INTRODUCTION

Welcome to 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Phoenix. If you’re new to hiking or even if you’re a seasoned trail-smith, take a few minutes to read the following introduction. We explain how this book is organized and how to use it.

HIKE DESCRIPTIONS

Each hike contains eight key items: a locator map, an “In Brief” description of the trail, a KEY AT-A-GLANCE INFORMATION box, directions to the trail, a trail map, an elevation profile, a trail description, and a description of nearby activities. Combined, the maps and information provide a clear method to assess each trail from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.

IN BRIEF

A “taste of the trail.” Think of this section as a snapshot focused on the historical landmarks, beautiful vistas, and other sights you may encounter on the trail.

KEY AT-A-GLANCE INFORMATION

The information in the key at-a-glance boxes gives you a quick idea of the specifics of each hike. There are 15 basic elements covered.

LENGTH  The length of the trail from start to finish. There may be options to shorten or extend the hikes, but the mileage corresponds to the described hike. Consult the hike description to help decide how to customize the hike for your ability or time constraints.

ELEVATION GAIN  The difference between minimum elevation and maximum elevation during the hike. Ups and downs on the trail may add significantly to the amount of effort required.

CONFIGURATION  A description of what the trail might look like from overhead. Trails can be loops, out-and-backs (trails on which one enters and leaves along the same path), figure eights, or balloons.

DIFFICULTY The degree of effort an average hiker should expect on a given hike. For simplicity, difficulty is described as “easy,” “moderate,” or “difficult.”

SCENERY A summary of the overall environs of the hike and what to expect in terms of plant life, wildlife, streams, and historic buildings.

EXPOSURE A quick check of how much sun you can expect on your shoulders during the hike. Descriptors used are self-explanatory and include terms such as shady, exposed, and sunny.

TRAFFIC Indicates how busy the trail might be on an average day and if you might be able to find solitude out there. Trail traffic, of course, varies from day to day and season to season.

SURFACE A description of the trail surface, be it paved, rocky, dirt, or a mixture of materials.

HIKING TIME The length of time it takes to hike the trail. Most of the estimates in this book reflect an average speed of 2 miles per hour. Difficult terrain and scrambling can add significantly to the amount of time required.

WATER REQUIREMENT The recommended amount of water one needs to take along for each hike. Having enough water is paramount when hiking in the desert. The required amount of fluid will increase with ambient temperature and pace.

ACCESS A notation of hours of service and fees or permits needed to access the trail (if any).

MAPS Which maps are the best, or easiest, for this hike, and where to get them.

FACILITIES What to expect in terms of restrooms, water, and other amenities available at the trailhead or nearby.

DOGS Whether four-legged hiking buddies are allowed on the trail.

SPECIAL COMMENTS These comments cover little extra details that don’t fit into any of the above categories. Here you’ll find information on trail-hiking options and facts, or tips on how to get the most out of your hike.

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAIL

The detailed directions given for each hike will lead you to its trailhead. If you use GPS technology, the UTM and latitude/longitude coordinates provided allow you to navigate directly to the trailhead.

TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS

The trail description is the heart of each hike. Here the author provides a summary of the trail’s essence and highlights any special sights along the hike. Ultimately, the hike description will help you choose which hikes are best for you.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

Look here for information on nearby trails, other activities, or points of interest.

WEATHER

Phoenix is notorious for its blistering summer heat. With the mercury routinely exceeding 110 degrees, Phoenicians often joke that they live next door to the devil. Peak temperatures occur from late June to mid-July before seasonal monsoons—annual weather disturbances that cause regular thunderstorms—bring some measure of relief. The scorching Arizona sun and oppressive heat can make outdoor activities miserable and often downright dangerous.

Seasoned Phoenix residents have developed strategies to cope with their extreme climate. Relatively low humidity causes temperatures to drop significantly at night. Therefore, veteran desert hikers take full advantage of cool early mornings and late evenings. They religiously apply sunblock and hydrate well before a hike. Many seek outings to higher elevations and near streams on the hottest days.

Excluding its merciless summers, Phoenix boasts mild and pleasant weather, especially in winter. Measurable snow occurs only once every 20 years in Phoenix. As a matter of fact, locals have coined the term “snowbirds” for the seasonal influx of winter visitors attempting to escape frigid conditions elsewhere in the country. Perpetually low humidity blesses Arizona with ample sunshine and accounts for its magnificent sunsets.

