South Mountain - 11.3 miles
Hike 1 of 4 in the Are You Ready Series
March 20, 2026  ·  Pima Canyon Trailhead
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (MT)
  • This is the 1st of four back-to-back long hikes and provides a bit of elevation to simulate a typical on the Camino (like leaving Pamplona). The purpose of this series of walks is to help pilgrims dial in their gear (shoes, socks, pack, rubbing, pain, etc.) and their fitness.  Join us for one or all of the walks in this series. These walks are for preparation and for pilgrims who are already comfortable walking 7-8 miles in a day.
    Total distance: ~11 miles (3 miles EASY and 7 miles MODERATE)
    Elevation gain ~ 580 ft and descent ~1100 ft
    Time: 5-6 hours with optional stop for 2nd Breakfast and restrooms after 6 miles

    The route is intended for participants to be able to navigate it on their own as we repeat our steps 3 times before taking a new trail. Like on the Camino it is important that you familiarize yourself with the day's route using your favorite navigation tool and with points of interest along the way to be able to complete the walk at your own pace. 

    About the hike:
    • We will begin walking from the Pima Canyon Trailhead along the dirt road to where the National Trail begins (1 mile and 188 ft of elevation gain).
    • From there we will go Northwest toward Morman Loop and the Javelina National Connector. We will look at the cool petroglyph panel before we climb the steep and rocky Javelina National Connector
    • From the saddle descend Javelina (2 miles and 412 ft of elevation lost) until the Beverly Canyon parking lot
    • TURN AROUND and retrace our steps: climbing Javelina, over the saddle and back down to where National Trail begins and back to the Pima Canyon Trailhead.
    • Pause for a break: This is a where you can have 2nd breakfast, a bathroom break, refill your water, etc.
    • When you are ready you will Retrace your steps (dirt road to National Trail to Javelina to 46th St).
    • From the Beverly Canyon Parking lot we will follow the Pima Canyon Loop Trail back to the dirt road and to the end of the hike at the trailhead. 

    Just like on the Camino, there is an option to stop whenever you need to - ideally at the 6 mile mark although a ride share would be able to pick you up at either time at the Beverly Canyon Trailhead -  OR retrace your steps for the extra elevation and challenge of repeating Javelina Trail climb. (Consider if walking the Norte, Primitivo or starting in St Jean Pied de Port on the Camino Frances - and always depending on weather.)

    NOTE: *If we are blessed with a cool spell and/or cloud cover, we can move the start time 30-60 min later and participants will be notified a day prior. 

ATTENDEES

A total of 18 people have registered so far. The following 18 have opted to share their information.

Anthony, Annette
Castro, Imelda
Corriero, Dianna
Crabbs, Chris
Fay, Deanne
Genthon, Bob
Gibbs, Carol
Krause, Catherine
Lansberry, Candace
Lopez, Kaori
Lopez, Norma
Martell, Maria
mielke, Richard
Soto, Rodolfo Edwin
Spadafore, Sue
Stats-Caldwell, Denise
Vaz, Ninette
Wallace, Marian

No records found.

Directions

The Pima Canyon Trailhead is at 4500 E Pima Canyon Rd. 

The nearest cross streets are 48th Street and Guadalupe Rd.

About Your Hike Leader
About Your Hike Leader

Debbie is an avid hiker and is walking her way across the Maricopa Trail in 2026 in addition to leading many hikes on South Mountain and Piestewa Peak areas. She walked the Camino Frances from Sarria in 2024. 

If you are running late or need to reach Debbie with questions about the hike, call 602.540.7287.


What to Bring

Water, electrolytes and snack (tip: consider freezing a small bottle of water for cool water to drink or pour on yourself)

Hat and/or sunscreen

Your pack or day pack that you plan on walking with (if you are traveling soon).

The clothes (socks, shoes, etc.) you are considering wearing on the Camino.

Personal first aid kit.

Poles with tip covers

Cash for the Donativo jar


Facilities

There is water and bathrooms at the Pima Canyon Trailhead.  This means there is an opportunity to use the facilities 3 times - at the start, the 6 mile mark and at the end of the hike.


Guidelines

Please stay home if you are feeling sick.

Call or text your hike leader Debbie at 602.540.7287 if you are unable to make it or are running late.

No dogs allowed due to chapter liability. 

We will share the trail with other hikers and mountain bikers so despite our engaging conversations we will be aware of our surroundings and courteous by stepping off the trail or walking single file when necessary. 

Reminders: Our chapter activities are led by volunteers. Donativo contributions (cash only) are greatly appreciated and are used to support future activities. Look for the orange donativo jar by the signup at the beginning of each hike. 

We always gather in the spirit of the Camino. This is a long training hike and hikers/walkers are differently abled and will not finish at the same time. Please review the trail description before signing up to be sure the hike is right for you and your abilities. Please rely on your own navigation tools for route finding.