Sunrise Hike at North Mountain Park Dec. 24

Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board member Diana Brooks will greet hikers at the top of North Mountain at 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 24 for an annual tradition of watching the sun rise.

Hikers are asked to bring along their favorite snacks to enjoy up top, and Phoenix park rangers will install a temporary fire ring at the top so hikers can enjoy a small fire.

This will be the 22nd year in which groups of regular North Mountain hikers gather at the top of the mountain on Christmas Eve to watch the sun rise. The informal, annual gathering got its start 22 years ago when a couple shared their hot chocolate and cookies with two others awaiting the sunrise on Christmas Eve morning. They agreed to meet at the same time and place the following year and to bring along some friends. The event has grown in size ever since.

Leaving from the Maricopa picnic area at North Mountain Park, the hike is approximately three quarters of a mile with an 800-foot elevation gain. North Mountain Park is located on the west side of Seventh Street at Peoria Road, and the Maricopa picnic area is located in the northwest section of the park.

The gathering is informal and no registration is required.

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