MODERATE: Ma-Ha-Tuak & Crosscut Loop

**Meetup at 6:30 for 6:45 departure**
Hike Title: Ma-Ha-Tuak & Crosscut Loop
Hike Distance: 6.2 miles
AEG: 840 ft.
Hike Leaders: Henry Silberblatt 480-895-1133 & Diane Alessi 480-277-5359
Trailhead: Ranger/Five Tables Trailhead, 10211 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
Google Maps: "Ranger Trailhead, Phoenix"

Description:
This is a new hike for the club, first done last year, and gives Moderate hikers the opportunity to view both sides of the Ma-Ha-Tuak Range part of South Mountain Park. There are gradual ascents and descents, and nice views from both sides of the Ma-Ha-Tuak Range.
At the Five Tables parking lot, we start ascending the Ranger trail to its junction with the Bajada trail. At this point we are moving along the Gila Range, essentially in the middle of the park. The Bajada trail connects to the Max Delta trail, which we follow to its junction with the Crosscut trail. We are now ascending the south side of the Ma-Ha-Tuak Range. We cross over to the north side of the range via the Crosscut trail and ascend to the 19th Ave/Ma-Ha-Tuak TH. From here we hike the Ma-Ha-Tuak Perimeter trail to get us back over to the south side of the range. This portion of the Ma-Ha-Tuak Perimeter trail connects us to the Max Delta and Crosscut trails. We hike these trails (a different portion than before) and connect to Las Lomitas trail to work our way back to the Ranger TH.

Driving Distance: 49 miles RT
Driver’s fee: $4.00
Trailhead facilities: restrooms at Ranger Station inside park entrance