Located in the hilly space between the Salt River and the Usery Mountains in Mesa, the Hawes Trail System is about to get an upgrade. The cluster of mountain-bike-centric trails with access points along Bush Highway is part of the Tonto National Forest Sonoran Desert Trail System – a network of East Valley multi-use routes.
“More than 22 new miles of trails are proposed in our master plan, and more miles are set for rehab and adoption of social trails,” says Shawn Stenmark of the Hawes Trail Alliance, a nonprofit organization that was formed to help maintain and build the HTS. “A total of 42 miles are set to be made legit or built. It will make a big impact on the area.”
While the HTS was founded by mountain bikers, plans include making the site a prime destination for all trail users.
“It all started with a fiber-optic line dirt road that bikers started riding,” Stenmark says. “That road is now the original Hawes Trail. We have hikers, runners and equestrians using the trails, but it’s the bikers who are building the trails, so we lean more toward them. But at the same time, we’re doing our best to cater to all users through education about right-of-way rules and sustainable outdoor ethics.”
A lot of work and multi-level planning with U.S. Forest Service, local governments, ADOT and community stakeholders happens before shovels hit the dirt.
“HTA proposes sustainable trails that hit interesting areas that are fun and create value,” Stenmark says. “Then the forest service mulls it over and we get feedback from bike groups, hikers and equestrians to make sure stakeholders are represented. Once there are no red flags, we bring in the archaeologists and conduct environmental impact statements.”
Funding comes mainly from HTA efforts, but state and federal grants add to the pot: “We get money with fundraisers and merchandise sales. We also have corporate sponsors, and we’re getting better at grants for additional funds.”
Upcoming projects will respond to trail user feedback and address parking issues along Bush Highway. Most of the heavy lifting is done by HTA volunteers, Stenmark says. “Our volunteers don’t need any special skills. We post work events through social media and our email list. Crew leaders are certified through the forest service and are responsible for training and safety.
“I’d like people to know that we put a lot of thought into what we’re trying to accomplish. We do the best we can to give the public what they’re looking for [and] understand how to work with the forest service, donors and local governments to get things done.”
IF YOU GO:
Hawes Trail Alliance
hawestrailalliance.com
WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO HERE?
Upload your photos to phoenixmag.com/citizen-hiker
Photos that best depict trail character and experience will be added to our website slideshow.
Each month up to three photos will be selected to illustrate the Citizen Hiker article in our print edition and online.
BAREFOOT IN THE PARK
On a family trip more than 20 years ago, entrepreneur Leah Williams went to a barefoot park in Belgium, where visitors were encouraged to walk around and experience the earth sans shoes. Inspired, she dreamed of one day bringing the idea to the United States. In 2024, she opened The Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff, where visitors can safely walk along a mile-long trail with nothing on their feet. “People want to be connected with their environments again,” Williams says. “We have a lot of electronic time… even as adults, we’re on our phones, computers for work. And of course there are trails, national parks… But this is a manicured trail made to go barefoot, so there’s a very natural, wild aspect to it.” The path is designed to provide a unique sensory experience for your feet, using materials like stones, bricks, natural ground and tires strategically placed for both engagement and to ensure comfortable temperatures in the Arizona heat. “It’s exciting, safe and fun for a full family experience,” Williams says. The Barefoot Trail opens for its second season on May 14. Check thebarefoottrail.org for ticket prices.
– Lex Doig
