Squaw Peak used to be a popular Phoenix hiking destination. Still is, except it’s now known as Piestewa Peak because, well, “squaw”.
With the temperature expected to hit the mid-eighties today, we headed out early to hike the Mormon Trail, about twenty miles away in southwestern Phoenix. With squaws in mind, I decided that it was time to re-christen the walk the LDS Trail.
You’re welcome.
On the plus side, the trail is mostly rock-free. On the other hand, it begins with a climb of about a thousand feet.
The climb is not-so-tough, and the payoff is a flat loop with some unusual scrambling.
First up is Natural Tunnel.
Then, the main attraction: Fat Man’s Pass. We had to remove our bum bags to make it through.
We met this guy several times. He zips up-and-down the thousand foot climb multiple times a day. Today “only” three, seven on Saturdays. His record is eleven. He travels to Willie Nelson music.
Apparently it doesn’t always go smoothly. The padded vest supposedly protects once-broken ribs. His left wrist brace aids the thirty screws he said were required to repair a break.
Or maybe he’s a desert nut. The vest might incline you to that view. But he seemed as lucid as anyone else we met along the trail.
What a Trail! Thanks for the photos. But why is it called LDS?
The official name for what some people call The Mormon Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is sometimes abbreviated as LDS.
For me the good news about Fat Man’s pass is that you lost me at “a climb of about a thousand feet.” I appreciate the pics from the top. As close as I will ever be. 😅
Leave it to Dearest MAB to make it through the Weight-Watcher’s pass
and only having to remove her “bum bag!” I should have had to
wear a corset, helped into by a trusted associate (I learned at Sherlock
Holmes society recently) who would either be a lacer or a hooker, or both!
We have some “Willie Nelsons” here in Portland who climb or bike Rocky Butte
repeatedly and daily for their health.
Thank you for the sunny post. I get my vitamin D therefrom! Love, MEB
Fat Man’s Pass gives me the shivers. I am too claustrophobic for that adventure. I have climbed over it twice while braver hikers squeeze through it below me. Bravi to you intrepid hikers.
Wendy! You answered my question if one could go over or around this pass. Like you, I would go over, but not because I am claustrophobic!
Wendy, I think in climbing over, you were much braver!