Hike of the Month

Like of the Month Trek the National Trail to Fat Man's Pass in the World's Largest City Park

"Forget it! I'm not trying it. There's no way."

Three of us look from a men-acing nine-inch crack between two huge boulders to the large frame of our fellow hiker, Jeff. At 6 feet 4 and 230-plus pounds, he's not sure he can squeeze through the pass, and we're not sure we should egg him on.

The four kids in our party, ranging from eight to 11 years old, are jumping and squealing and laughing with excitement as they easily edge through the crack.

"This can be our fort!" they yell. "We can make ambushes and catch lizards! Mom! Dad! We found a secret place!"

Indeed. We're less than an hour from downtown Phoenix, but it seems we are miles away from our warp-speed urban lives. Life decelerates up here on high Sonoran Desert ground, now covered with merry patches of spring wildflowers. This is Hidden Valley in South Mountain Park, a desert mountain preserve operated by the City of Phoenix and billed as the world's largest municipal park. Although you can get here in less than a hour, you'll feel you're a hundred miles from home.

The very name of this crack between the rocks in Hidden Valley sends our kids into giggling fits: Fat Man's Pass. Catching their spirit, three of us wedge through it and jeer at Jeff for his reluctance.

Assisted by South Mountain Park ranger Dan Gronseth, we have planned this trek above metro Phoenix as a family hike and picnic. We use two vehicles, one parked at our destination point, Pima Canyon Road, at the east base of South Mountain. The other is parked at our starting location: Buena Vista Lookout, one of the preserve's highest points.

We decide on a four-mile trek we know will be challenging yet manageable for the kids. It's a small section of the 14.25-mile National Trail that runs from Buena Vista Lookout to Pima Canyon Road. Along the trail, we see a natural tunnel; scurrying lizards; a desert spring; strange, spindly, speckled spiders; and breathtaking views of the valley. We've seen wildflowers of all colors from golden poppies to magenta prickly pear blossoms.

WHEN YOU GO

South Mountain Regional Park, located directly south of downtown Phoenix at the end of Central Avenue, offers more than 58 miles of trails for activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Trails, which vary significantly in length and difficulty, are clearly marked. Maps are available at park entry stations or by calling (602) 495-0222. Always carry enough water for your outing and be especially careful if you plan to hike, ride, or bike during the hot summer months. This should be attempted only by the experienced and hearty hiker, rider, or cyclist.

It is a warmish spring morning, and we adults carry light backpacks containing water, snacks, sun block, and other essentials. The kids move along the trail excitedly, and they go bananas with pleasure here at Fat Man's Pass.

"Aw, come on, Jeff," we say from the other side of the boulders, sounding much like the kids. "You can make it. We'll help you if you get stuck."

"Yeah, sure," he answers. Suddenly he's on top of the boulders. He has climbed up the slippery rocks as an alternative to an embarrassing fate: getting stuck in Fat Man's Pass.

Once we're through Fat Man, we stop for lunch and listen to our kids plan their offensive attacks against the wild monsters and giant lizards they're sure they'll meet along the trail.

This is peaceful and fun, and it's a pleasure watching the kids. Their bodies are so close to home, and their minds are so wonderfully far away.