May Hike - South Mountain Full Moon Hike

"A lesser light to rule the night."
Genesis 1:16

Something NEW!  A night hike to view a FULL MOON RISING.  

May 2026 features two full moons: the Flower Moon was on Friday, May 1 and a Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31. This second full moon, or Blue Moon will be our night out.  The Moon appears full for a day or so before and after its peak illumination.  We will hike up South Mountain on Saturday May 30th to see it at its peak.  The moon rises earlier in the evening and provides a long viewing window throughout the night.

Meet at the Pima Trailhead Parking Lot:  at 6:30 pm under the pavilions 
4500 E Pima Canyon Road   

Parking:
The parking lot closes for entry at 7pm, but does NOT close for exit until 11:00pm
The moon begins its rise on the Eastern horizon at 7:25pm.
 
Return to our cars: 
Estimated to be not later than 8:30 pm

Difficulty:
Group A: 
1.5 miles 
Easy & some Moderate
Walk Pima road to the Ridgeline Trail Up. Climbing up to the top can be a challenge for those unsteady on rocks.   Hiking poles make a great difference for this 400ft elevation gain.  Otherwise, one step at a time and you can do it.  You do need to have some physical ability but do not need to be a “hiker”.

Group B: 
2.5 miles
Moderate – Group B for more experienced hikers.  We will travel to the East side of the Ridgeline from the parking lot and take the Ridgeline ups and downs to our Group A point.  This portion of the trail is steep and has more slippery rocks.

What to Bring:   
A HEADLIGHT OR FLASHLIGHT THAT HAS NEW BATTERIES OR FULLY CHARGED.  
Bring 2 liters of water 
Closed toe hiking shoes. 
Trail snacks if you wish.  
We will spend some time enjoying the nighttime views and the conversation of others.