Billie Horn led this hike.

Thunderbird Mountain Park is located within the Hedgepeth Hills, covering the area from 67th Ave to 55th Ave between Pinnacle Peak Rd. and north of the 101 Freeway. There are many choices of trails and several summits to enjoy.

The morning was cool, calm and perfect for this hike. 7 hikers met at the 55th Ave/Pinnacle Peak Trailhead at 6:30 AM. We were treated to a spectacular sunrise, and then posed for a group picture before starting the hike.

We hiked in a Southwesterly direction to a bridge that crosses the highway, and then followed the Cholla Loop Trail in a clockwise direction to the summit and down the other side. This trail is rocky in places and long switchbacks keep it from being too steep. Once on top the views are worth the effort. On a clear day the McDowells and even the Superstitions and Weaver’s Needle are visible.

We have learned that this area is scheduled for a trail improvement project, which will be worth a revisit hike when completed.

As we were returning to the trailhead, we encountered the Conservation Group and crew who were hard at work with shovels, axes, a lot of heavy-looking tools and equipment plus a big generator. This looks like serious trail building. We stopped to thank them for their effort.

Thanks again to Bill for taking great photos. His link below:

4 miles
3 hours
+-609' elevation gain