![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOwG1RSo9ZupFZzLpR1obWd6i69w4w6m_HNa4LVeYMTA6EFobrYa2SBCYZ6rHNgdjrL1rSuq7dfoURoNNhjEslULTDUBgDVFTSUuAw0hHo2ClnXy8H5oR8oF5n_NE_ZFaXbGpndjFgnuW/s320/P4250010.JPG) |
An old ruin about 1.5 miles from the National Trailhead on South Mountain. |
I arrived in Phoenix, Arizona three days earlier for a conference at which I was going to be a participant as well as a speaker. After three interesting but long days I decided it was definitely time to check out the neighborhood. I had never been to Phoenix, but I knew they had trails here. I had already made arrangements to meet up with a couple of friends who were flying in, so we could make the 4 hour drive to Grand Canyon National Park on Friday to attempt a double crossing (or Rim-To-Rim-To-Rim) of the Grand Canyon. I needed to shake the cobwebs lose. After checking with the Ultralist and getting some pointers about great running locations, I went online to find a trail map of South Mountain. It looked very promising.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfKuS8R0jcSTfoZJICGJnEk9ZGd0esB9WADQ_9JFDfeqHD6BsKHWvK1HVI7Vm2pu5QhH71v5flNTIbEZZdPrgozjv_jAvbOSaLj5Rb897u-JWqT-MkfqqVsFDRAZ9xHSAn8XjzlO5aSTT/s320/P4250014.JPG) |
Gnarly trails indeed, but not too technical. |
I arrived at the trailhead just before 6. I had no idea how long I would go out for, but my goal was between 6 and 10 miles. I had brought my CamelBak and I needed it with temps approaching 100 degrees and humidity levels in the single digits. When I arrived at the park, I had no idea which way to go.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQDWTr1GX5L04_8X3TV8zOBAe1kk5BWF__nEYBtsm8gx9QwK8fWJuPQnaTHAMIIaZCNByQujQEq5GlQD3gv7W7N-7oGcTTJ4tzg8LARhx1DKMa5bK0WcJ8y0wxNGo_0k3v1R5VUiRLAO1/s320/P4250019.JPG) |
Spectacular views of Phoenix were just around the bend. |
There were numerous trails heading into all directions, so I stopped a local runner for some info. Luckily, he sent me just the way I wanted to go, down National Trail, the longest of the trails in this park. I figured I would turn around whenever I had enough, rather than running multiple loops of a shorter trail or worse, getting lost after dark.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb9BnaswXsf7rskAc6L48hgEwmhpaEjVh23ZSWkMEoQ4Ledxo-y7Zbd0-xGdo0zrIj46uBG6Db1V_HH6GtF9farp7TUZAiRZUNtHZASXdXBz9Z2q1drXonP07GPAa1utDomerTWbW_zUi/s320/P4250027.JPG) |
Beautifully winding trails in the middle of Phoenix. |
I had brought a headlamp just in case. I really didn´t want to be one of ¨those¨guys, visiting town and going for a short run only to get lost in a park. The weather cooled off ever so slightly and with a slight breeze, it was actually bearable. There were lots of other runners and hikers around. The views and scenery were fantastic. I always get excited when going to a new place that has unique plant and wildlife and Arizona with its desert terrain and weather conditions is definitely one of those places that makes you go Ohhh-Ahhh!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPqsbQraSRhZxnNTjLm5jUoFKbNbZAX_V95c0oeohprrlUts6E2ei632D4J3jrBInsUZZwqiMi_PqbtHI_ygj_ls6ihckGn_mtPMVA7-ZBUkNEgLkEL7hkE4xBZiYYM40r-wy_dIUrZSe/s320/P4250046.JPG) |
Great trails with just enough elevation changes for an easy day. |
When it started to get dark, I decided to cut my run short and call it a day after 6 miles. After all, I was going to do plenty of running on Friday. And truth be told, I was embarrassed at how tired I was after the run after realizing that I didn´t climb quite as much as I´d thought. Either way, it was another great run in an amazing place. I´m a pretty lucky guy.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC4eImM_vuOTfR7xrwCYdpu7jNQRQWrEMnXesJvhyphenhyphendf40gK4AMTrEBXHfRHBiz1UMIniyh8fuZRDa1PaLYa7iDJqKv5JerJm1YA17lr_a8lKn0OwFyqrNJMKhFvk-6tKvYj5h6KJUiP6C/s320/P4250050.JPG) |
The obligatory self-portrait at the turnaround point. |
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