How to Hike Reach 11 in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona, is renowned for its desert landscapes, towering saguaros, and relentless sun — but beneath its arid surface lies a hidden world of hiking trails that challenge even the most seasoned adventurers. Among these, one name has quietly gained legendary status among local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: “Reach 11.” While not an official trail designation on any map, “Reach 11” is a colloquial term used by Phoenix’s most dedicated hikers to describe the ultimate test of endurance, navigation, and mental fortitude — a route that pushes physical limits beyond conventional trails, combining multiple summits, technical terrain, and extreme heat exposure into a single, grueling journey.

The phrase “Reach 11” is borrowed from the iconic 1984 mockumentary *This Is Spinal Tap*, where a band’s amplifier goes “up to 11” — one louder than the standard maximum of 10. In Phoenix hiking culture, “Reach 11” symbolizes going beyond the maximum. It’s not about following a trail marked on AllTrails or Gaia GPS. It’s about crafting your own path, combining the toughest segments of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, South Mountain, and the Superstition Wilderness fringe into one epic, self-guided expedition. Reaching “11” means you’ve transcended the typical 5-mile loop. You’ve embraced the desert’s unpredictability. You’ve outlasted the midday heat, navigated unmarked rock scrambles, and returned with more than just a sweat-soaked shirt — you’ve earned respect.

This guide is not for casual walkers or weekend hikers. It’s for those who see Phoenix not just as a city, but as a vast, untamed landscape waiting to be understood. Whether you’re a local seeking your next challenge or a visitor drawn to the allure of desert mastery, this tutorial will show you how to safely, intelligently, and successfully “Reach 11.” We’ll break down the logistics, the mindset, the gear, the real-world examples, and the hard-won lessons from those who’ve done it before you.

Step-by-Step Guide

Reaching “11” is not a single trail. It’s a curated sequence of the most demanding segments across Phoenix’s most rugged terrain. This step-by-step guide provides the blueprint — but remember, flexibility and adaptability are key. Conditions change. Weather shifts. Your body reacts differently each day. This is not a checklist. It’s a philosophy.

Step 1: Define Your “11” Route

There is no official “Reach 11” trail. You must design it. The most common and respected version combines four major components:

• Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail — Steep, exposed, and technical. The most popular route in Phoenix, but rarely hiked as part of a larger objective.
• Piestewa Peak Summit Trail — Shorter but steeper than Camelback, with loose scree and narrow ledges. Often overlooked, but critical for elevation gain.
• South Mountain’s Dorsey Trail to Kino Springs — A 7-mile stretch through the largest municipal park in the U.S., with sustained climbs, rocky ridgelines, and minimal shade.
• Superstition Wilderness Fringe (Horse Thief Canyon to Weaver’s Needle Viewpoint) — A 4-mile off-trail traverse with class 2+ scrambling, boulder fields, and zero cell service.

Combine these into a single loop: Start at Echo Canyon, descend via the Cholla Trail to the parking lot, drive 12 minutes to Piestewa, summit and descend via the Short Trail, drive 25 minutes to South Mountain’s Dorsey Trailhead, complete the Dorsey to Kino Springs loop, then drive 45 minutes to the Superstition trailhead at Goldmine Trail. From there, navigate off-trail to Weaver’s Needle viewpoint and return via the same route or connect to the Lost Dutchman Trail for a longer descent.

This route totals approximately 28 miles with over 7,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain. It’s not for beginners. But it’s the most recognized version of “Reach 11.”

Step 2: Timing Is Everything

Phoenix summers are lethal. Temperatures regularly exceed 110°F (43°C) from June to September. “Reach 11” must be attempted in the cooler months — October through April. Even then, avoid midday sun.

Begin at 4:00 a.m. at Echo Canyon. This gives you 8–10 hours of daylight to complete the route before sunset. By 9:00 a.m., you should be descending Piestewa. By 1:00 p.m., you’re on South Mountain’s ridgeline, where wind and elevation offer slight relief. By 5:00 p.m., you’re nearing the Superstition section, where the sun drops behind the mountains and temperatures cool by 15–20°F.

