Tour Overview
Walk Mormon Trail's petroglyph panels and Fat Man's Pass on a guided South Mountain loop through slickrock corridors and granite boulders.
Petroglyphs & Fat Man's Pass
See Hohokam rock art and squeeze through the famous narrow cleft on a roughly 3-mile South Mountain loop.
South Mountain Specialist
A safety-certified guide reads the terrain, the desert ecology, and the Indigenous history at every stop.
Water, Snacks & Permits
Bottled water, trail snacks, park access, and commercial trail permits are included with your guide.
The Experience
Explore a different side of South Mountain on a guided hike through Hidden Valley and the narrow rock passage known as Fat Man’s Pass. Starting at the designated trailhead, typically Mormon Trailhead, you’ll meet your guide for a safety briefing before following the Mormon Trail up rocky desert switchbacks toward the ridgeline. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient Hohokam petroglyphs, distinctive granite formations, natural stone arches, and the winding slickrock corridors of Hidden Valley. Your guide will share insights into the Sonoran Desert’s plants and wildlife, the area’s geology, and the Indigenous history represented by the petroglyphs.
The approximately three-mile round-trip hike takes three to four hours and includes uneven terrain, rocky steps, and sections of smooth rock that require sure footing and agility. You’ll make your way through Fat Man’s Pass before stopping at a scenic overlook for trail snacks and water, then return to the trailhead. This moderate-to-strenuous hike is suitable for guests ages 12 and older who are in good physical condition and comfortable navigating rocky terrain without assistance. A professional safety-certified guide, bottled water, trail snacks, and required permits are included. Bring sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with deep, grippy tread, lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Transportation is not included, so plan to meet your guide at the designated South Mountain trailhead.
Pricing & Group Rates
- Solo Hiker (1 guest) $220
- Per Person, Groups of 2 to 3 $145
- Per Person, Groups of 4 or More $120
- Booking note: the hike meets directly at Mormon Trailhead. Optional roundtrip resort transportation is $295 per vehicle, subject to availability. Prices do not include 8.1% sales tax.
- Private & Large Groups: Contact us for groups over 10, custom group pricing, and private departures.
Essential Tour FAQs
Where does the Hidden Valley hike meet? ▼
The tour meets directly at Mormon Trailhead in South Mountain Park. Your guide calls the afternoon or evening before to confirm timing and answer questions, and parking and check-in details arrive with your booking confirmation.
How difficult is the route? ▼
The loop covers about 3 miles over rocky steps, switchbacks, slickrock slabs, and granite boulders, with a few fun scrambles. It is moderate with a strenuous edge, best for ages 12 and up who have the balance and agility to move unaided on uneven terrain. It is not recommended for recent lower-body surgery, severe joint instability, or uncontrolled heat sensitivity.
How do you handle summer heat? ▼
Tours run year-round. October through April offers 8 AM or 1 PM departures; May through September moves to 6 AM to finish before peak heat. Tours run rain or shine, and 360 Adventures cancels only for dangerous conditions. Guides carry supplemental water, pace the group to conditions, and keep the safety margin wide.
What footwear is required? ▼
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes, trail runners, or boots with deep lugged tread are required. Smooth-soled sneakers, running flats, sandals, and open-toe shoes are not permitted on the slickrock. Wear moisture-wicking layers, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and bring a camera and any medications.
What is this tour's cancellation and rescheduling policy? ▼
Strict 72-hour window. Send cancellations or changes in writing through our contact form; replies to your confirmation email cannot be processed. More than 72 hours out, you receive a full refund minus card processing fees; inside 72 hours or a no-show, the booking is charged in full. If 360 Adventures cancels for severe conditions, you receive a 100% refund including fees.
Do you have more questions? Click HERE for more details.
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