Hiking in Phoenix

We like to hike - and to explore. We have found that both of these interests can be well satisfied in the Phoenix area. Phoenix is located in a valley (the "Valley of the Sun" as promoters refer to it) with mountains all around. The city and region have created many public parks with walking, hiking, biking and horse trails through them. Because of the terrain, the trails vary from flat and level to very strenuous hikes up mountain sides. Couple that with interesting desert flora and fauna and you can see why we like to get out and about.
On Thursday, January 29, fortified with a good bacon and egg breakfast, Jack and I drove to South Mountain Park. After driving up to Buena Vista Overlook and taking in the city of Phoenix laid out at our feet, we began a 3.5 mile hike to "Fat Man Pass". Not sure what this was, we certainly figured out what they meant when we came to a VERY narrow cleft or split in a massive rock that was only about 12 inches wide. The trail led right through so we sucked in our breath and wiggled our way through - the rock was shiny and slippery from many bodies rubbing as they went through. There was also a naturel tunnel to creep through and another spot to slide on our behinds down a large rock face. It was a fun day!