MODERATE: Shaw Butte Hike

Location: Phoenix Mountain Preserve (North Mountain)
Rated: Moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles
Trailhead elevation: 1,500 ft,
AEG: 951 ft.
Meet up: Cottonwood Flagpole Parking Lot at 7:30 for an 7:45 departure.
Driving distance, R/T: 74 miles.
Driver’s Fee: $6
Leader: Jim Bauer 630-485-1397
Facilities: North Mountain Visitor Center at Trailhead has water & flush toilets (Nice facilities)

Description:
From the North Mountain Visitor Center, the first 1.5 mile to Shaw Butte is relatively flat. In the next mile the trail ascends over 900’ to the summit. The first half of the ascent is steep and contains three switchbacks that make it easier to reach the top. Trail is rocky until it reaches a semi-maintenance road. Then it’s a steady climb to the peak. The peak offers wide open views across north Phoenix. We will take a side spur to the top (among the antennas). From the peak we will continue along the broken asphalt trail and summit a nearby peak (another tall antenna). From here we will descend from the Butte on its far side. During the descent we will come across the remains of the Cloud 9 restaurant, which burned to the ground over 40 years ago. Following the descent the tail will loop across the desert floor back to the Visitors Center.
This Shaw Butte Loop Trail uses trail 306 (Shaw Butte) and trail 100 (Charles M Christiansen). Numerous trail markers ensure correct path.

Driving directions:

1. All map programs: North Mountain Visitor Center
2. Address if needed: 12950 N. 7th Street, Phoenix.
3. General directions (traffic dependent).
   a. I-10 into Phoenix
   b. SR-51 North.
   c. Exit Glendale Rd, turn left and proceed to 7th Street. Turn right and proceed to Visitor center. Or, exit Northern Ave, go west to 7th Street, turn right and proceed to Visitor center. Last route (longer), exit Cactus, turn left, follow Cactus (changes name to Thunderbird) and proceed to 7th Street, turn left and proceed to Center.