Hieroglyphics Trail Formally Opened And Dedicated To Public

[South Mountain Richard note: Most of Hieroglyphics Trail is now called Geronimo...also this is another main trail built before the CCC arrived in October, 1933]

“AZR”, March 9, 1930

With city and county officials included in the party which made the dedicatory trip, a hiking party over the newly-completed Hieroglyphics canyon trail in Phoenix Mountain park, sponsored by the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, yesterday formally marked the opening of the trail to public use.

Gathering at the foot of the South mountains, the party left at 1:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon for the trip over the trail a distance of about two and one-half miles.

The path was constructed in the park by the city as a part of the development program planned for it. The park comprises more than 14,000 acres of land, including within its boundaries many interesting views, strange rock formations, and in some locations prehistoric Indian rock-writings.

The new trail leads directly through some of the most rugged and picturesque sections of the park, among which is Hieroglyphic canyon, where the prehistoric Indian writings are found.

Arrangements for the dedicatory hike over Hieroglyphic trail were in charge of the Phoenix Mountain park committee of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, which is headed by Fred Barrows, chairman and H. Clay Parker, vice-chairman.

The party halted briefly at the highest point on the trail, which has an elevation about 1,600 feet higher than the city of Phoenix, to enjoy the remarkable scenic view obtainable from this location.

It then continued down the mountain to Heard Scout pueblo, elaborate new week-end camp of the Roosevelt council, Boy Scouts of America, where “open house” was held under the direction of George F. Miller, council executive.

After inspecting the various units of the Boy Scout camp, the hiking party returned to the city.

The event was intended not only as a gesture of appreciation to the city for its part in developing the park, but also as a means of acquainting the public with its attractions as a center for recreational purposes, including hiking, horseback riding and picnicking.

Dr. F. J. Crider, director of the Boyce Thompson Southwestern arboretum at Superior, was a member of the hiking party. As the party traveled over the trail, Dr. Crider briefly commented on the interesting desert growths, shrubs, trees and cacti found there.