Pyramid Fitness Hike and Beer

In Short:

This is a fast-paced fitness hike of about 6.5 miles and 1200 feet of elevation gain. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a headlamp in the winter months. Don't miss the after-hike beers & chow

Where is it?

Visit: http://goo.gl/maps/bjRZD to view on Google Maps. The trailhead is located at the parking lot just north & west of 19th Ave/Chandler Blvd at the Western Edge of Ahwatukee. Take west Chandler Blvd until you reach the 19th Ave, turn right at 19th Ave, and then an immediate left into the parking lot. Overflow parking is on Chandler Blvd just east of the parking lot - sometimes we queue up there before walking through the parking lot to the trailhead.

The Hike

Pyramid is a steep, well groomed trail. It is steep enough to make it a heart pounding fitness hike, but well groomed, so you can go as fast as your lungs and legs will allow. It is a 6.5 mile out and back and is generally completed in about two hours.

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/7/f/2/event_211294802.jpeg

The steepest part of the trail is shown above, where you gain 1,000 feet in about one mile.

Detailed Description:

The first part of the hike is easy with rolling washes and small hills. The group tends to stay together. The next section is steep. You gain about 1000 feet in a mile and the group tends to split apart into two groups. No worries, if you fall behind, we will wait for you at the top. If you can not make it to the top, let someone know and you can backtrack to the trailhead. The third section is rolling with some quick ups and downs. The pace really picks up here. If you can not complete this section, we will pick you up on the way back. There is a quick detour onto the National Trail. Take a left from Pyramid to the National and in a few hundred yards, you will see panoramic view of Phoenix. After a short rest, we turn around and head back on the same trail(s).

Important Note: If you feel uncomfortable hiking alone, let someone know! You do not have to complete this hike. Although it is well marked, it is possible to take a wrong turn and end up in a neighborhood. If you are unsure, stop and wait for the rest of the group to catch you on the way back.

What to bring:

Water
Headlamp
Cell phone for emergencies.

Caveats and Addendums:

This is a fast paced fitness hike. Sometimes, you will find hikers post they are 'beginning early' to get a head start. If you are new to this hike, you can generally meet up earlier. Just post it on the board.
If the group agrees, sometimes we will mix it up and hike Dos Eliminator or Old Mine or Lost Camp. There is a general agreement at the trailhead.
If you hike at a moderate speed, we still would like to see you! There are plenty of folks that do not complete the hike. We never discourage anyone and you will improve every week. The goal is cardio fitness, good conversation offset by some light drinking.

This is cross post with Take a Hike Meet Up.