
From W Estrella Road, I started into South Mountain Preserve on this trail, which leads up to the left and reaches San Juan Lookout.

Just past the San Juan Lookout, starting up toward Maricopa Peak.

View back toward San Juan Lookout. You can see a white blip of a tent on the right where they were holding some sort of event there today.

Switchbacks up the Alta Trail on my way up to Maricopa Peak.

View back, San Juan Lookout seen far right.

The Alta Trail switchbacks to just below Maricopa Peak. The trail sort of just skips the crestline views completely.

Another shot back as I near the top of the trail.



The social trail leading to Maricopa Peak, leaving the Alta Trail.

Along the crest, Maricopa Peak seen ahead.

Twin summit blocks of Maricopa Peak.

Class 2 to reach both, which are both best accessed from the notch separating them.

Maricopa Peak, view east.

I backtracked and started up San Juan Hill. Initially this trail (though unmarked) is in great shape. San Juan Hill is seen on the right.

View back toward San Juan Lookout (center) and Maricopa Peak (right).

The trail pretty much ends at this small overlook, though a social trail carries on.

It's overall easy to follow, but certainly more rugged than the hike had been so far.

San Juan hill seen on the right. There were a few bumps along the crest, adding a few hundred vertical gain.

San Juan Hill ahead.

Light Class 2 to gain the summit.

San Juan Hill summit, view back along the ridgeline. Maricopa Peak seen top left.

San Juan Hill, view northwest. Highway below.
Hire me or show me some love!
Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!