Thunderbird Trail H3 (Thunderbird Park Recreational Area)
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Total hiking distance covered (per the GPS) 3.6 Miles
Total time on trail 1 hour 20 minutes
Average hiking speed 2.8 MPH
Maximum elevation 1,779 ft.
Starting elevation 1,202 ft.
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| Parking area | Trail head |
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| Identifier post | Mileage marker |
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| Trail up | Around the mountain |
On Friday, January 26, 2007 I hiked the Thunderbird H3 loop trail in Thunderbird Park Recreational Area. The park is easy to find. Just take the 101 Freeway to 59th Avenue and head north about a mile and a half. The Parking area is easy to see and the trail starts right across the street, just east from where you park. The trail is well marked and easy to follow for the entire length. I did note that from anywhere along the entire length of the trail, you can see civilization.
You start the trail from the parking lot and within a few yards there is a junction. The trail post identifies which way to go to hike the H3 trail which is the fork to the left. In the same area there is a mileage marker which also shows the direction to hike.
For the first mile the trail goes up and down in a gentle manner. My impression of this part of the trail is that it was designed for running. In fact, most of the trail would be a good running trail with the exception of a few areas where there are large rocks imbedded in the trail that could cause an ankle roll. After about a mile, the trail comes around to the right and starts to climb. At this point I would consider the trail moderately difficult but it doesn’t last very long. A rapid hiking pace can even be maintained in the steeper area. At about 2 miles into the hike you come upon the first summit, which just happens to be a false one. Once you reach the top, you can easily see the main summit about a quarter mile away.
Click on photographs to enlarge
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| Getting steeper | A view down into the valley |
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| Squaw Peak in the distance | The city is always in sight |
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| View from the summit | Approaching trail 1H |
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| Trail map | Back to the start |
Once you reach the summit, the trail hooks to the left and starts downward. Here again, the trail isn’t very steep but is even more imbedded in rocks that could easily cause an ankle roll. At about mile three the H3 trail again joins the H1 trail where the two head back toward the parking area. After about ½ mile you can again see the junction where you started.
This trail is an easy trail and a very good trail to introduce new hikers to a longer hike. It is also a decent running trail but in this hikers opinion would not be a very good trail to use for training or preparation for hiking the Grand Canyon.
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Larry Wayt (larry@live2hike.org)