Stash two cars at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, then the four of us drive to Sunrise Trailhead located at the end of 145th street at the far east of Via Linda. We are so surprised that the trailhead full of cars in the early morning of New Year’s Day. We’re so lucky to get the one spot available. We know each other so well that we skip the round of introductions.

One nice thing about this trail is all the junctions are signed and the entire trail is easy to follow. This trail is a gradual climb, considerably steep. It runs through a narrow canyon with many switchbacks. The trail is especially beautiful in the spring wildflower season, but even year-round, saguaro, ocotillo, barrel, palo verde, and spotty scrub grasses abound.

Once in a while we turn around to enjoy increasingly interesting views of Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and mountain vistas all around.

We reach a marked viewpoint at 1.2 miles (2,460'), past which the climbing intensifies in the upper canyon with improving views of the mountainous interior.

The steep, tightly wound trail abruptly levels on a ridge just below the summit of the East Summit Access Spur (1.65 miles, 2,840'). The summit spur climbs to Sunrise Peak in just 0.25 miles (1.9 miles, 3,069').

The summit offers rangy panoramas including the Four Peaks, Superstitions, Fountain Hills, South Mountain, Camelback and neighboring peaks of the McDowell range.

We hike down toward the Lost Dog trail. This busy trail, with hikers and bikers, is steady going down with open pristine Sonoran Desert.

We start at 8:45 AM and finish at 12:05 PM. According to the map, the hike is 5 miles and the elevation gain 1350 feet.

It’s great to start fresh in the New Near by hiking up the Sunrise Peak. Thanks to all for coming to join my hike today. Wishing you all the best of 2014. Happy Trails!