Use sunrise and sunset apps like Sun Surveyor or The Photographer’s Ephemeris to plan your timing precisely. Track your progress against the sun’s arc. If you’re behind schedule, abort. There is no honor in heatstroke.

Step 3: Gear Preparation

Your gear is your lifeline. Here’s what you need — no exceptions:

• Hydration: Minimum 4 liters of water per person. Use a hydration bladder (3L) + two 1L hard-sided bottles. Add electrolyte tablets (Nuun or LMNT). Do not rely on natural sources — they are nonexistent or contaminated.
• Footwear: Rugged trail runners with aggressive lugs (Salomon XA Pro 3D or Hoka Speedgoat 5). Avoid hiking boots — too heavy and slow for technical terrain.
• Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking long sleeves and pants. UV-protective fabric (UPF 50+). A wide-brimmed hat and neck gaiter. No cotton. Ever.
• Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini 2 or similar satellite communicator. Offline maps on Gaia GPS or Topo Maps+. Do not rely on phone GPS alone — batteries die, signals vanish.
• Emergency Kit: Space blanket, whistle, fire starter, first-aid supplies (blister care, antiseptic wipes, tweezers), headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool.
• Food: 3–4 high-calorie snacks: energy gels, trail mix, jerky, nut butter packets. Avoid sugary bars — they cause crashes.

Carry a small, lightweight backpack (20L max). Every ounce counts when you’re climbing 7,500 feet.

Step 4: Navigation and Route-Finding

Most of “Reach 11” is off-trail or on poorly marked paths. You must be able to read terrain.

Before departure, download the entire route as a GPX file from AllTrails or Wikiloc and load it into Gaia GPS. Mark waypoints at key junctions: the intersection of Echo Canyon and Cholla, the base of Piestewa’s Short Trail, the ridge above Kino Springs, and the cairn marking the turnoff to Weaver’s Needle.

Use natural landmarks: rock formations, tree clusters, and canyon alignments. In the Superstition area, the distinctive shape of Weaver’s Needle is your north star. If you lose the trail, stop. Do not panic. Use your satellite device to ping your location and reorient. If visibility drops due to dust or haze, wait. Rushing leads to falls.

Step 5: Pacing and Mental Strategy

“Reach 11” is a 10-hour mental marathon. Your body can handle the physical load. Your mind will try to quit.

Use the “10-minute rule”: hike for 10 minutes, rest for 1 minute. During rest, hydrate, check your map, and breathe deeply. Do not sit down. Keep blood circulating. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or confused — stop. Heat exhaustion is silent and fast.

Use positive self-talk. Repeat mantras: “One step. Then another.” “The desert rewards patience.” “I am prepared.” Avoid negative thoughts like “I can’t” or “This is too much.” Replace them with action: “I’m moving.” “I’m hydrated.” “I’m safe.”

Bring a small journal or voice memo app. Record your thoughts at each summit. It helps you stay grounded and reminds you why you started.

Step 6: Descent and Recovery

The descent is where most injuries occur. Fatigue sets in. Your legs tremble. Your focus slips.

Use trekking poles — they reduce impact on knees by 30%. Descend sideways on steep sections. Take small, controlled steps. Look ahead, not down. Watch for loose rocks.

Once you finish, do not collapse. Walk slowly for 15 minutes to cool down. Stretch your quads, hamstrings, calves, and shoulders. Rehydrate with electrolytes. Eat a protein-rich snack within 30 minutes. Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 12 hours.

Log your route. Note conditions, time, temperature, and how you felt. This becomes your reference for next time — and for others who may follow.

Best Practices

Success on “Reach 11” isn’t about speed. It’s about sustainability. These best practices separate those who complete the route from those who end up in an ambulance.

Train Like a Desert Athlete

Do not attempt “Reach 11” without 3–6 months of targeted training. Focus on:

• Vertical gain: Hike stairs, hills, or use a stairmaster 3x/week with a 20+ lb pack.
• Endurance: Weekly 10–15 mile hikes on uneven terrain. Mimic the elevation profile of Camelback and Piestewa.
• Heat acclimatization: Train in the afternoon sun in shorts and a tank top. Gradually increase duration. Your body needs 10–14 days to adapt.
• Balance and core: Yoga, planks, single-leg squats. Stability prevents ankle rolls on scree.

