Hazeldean Valley Trails: When Life Gives You Solo Hikes, Take Photos

So for this hike, I was let down at literally the last possible hour by what's-his-face. Not the first time this has happened, but bygones.

Naturally, there was an instant internal tantrum. A full-blown, dramatic, “I WILL BURN THIS WORLD TO THE GROUND” meltdown.

Then, once I calmed the hell down, I actually got excited. I remembered how epic my last two solo hikes were—both at good ol’ reliable Modderfontein. A quick, easy 10-minute drive from home. Casual. Effortless. Me being liberated, independent, gangsta… fabulous.

Since I had already mentally committed to a hike, I did what any slightly bitter but highly determined person would do—I decided to try somewhere different to go solo, and I headed off to Hazeldean Valley Trails.

But while driving there, it dawned on me: Unlike Modderfontein, this was an hour-long drive. Alone. To go walk… alone. And I quietly wondered—was I just a lonely, bitter old woman? Or had I finally reached peak unhinged-hiker status?

Honestly? Probably both, but whatever.

I’d been before with my hiking buddy, Paprika—but she prefers trails that double as a CrossFit endurance challenge. Not always awful, but let’s just say survival takes priority over sightseeing when she’s setting the pace.

This time, though, I was free to stroll, to stop for photos and to absorb the scenery instead of gasping for air and wondering if this was how I died.

I had chosen the 8 km route. All was solid. No complaints. There was plenty of shade, some truly scenic and magical patches, and just enough creatures to keep things interesting. Oh, and random pockets of mud—probably leftover from recent rain—where avoiding it was simply not an option. (Rude.)

I took my sweet time, stopped for an absurd amount of photos, and suddenly—bam—the day was heating up.

So when faced with the great fork-in-the-trail dilemma (5km vs. 8km), I looked at the sun, looked at my already-sweaty self, and made the executive decision: 5km it is. No regrets.

Hazeldean itself? It’s a lovely establishment with great energy and in a great neighborhood. Shout out to the locals—your neighborhood is so peaceful, it almost made me forget about the morning’s betrayal. Almost.

There’s cycling too (you can rent bikes too —no, not me… you). Plus, a really nice little coffee shop where I fully embraced my pitiful loner status by sitting down to sip a cappuccino alone. Might as well lean into it, right?

Because the universe has a spectacular sense of humor, guess who randomly messaged me mid-trail? Paprika. Yes, my beautiful Energizer Bunny herself.

Coincidence? Psychic connection? The hiking gods throwing me a bone so I don’t spiral into full hermit mode? Who knows. But come on—there has to be some kind of meaning behind this. The timing was too perfect.

Either way, I took it as a sign: Solo hiking is great… but maybe, just maybe, I’m not meant to be a complete recluse just yet.

As I drove home, I ran straight into the chaos of a marathon happening in my own neighborhood. Streets blocked. Runners everywhere. Spectators lining the roads.

Ah, the irony. I willingly drove an hour, hiked for two, got personally victimized by mud, and then came home to find a perfectly good (and significantly more organized) walk happening right outside my door. Complete with medals.

But no—I chose the path less paved. Because the road to inner peace isn’t lined with cheering spectators. It’s covered in questionable puddles, requires excessive travel, and offers zero external validation for my suffering.

RATING

AREA - Pretoria

COST - R 50

DIFFICULTY 

There are different trails. The 5 km to 8 km are easy.

LENGTH - 5 km (because sweat)

TIME 

2 hours - don't judge (There were photos to take. And existential crises to have.)

ELEVATION - Virtually flat  

MARKERS - Yes

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

Coffee Shop

NOTE TO SELF

Return with a sucker (or multiple) to attempt a longer, more challenging route one day.

ON A FINAL NOTE

A safe, chill environment for the whole family. Mostly flat, perfect for hikers and cyclists of all levels. All trails start and finish at the Cowhouse Market.

Dog friendly.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

 Tosolo

So cuuuuuuuuuute 😍🥰