Foothills Rim Trail

Dogs Unknown

The Foothills Rim Trail is accessed from Monolith Gardens trail system.

Starting on the North leg this trail begins with a three quarter mile climb and three tight switchbacks at the top. Next, there is another quarter mile gradual climb in an open grassy area with some awesome 360 degree views.

At the intersection you have a couple options: 1) turn right to continue on the Foothills Rim Trail or take one of the two connector trails to shorten the hike. 2) Turn left for the shortest (and a little rougher) hike. 3) Continue straight for a mellow twisty climb.

Continuing on Foothills Rim Tails you have a small downhill section that leads you to some very unique rock formations. You then climb two banked switchbacks navigating in between some large bounders. There is a short downhill section that takes you into a small wash where you begin to climb until you reach another intersection.

At this intersection 1) turn left to continue on Foothills Rim trail or 2) make a left to go towards tech ridge.

Continuing on Foothills Rim Trail, you'll climb about a half mile to reach the highest point on Foothills Rim, 3,968 feet. Then comes the descent via a twisty section of trail through lava rock followed by a very a short climb that has an option to an overlook. Then there is some narrow singletrack through Greasewood trees. You reach a rocky area that has another overlook option.

You now come through a section of trail that twists and turns around some large boulders and Ocotillos. If you go left at the next intersection, it will take you back to the climb you came up. Continuing straight you have a mile and a half of downhill which takes you back to Monolith Gardens trail system.