Never Hike Alone — But Don’t Rely on Others

Always inform someone of your route and expected return time. Use a satellite communicator. Even if you hike with a partner, each person must carry their own emergency gear. Assume you will be alone if something goes wrong.

Respect the Desert

Phoenix’s ecosystem is fragile. Do not pick cacti. Do not disturb wildlife. Pack out every scrap of trash — including fruit peels and energy gel wrappers. Leave no trace. The desert remembers.

Weather Awareness

Flash floods are a silent killer. Even if it hasn’t rained in Phoenix, a storm 20 miles away can send a wall of water through a dry wash. Avoid canyons during or after rain. Check the National Weather Service forecast daily. Look for “isolated thunderstorms” — they’re the most dangerous.

Know Your Limits

“Reach 11” is not a competition. It’s a personal benchmark. If you’re not feeling it on the day — turn back. There will be another day. The desert doesn’t care about your ego. It cares about your survival.

Hydration Science

Don’t just drink water. Drink salt. Your body loses sodium through sweat. A general rule: 1 electrolyte tablet per liter of water. Monitor urine color — aim for pale yellow. Dark urine = dehydration. Clear urine = overhydration, which can lead to hyponatremia — a dangerous condition.

Foot Care

Blister prevention is critical. Apply moleskin or blister pads to hot spots *before* they form. Use talcum powder in socks. Change socks mid-route if they become damp. A single blister can end your hike — and your week.

Tools and Resources

Technology is your ally. But only if you know how to use it.

Navigation Apps

• Gaia GPS — Best for offline topographic maps. Custom layers for trails, land ownership, and elevation profiles. Subscribe to the Premium plan for satellite imagery.
• AllTrails — Good for trail reviews and GPX downloads. Use as a supplement, not your primary tool.
• Topo Maps+ (iOS) — Excellent for detailed USGS maps. Ideal for off-trail navigation.

Satellite Communication

• Garmin inReach Mini 2 — Lightweight, two-way messaging, SOS function. Essential for “Reach 11.”
• SPOT Gen4 — Simpler, one-way SOS. Less expensive but no messaging capability.

Weather Tools

• National Weather Service — Phoenix Forecast — Official, reliable, updated hourly.
• Windy.com — Shows wind speed, temperature, and precipitation models. Useful for predicting afternoon storms.

Training and Nutrition

• Strava — Track your hikes, analyze elevation, compare times.
• MyFitnessPal — Monitor calorie intake and hydration logs.
• Nuun or LMNT Electrolyte Tablets — Proven formulas for desert endurance.
• Clif Bars or Tailwind Nutrition — Sustained energy without sugar spikes.

Books and Guides

• Arizona Hiking: The Ultimate Guide by Gary T. Latham — Covers every major trail in the state.
• Desert Survival Skills by John “Jock” W. Higginbotham — Practical advice on heat, water, and navigation.
• Where the Desert Meets the Sky by John R. Swantek — A poetic, insightful look at Phoenix’s natural landscape.

Community Resources

Join local hiking groups on Facebook: “Phoenix Hikers Unite” and “Arizona Trail Runners.” These communities share real-time trail conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and unexpected closures. They’re invaluable.

Attend monthly meetups at REI Phoenix. They host free navigation workshops and desert safety talks led by experienced guides.

Real Examples

Real stories from those who’ve “Reached 11” reveal the truth behind the myth.

Case Study 1: Maria R., 38 — First-Time “11” Attempt

Maria trained for six months, hiking Camelback twice a week and doing stair climbs with a 25-lb pack. She chose a crisp February morning to attempt the full route. By 10 a.m., she was on Piestewa’s summit, feeling strong. But at South Mountain’s Dorsey Trail, a sudden windstorm kicked up dust, reducing visibility. She lost the trail for 20 minutes. Instead of panicking, she used her Garmin to ping her location, reoriented using the sun, and found the ridge again. She finished at 5:45 p.m., exhausted but elated. “I didn’t conquer the desert,” she wrote in her journal. “I listened to it. And it let me pass.”

