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Mormon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,803 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 100 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mormon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rugged, uphill hiking spot with desert scenery & picturesque views of the city.
What runners say about Mormon Trailhead
“The trailhead area is clean and well-maintained, and I appreciate that it’s easy to access and has enough space to get started without feeling crowded right away.”
“The trail is well-marked, scenic, and offers a great mix of challenge and reward — especially once you start gaining elevation and the views open up over the city.”
“The trail is well-marked, scenic, and offers a great mix of challenge and reward — especially once you start gaining elevation and the views open up over the city.”
Mormon Trailhead on South Mountain is easily one of my favorite places in Phoenix to get outside. The trail is well-marked, scenic, and offers a great mix of challenge and reward — especially once you start gaining elevation and the views open up over the city.
Such a fun hike! So much to see, great parking available, and not too strenuous. Fat man pass was fun, then I slid down the smooth rocks on my way to hidden valley. It was beautiful and not too crowded. Paths were marked well and the views were lovely. Way better than camelback in my opinion!
This 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.
First time hiking this trail at South mountain, it was a nice day, and the hike wasn't too bad. Pretty short hike up and down. Awesome views. The scenery was amazing. Cool spots if you like taking pictures. Dog friendly, we took our pups too and they loved it.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is well-marked, scenic, and offers a great mix of challenge and reward — especially once you start gaining elevation and the views open up over the city.”
“Beautiful trail- plenty of parking spaces- well worth an early start with lots of nice places nearby for breakfast afterwards.”
“The trail is well-marked, scenic, and offers a great mix of challenge and reward — especially once you start gaining elevation and the views open up over the city.”
“Dog friendly, we took our pups too and they loved it.”
“The trail is well-marked, scenic, and offers a great mix of challenge and reward — especially once you start gaining elevation and the views open up over the city.”
“Challenging enough for the experienced hiker while accessible to the novice who's in decent condition.”
Plan your run at Mormon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance100 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone(602) 620-2891
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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