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A fun run with beautiful views of the Estrella mountains to the west.


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Map Key

5.9

Miles

9.5

KM

88%

Runnable

1,869' 570 m

High

1,257' 383 m

Low

1,007' 307 m

Up

1,007' 307 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This lovely loop is located at the southwest end of South Mountain. The loop is perfect on a winter morning as most of the terrain is exposed to the south. Great views of the Estrella Mountains to the west and of Ahwatukee.

Need to Know

There is no bathroom and no water in the parking lot.

Description

This is a less trafficked part of South Mountain so it is easier to find a parking spot than anywhere else in South Mountain. The beginning of the trail is common to Pyramid Trail and Bursera Trail. After 0.5 a mile take a left at the fork if you want to start with the harder part and end on an easy descent. It is singletrack all the way so you must beware of those visitors on mountain bikes.

As soon as you get a little bit of elevation the views are beautiful, with the Estrella Mountains to the west, and West Ahwatukee to the south. Most of the loop is exposed to the South so I will not recommend this particular route during the summer days.

After a little ways, you'll turn from the Bursera Trail onto the Gila Trail. This junction is accessed after your long ascent and descent on the Bursera Trail, and more moderate trail follows. From the Gila Trail, you'll take a right onto the Lost Ranch Mine Road in order to turn back towards your vehicle.

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 10 votes

#3744

Overall
  3.8 from 10 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
10%
1 Star
10%
Recommended Route Rankings

#147

in Arizona

#3,744

Overall
40 Views Last Month
2,870 Since Feb 10, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Hop on the Bursera Trail for a gorgeous look at the Estrella Mountains.
Feb 4, 2017 near Laveen, AZ
First part of the Bursera Trail
Apr 11, 2015 near Laveen, AZ
Enjoy this view from the common portion of the Pyramid and Bursera trails.
Feb 4, 2017 near Laveen, AZ
View of the Sierra Estrella from the Bursera Trail
Apr 11, 2015 near Laveen, AZ
South Mountain drainage - on the Bursera Trail
Apr 11, 2015 near Laveen, AZ

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Nov 27, 2023
Tim Heid
Apr 4, 2020
David Rees
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Rob Carr
5.7mi — 5h 45m
Apr 24, 2018
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Beautiful 5.8mi
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