Mesa, AZ - Fat Man's Pass to Natural Arch

Another hiking day and we went back to South Park where we had hiked last weekend. We had heard from the young woman who took our photo then that a neat trail was the Mormon Loop through Fat Man’s Pass and the Natural Arch. We usually take advice on trails since those who live here probably know it much better than we do.

Up early, breakfast and we were off. We stopped for donuts but - this time I had decided I would have a protein bar instead. We found the trailhead with a few other cars, donned our hiking clothes and were off. We met quite a few along the trail, both heading out like we were and heading back after their morning exercise. We’ve often found neighborhood people using the trails for daily exercise. They run up and down, sometimes trying to beat their best time. Me: I’m just hoping to make it back before dark.

We really enjoyed the trail since it was challenging, had great views, could be made longer or shorter with adding or subtracting additional loops and had some interesting geologic formations. Perfect for us.

Of course, the first part of the hike was upward and upward. Then we took the path towards the Fat Man’s Pass. 9” wide it is although there is an alternate path over some boulders if you can’t make the slot. We took off our packs and I got a neat shot of Gary coming through to show how narrow it is.

The valley itself was a neat slice of nature, very quiet especially on a weekday. Lots of cacti, green bushes and we could see the wash where water would run through it after a rain.

We did see this wild creature. There was a whole colony of chipmunks probably hoping for a food handout.

The end of the valley was a natural arch to walk under. Beautiful rocks.

We then completed the Mormon Loop, added the Pima Wash and Ridgeline Loops and headed back to the car. A soda at Walmart and we headed home.

Nice hike and I’ll recommend it to others who want a challenging interesting hike.

Now, today is Halloween and there is a big Halloween do tonight in the park. The costume ‘suggestion’ is nursery rhymes. Our neighbor is going all out: Steve is Bo-Peep and Cathy is the sheep. She’s been sewing for days and they’ve been looking for little parts for their costumes for a while. Gary and I in nursery rhyme costumes? I don’t think so. However, today, during our hike I decided that we could go as Jack and Jill in our hiking clothes. All we would need would be a bucket. Not too difficult. But, it was too late to sign up. Shucky darn. Anyway, before our neighbors left for the big do, they stopped over so I could get their picture. Earlier, Steve had asked Gary if he could wear Gary’s name badge - he didn’t want anyone to know who he really was. Fat chance.

I was sure they could win a prize but she told me that there were some pretty elaborate costumes. I also found out that about 1/3 of the people there were not in costume. I'll remember this for next year if we stay here.

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