So you've hiked the Squaw Peak Summit Trail and Camelback Mountain Trail for the billionth time and are looking to expand your horizons a bit. Maybe you are looking for a trail that provides the workout of these two popular trails, but you want a little isolation from the hundred or so people you are bound to run into on those trails. Well you may want to consider this one.

Peak 2429 is so named by the elevation at its peak. Because of the maze of trails available at the Squaw Peak area, there are many possible starting points for this hike, but the most direct route starts at the end of 40th Street on the northern part of the preserve. Here there is a dirt parking lot providing ample parking. The elevation at this parking lot is about 1450 feet providing a total elevation net of close to 1000 feet for this hike.

At the trailhead is a rusted metal post and a map showing this as the trailhead for the Quartz Ridge Trail (#8). A book I have also describes the first part of this trail as a spur for the Charles M. Christiansen Trail (#100). Whatever you want to call it, the first 5 minutes of hiking is on what appears to have been a 4WD road. After this first 5 minutes the trail crosses the actual #100 trail as you will find another metal post there marking that trail. To head toward Peak 2429 you will need to go straight across the #100 trail and continue south on the 4WD road.

After crossing the #100 Trail, the road ascends gradually for the next 1/2 mile gaining approximately 300 feet in elevation. At this point it is necessary to keep an eye out for a "Y" in the trail. This "Y" occurs just before the road turns 180 degrees to head north. If you pass this "Y" it is possible to follow the road for a few hundred feet where you will discover it to become a "trail." This "trail" eventually disappears after crossing two boulder washes.

At the "Y" it is necessary to leave the road by bearing right. This is where this trail begins its relentless climb to Peak 2429. This portion of the trail is very easy to follow but is steep as it climbs 500 feet in about a 1/2 mile, with many switchbacks. The feeling I get on this trail is that it is probably close to what the Summit Trail may have provided some 15 to 20 years ago before concrete was brought in to slow erosion.

Eventually the trail comes to a small saddle that provides the choice of three routes. Going right here requires a little rock scrambling to ascend a different peak than 2429. By going straight ahead, the trail makes the most direct and steep climb to the summit of Peak 2429. By turning left, you can get some relief to this hike as the trail wraps around the northern side of the peak to another saddle before starting the climb to the peak. If you take this route you will find after it starts to climb to the peak that you will come across another "Y." To head to the summit, you need to bear right. If you choose to bear left, you will end up following a trail that eventually begins descending to the eastern portion of the preserve.

The view from the summit of Peak 2429 is an excellent one as this peak is actually in between Camelback Mountain and Squaw Peak, providing a unique view of each. Even on this rather smoggy day, it was possible to make out Four Peaks to the east.

Along the trail I spooked three families of quail. I've been accustomed to seeing quail but don't remember seeing any with the vibrant red knob on the top of their heads that I saw with these. I wish I could have captured one on film but could get no closer than about 30 feet without having the whole group fly off.

Near the summit, I found one small cactus blooming several intense purple flowers. The ocotillo on this hike looked as if they were within about a week or two of providing full bloom as the buds were teasing me with the brilliant orange color underneath.

Getting there: From Shea Boulevard, turn south on 40th Street and follow it to its end where there is a dirt parking lot at the trailhead.

Stats:Trailhead is at 1450 feet. Trail rises to 2429 feet. Trail distance is approximately 3 miles round trip. My ascent of 45 minutes was taken at a leisurely pace. A workout hike would take approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Tips: No Fee. No water or water fountain is available. There are a couple spots under mesquite trees that provide good rest stops and views to the north and west.