Fatman's Pass and Mormon Loop

Mormon Trail It's a steady climb with two or three flat areas that provide a nice break if needed. Large boulders, saguaros, and big views make it a fun trail despite the steepness. At the top you'll meet the signed junction with Mormon Loop Trail. Pass this for now and continue on toward National Trail. In a short distance you'll meet the intersection with National. Turn right and follow this trail as it twists farther up the mountain, through a natural garden of boulders and cacti. About half a mile on National Trail brings you to the junction with Hidden Valley Trail. Turn here and right away you'll find Fatman's Pass. It's a tight passage between two large boulders, and very fun to squeeze through.From here, the Hidden Valley Trail continues through a secluded area that's rich with interesting large rock formations and South Mountain's thriving desert flora. Near this trail's end is another rock passage known as Natural Tunnel, and it's easy to see why. Soon after exploring the tunnel you'll rejoin National Trail at a junction.If you are satisfied with your explorations at this point, you can choose to turn left and skip the addition of Mormon Loop. A short distance west on National will bring you back to Mormon Trail and the return to your car. If you have plenty of energy (and water) for more, then turn right and continue eastward on National Trail.This portion of the trail rolls along a ridgeline, trending downhill, and the scenery transitions from large boulder gardens to more open hillsides. Eventually you'll descend into a broad valley and turn left on Mormon Loop Trail near a dry wash. Mormon Loop begins a gradual ascent up to the next ridge. The geology and flora are similar to that of National Trail, but you'll get even more expansive views over the city to the north. The uphill is all over once you reach the junction with Mormon Trail, and this is where you'll turn to descend through familiar terrain all the way back to the trailhead.