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**Sunrise Hike** at Shaw Butte & Charles M. Christiansen Loop

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Judah K.
**Sunrise Hike** at Shaw Butte & Charles M. Christiansen Loop

Details

Join us for a 5-mile, moderate-level sunrise hike with a 925 ft elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete. We’ll hit the trail early to beat the heat—temps at this time are estimated to be around 85°F and rise to the low 90s by the time we finish.
We’ll begin on Trail 306 and make our way up a steady climb to the towers, with scenic overlooks and a stop at the historic remains of the old Cloud 9 Restaurant. The second half of the loop is flatter and easier, with a good chance of seeing a few mountain bikers along the way.
Please note: Sunrise is around 6:00 AM, about 30 minutes after we start, so it may be helpful to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the early portion of the hike.
What to bring:

  • At least 1 liter of water
  • Sturdy hiking shoes (wool socks recommended)
  • Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
  • Flashlight or headlamp for pre-dawn light

Additional Info:

  • Arrive 15–20 minutes early—parking can vary depending on trail traffic
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Trailhead parking is off Central and Thunderbird

Let’s get an early start, enjoy cooler temps, soak in the views, and get a solid workout in before the heat sets in!

For more details and a trail map, [Click here to view the trail on AllTrails]. It's always a good idea to download the map on your phone just in case you need it during the hike. Can’t wait to hit the trail with you!

Don't forget to join our Facebook Group to stay updated on future events and connect with fellow hikers. Here’s the link: https://m.facebook.com/groups/431635793308603/?ref=sharehttps://m.facebook.com/groups/431635793308603/?ref=share&exp=8ce3

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Phoenix Hiking Meetup Group
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Shaw Butte and Charles M Christiansen Loop Trail
12950 N 7th Street · Phoenix, az
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