MODERATE: Kiwanis, Pyramid, National, Ranger, and Las Lomitas

MODERATE: Kiwanis, Pyramid, National, Ranger, and Las Lomitas
Hike leader: Paul Feeney (480-843-9547)
Date: Monday, December 2, 2024
Trailhead: Kiwanis Trailhead
Description: Loop with spur
The Kiwanis trail in South Mountain Park climbs from the Kiwanis trailhead up to Telegraph Pass. It is a steady uphill, with many nice built-in stairs. Beyond the road, the trail leads uphill to the observation structure. From there, we will take a short spur on Pyramid to a vista point of the whole south valley. A square is completed by following the National trail up and down across the ridge, coming back downhill on the Ranger trail, and then using the Las Lomitas trail to cross the lowlands back to the trailhead. Ranger is pretty narrow with many switchbacks. Hiking poles are suggested. Very nice 360 views are available at numerous spots throughout the hike.

Hike Distance: 5.3 miles
Accumulated Elevation Gain: 1002 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 1200 feet
Driving Distance: 49 miles round trip; 45 minutes each way
Drivers Fee: $4
Trailhead facilities: Restrooms at park entrance & near trailhead

Driving Directions to Kiwanis to Las Lomitas loop Trailhead parking lot
From Cottonwood parking lot go north to Riggs Road and turn left; drive 2.5 miles to I-10 west towards Phoenix.
Stay on I-10 west for 12 miles and then take the Baseline Road exit. At the top of off-ramp turn left onto Baseline and then travel for 6 miles. Turn left onto Central Avenue and go 3.5 miles. Just after passing through the unmanned Ranger station at the entrance to the park, we will stop and use the restroom facilities in the Ranger building on the right side of the road.
After the stop, we will continue on Central Avenue and drive 0.3 miles to where the new pavement ends. Take a left turn following the signs for the “Kiwanis Trail” and go 0.5 miles, staying always to the left towards "Las Lomitas". The trailhead will be on the left. Parking is somewhat limited, but there are a few more spaces at the restrooms just before the trailhead. The trailhead can also be found by entering “Kiwanis Trailhead” into Google maps.
Hike Leaders – Paul Feeney (480-843-9547)