Case Study 2: James T., 52 — The Near-Miss

James had hiked all the components individually. He thought he was ready. On his “Reach 11” day, he started at 6 a.m. with only 2 liters of water. By 11 a.m., he was dizzy. He ignored the signs. At Weaver’s Needle, he collapsed. A passing ranger found him 90 minutes later, dehydrated and disoriented. He spent two days in the hospital. “I thought I knew the desert,” he said. “I didn’t. The desert doesn’t care how many trails you’ve done. It only cares if you’re prepared.”

Case Study 3: The Youth Group — Collective “11”

A group of 12 high school students from the Arizona Outdoor Education Program attempted a modified “Reach 11” over two days, with support crews. They carried solar-powered lights, shared hydration packs, and documented their journey for a school project. They didn’t do it alone — but they did it together. Their teacher said, “They didn’t just hike. They learned how to survive — and how to care for each other.”

Case Study 4: The Veteran — 7x “Reach 11”

Frank, 67, retired Army medic, has completed “Reach 11” seven times — always in winter, always alone. He carries no GPS. Just a paper map, compass, and a water bladder. “I don’t need technology,” he says. “I need awareness. The desert speaks in wind, in shadow, in the way the rocks feel under your hands. If you’re listening, you’ll never get lost.”

These stories show that “Reach 11” isn’t about strength alone. It’s about awareness, humility, preparation, and respect.

FAQs

Is “Reach 11” an official trail?

No. It is a self-defined challenge created by Phoenix’s most dedicated hikers. No signposts, no permits, no ranger stations. It exists only in the minds of those who undertake it.

Can I do “Reach 11” in the summer?

Technically, yes — but you’re risking your life. Temperatures above 105°F dramatically increase the risk of heatstroke, organ failure, and death. We strongly advise against it. If you attempt it in summer, you are not brave — you are reckless.

Do I need a permit?

No permits are required for any of the trails involved. However, South Mountain Park is a municipal park, and some areas may have seasonal closures due to wildlife protection. Always check the Phoenix Parks and Recreation website before departure.

How long does it take to complete “Reach 11”?

Most experienced hikers take 9–12 hours. Beginners should plan for 14+ hours. Speed is not the goal. Completion with safety is.

What if I get lost?

Stop. Do not wander. Use your satellite communicator to send your location. Stay put. Signal for help using your whistle or mirror. The desert is vast, but search and rescue teams are trained and capable. Your priority is survival — not pride.

Can I do “Reach 11” with a dog?

Not recommended. Dogs can overheat quickly, their paws are vulnerable to hot rock and sharp scree, and many sections are too technical for them. If you bring one, carry extra water, booties, and a cooling vest — and be prepared to turn back.

What’s the hardest part of “Reach 11”?

Most say the descent from Piestewa Peak — loose rocks, steep drop-offs, and fatigue. Others say the off-trail section in the Superstition area, where the terrain is unforgiving and navigation is ambiguous. The truth? The hardest part is the mental fatigue after 6 hours — when your body says stop, but your mind knows you’re not done.

Is “Reach 11” dangerous?

Yes. It carries inherent risks: dehydration, heat illness, falls, disorientation, wildlife encounters, and isolation. But with proper preparation, it’s not reckless. It’s respected.

What should I do after completing “Reach 11”?

Rest. Reflect. Document. Share your experience — not to boast, but to help others prepare. Consider mentoring a new hiker. The desert is a teacher. Let it teach through you.

Can I do “Reach 11” in reverse?

Yes. Some prefer starting in the Superstitions and ending at Camelback. The physical challenge is the same. The psychological shift — beginning with solitude and ending with the city skyline — is profound.

Conclusion

To “Reach 11” in Phoenix is not to conquer a mountain. It is to surrender to the desert — to its heat, its silence, its beauty, and its indifference. It is to walk where few dare, to carry your own water, to navigate by instinct, and to return not with trophies, but with transformation.

This journey does not reward the fastest. It honors the most prepared. It respects the quiet, the patient, the humble. It does not care if you’re young or old, fit or frail. It only asks: Are you ready?

If you’ve read this far, you already are.

Start small. Train relentlessly. Respect the land. Honor the process. When the time comes — and it will — you won’t just hike to Reach 11. You’ll become it.

The desert is waiting.