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A fun little detour from the National Trail, squeezing visitors through the famous Fat Man's Pass!


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Point to Point

2,095' 638 m

High

1,957' 597 m

Low

2' 1 m

Up

137' 42 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Family Friendly Kids will absolutely love squeezing through Fat Man's Pass!

Description

Hop on the Hidden Valley Trail to experience one of South Mountain's best hidden gems: Fat Man's Pass!

Starting from the junction with the National Trail, the Hidden Valley Trail veers right to immediately reach the main event.
Comprised of a set of tightly-spaced boulders with roughly a body width between them, Fat Man's Pass has seen folks from every walk of life traverse its tight squeeze. Needless to say, be sure to bring your camera to photograph this local legend! (For those that would like to experience the Hidden Valley Trail without attempting Fat Man's Pass, there is a go-around to the right side.)

After traversing the "pass", the Hidden Valley Trail continues through a secluded area complete with interesting large rock formations and South Mountain's characteristic desert flora.

Upon nearing the trail's end, the Hidden Valley Trail harkens back to its initial feature with another rocky, albeit less tight, pass through hardrock terrain before reaching the junction with the National Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 6 votes

#1088

Overall
  4.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
83%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#54

in Arizona

#1,088

Overall
7 Views Last Month
1,668 Since Nov 15, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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67%
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17%
17%

Photos

If you still have energy after the trek up the Mormon Trail, continue a little further to the Natural Tunnel. You'll be treated to a cool respite and fun pics!
Apr 19, 2019 near Guadalupe, AZ

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 38 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 29, 2023
Lou Hibbard
With Janelle as part of Fat Man's Pass loop 0.5mi
Jan 8, 2023
Eden Freeland
Mar 30, 2019
Inessa Martin
Jan 27, 2019
Scott Detwiler
Mormon trail and Hidden Valley Trail 4.5mi — 1h 40m
Jun 28, 2018
Mari Soula
Jan 14, 2018
Drew Hartmann
Jan 8, 2017
Nicole L
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