suspension, larger and wider wheels and tires, stronger frame materials, and mechanically or hydraulically actuated disc brakes. Mountain biking can generally be broken down into distinct categories: cross country, trail, all mountain, enduro, downhill and freeride.[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_bikingSonoran Desert - Wikipedia
Saguaro National Park in Arizona
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoran_DesertSouth Mountain Park - Wikipedia
South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona, is the largest municipal park in the United States,[1] and one of the largest urban parks in North America and in the world. It has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride.[2]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Mountain_ParkSouth Mountains (Arizona) - Wikipedia
The South Mountains (O'odham: Muhaḍagĭ Doʼag, Yavapai: Wi:ki'tiyeda,[1][failed verification] Maricopa: Vii Kwxas), known locally as simply South Mountain, is a mountain range in central Arizona in south Phoenix, Arizona. The majority of the range is public land managed by the City of Phoenix as South Mountain Park, but a small portion extends into the Gila River Indian Community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Mountains_(Arizona)Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Phoenix, Arizona
- Head west on W Washington St toward 1st Ave (315 ft)
- Turn left onto S 1st Ave (397 ft)
- Turn left onto W Jefferson St (1.6 mi)
- Keep right to continue on E Jefferson St (0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto the ramp to Tucson (0.3 mi)
- Merge onto I-10 E (6.3 mi)
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-10 E (2.9 mi)
- Take exit 157 for Elliot Rd (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto E Elliot Rd (0.8 mi)
- Continue onto E Warner Elliot Loop (0.9 mi)
- Turn right onto E Equestrian Trail (1.1 mi)
- Turn left onto S Montezuma CtDestination will be on the right(0.2 mi)
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