Distance

1.2 mi to summit

5.6 mi total

Elevation

1,735 ft start

2,116 ft max

Vertical

614 ft gain

Time

31 min to summit

2 hr 4 min total

My first two summits in Phoenix! Bittersweet without my hiking partner, and to start again in a new city... but I was so happy to get outside and stretch my legs. I now live in this corner of Phoenix and I cannot be happier with my choice! This was my first chance to get out and explore the trails in my new home, the day after all of my family went back home to their far-flung corners of the country after helping me move from Vegas to Phoenix. I figured an established trail hike was a good way to start, especially when (a) I'm hiking solo in a new place, (b) it was gonna be *WARM* (around 70°F when I started), and (c) I have not been hiking and am out of shape (plus still recovering from Covid-19 in December). So, a 5.75ish mile loop hike is clearly how to start, right? Hah...! Anyway - plenty of parking at the Apache Wash trailhead. Trails are very well signed (better signed than in Vegas!), well groomed, plenty of people out, and the trails are surprisingly wide and in great shape. Really there's not much to report in terms of challenges or things to be aware of. I took the loop clockwise, which worked well for me, I think. Everything is well-switchbacked for the inclines. A great first hike in Phoenix, and I'm looking forward to many more!

Route name

Ridgeback Overlook Trail

loop
Obstacles

no info yet

Key gear

GPS device

Other peaks climbed on this trip