Arizona is full of adventure, like any place, as long as you make the most of what it has to offer. From local restaurants, music venues and water parks to everything outdoors including mountains, lakes, sunsets and many more, you are sure to find something to entertain your spirit and fulfill your experience. Many folks who've migrated to Phoenix from the Midwest, east coast and cold climates up north often under-value the beauty of the desert. It may appear still and dry, but truly it is full of life and seasonal cycles. If you've had the opportunity to drive an hour North on the I-17 towards Flagstaff or SR87 to Payson, East on the 260, the 80 South to Bisbee or up and down the 89 between Prescott and Page, then you've likely seen much of the various landscape, climate and elevation change, wildlife and differences between folks who reside in cities compared to those who proudly inhabit small towns. A traveler who experiences diversity is sure to gain an appreciation and a newfound respect for all life including nature herself. Listed below are a few of my favorite hikes in Arizona:
1) Brown's Peak (Brown's Trail), Four Peaks; Located in Tonto National Forest, forty miles Northeast of Phoenix, the northern-most peak of the four is fairly moderate in terms of difficulty level. From Highway 87, take the Four Peaks exit. A twenty-mile dirt road (FR143) will take you to the trail head parking lot. Note, it took me about ninety-minutes to reach the trail head from the 87, averaging ten mph (4-wheel drive is recommended).
Peak Elevation: 7,659 ft. Gain/Loss: +1952 ft. Round trip: 5.1 Miles. To summit, it took just under ninety-minutes.
2) Mount Humphrey's; The highest peak in Arizona standing at 12,633 ft. offers panoramic views of Northern Arizona. I've summited twice, once in the Fall(2017) and most recently in the Summer(2019). I attempted the same hike with a friend on New Year's day. We were required to use snow shoes, crampons and plenty of warm gear as it had just snowed the evening prior. We reached appox. 11,000 ft before we chose to turn around. Though weather conditions were good on the day of we were already waist deep at approx 10,050 ft and could only imagine what the summit was like. Overall, it was a great experience and not a bad way to break in my snow shoes. Strong hikers should be able to summit in about 2 1/2 hours in fair weather.
3) Shiya Rock Loop (Phoenix Preserve); A piece of Arizona Desert dearest to me rests in the heart of Phoenix. These grounds raised me, humbled me, and gifted me many respects for deserts around the world. The trail around Shiya Rock is approx. 1.4 miles with additional trail options throughout. It is suitable for beginners and suggested for strong hikers to maintain a steady jog to assure adequate challenge for the legs and lungs. Group workouts are held here regularly (check calendar).
4) Mount Baldy, White Mountains;
Circa: September, 2017. ~3900 elevation gain.
Where: Approximately four hours Northeast of Phoenix.
Distance: 11 miles round trip.
Suggestions: Airbnb a cabin, and hike with a fit clan of friends. Begin early and allow the group about six hours to complete full trip. The views are spectacular! Check weather days in advance. Altitude reaches 11,421, so winds can be chilly.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for ALL LEVELS!
This peak is given its name for the lack of trees at the top. Side note: There is reception in case you'd like to call your significant other or grandmother and let them know you made it safely to the summit, and inform them of your thrilling experience....
...pooping in nature for the third time ever!
5) South Kaibab and Bright Angel, South Rim-Grand Canyon;
The comments I received while carrying this stick were priceless.
"What a big stick you have!"
"Did you see that man's stick?"
"That's a large piece of wood, sir."
"Can I hold your stick?"
"Is it as hard as it looks!"
Few Favorite Outdoor Brands:
Shoes- Salomon
Backpack- Osprey
Hat- Columbia
Ever need a good hiking buddy, contact me!
...just keep your hands off my stick.
If you'd like to know more about my adventures, subscribe to my hand-written letters and I'd be glad to give you more details!
Thank you for your support!
-Son of Mark
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