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Phoenix receives an average of only seven inches of rain per year, making it one of the driest regions in the country. However, desert storms can be sudden and violent. Flash floods, blinding dust storms, and rapidly changing temperatures can wreak havoc on anyone unprepared for monsoon conditions, which typically invade the Valley of the Sun from mid-July through mid-September. Winter rains are somewhat milder and occur between December and March, bringing life and color to desert plants that are poised to respond. Early spring is the most colorful time of the year, when wildflowers blanket hillsides with splashes of gold, and fragrant citrus blossoms perfume the air.

The Sonoran Desert can be exquisitely beautiful but also unforgiving to those who are unprepared for its harsh realities. To hike safely in a desert environment requires knowledge and preparation. Having common sense doesn’t hurt either. Bring plenty of water, apply ample sunblock, and always tell someone where you are going. Wilderness areas near Phoenix feature rugged and remote mountains that reach elevations in excess of 7,000 feet. Temperature extremes, sudden storms, and intense solar radiation occur at these altitudes. Whether visiting desert foothills in town or exploring remote mountain trails, hikers need to be aware of their environment and its risks and to come prepared with proper clothing and gear.

ALLOCATING TIME

On flat or lightly undulating terrain, the author averages 3.5 miles per hour when hiking. That speed drops in direct proportion to the steepness of a path. Navigation of obstacles such as brush and boulders, off-trail exploration of flora and fauna, photography, and rest stops also extend a hike. Give yourself plenty of time. Few people enjoy rushing through a hike, and fewer still take pleasure in scrambling down a rocky chute after dark. Remember, too, that your pace naturally slackens over the back half of a long trek.

MAPS

The maps in this book have been produced with great care and, used with the hiking directions, will direct you to the trail and help you stay on course. However, you will find superior detail and valuable information in the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) 7.5–minute series topographic maps. Topo maps are available online in many locations, including terraserverusa.com and maps.google.com (click “terrain”). You can view and print topos of the entire United States there and view aerial photographs of the same area. The downside to topos is that most of them are outdated, having been created 20 to 30 years ago. But they still provide excellent topographic detail.

If you’re new to hiking, you might be wondering, “What’s a topographic map?” In short, a topo indicates not only linear distance but elevation, using contour lines. Contour lines spread across the map like dozens of intricate spiderwebs. Each line represents a particular elevation, and at the base of each topo, a contour’s interval designation is given. If the contour interval is 200 feet, then the height difference between each contour line is 200 feet. Follow five contour lines up on the same map, and the elevation has increased by 1,000 feet.

Let’s assume that the 7.5–minute series topo reads “Contour Interval 40 feet,” that the short trail we’ll be hiking is two inches in length on the map, and that it crosses five contour lines from beginning to end. What do we know? Well, because the linear scale of this series is 2,000 feet to the inch (roughly two and three-quarters inches representing one mile), we know our trail is approximately four-fifths of a mile long (2 inches are 4,000 feet). We also know we’ll be climbing or descending 200 vertical feet (five contour lines are 40 feet each) over that distance. The elevation designations written on occasional contour lines will tell us if we’re heading up or down.

In addition to outdoor shops and bike shops, major universities and some public libraries have topos; you might try photocopying the ones you need to avoid buying them. If you want your own and can’t find them locally, visit the United States Geological Survey Web site at topomaps.usgs.gov.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) TRAILHEAD COORDINATES

To collect accurate map data, the author hiked each trail with a handheld GPS unit (Garmin eTrex Legend). Data collected was then downloaded and plotted onto a digital USGS topo map. In addition to rendering a highly accurate trail outline, this book also includes the GPS coordinates for each trailhead in two different coordinate systems. For readers who own a GPS unit, whether handheld or onboard a vehicle, the GPS coordinates provided on the first page of each hike may be entered into the GPS unit to locate trailheads with precision. More accurately known as Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, the first set of given GPS coordinates index a specific map location using a grid method. The survey datum used to arrive at the UTM coordinates is NAD27 CONUS. Just make sure your GPS unit is set to navigate using the UTM system in conjunction with NAD27 datum. For added convenience, the second edition of this book also gives trailhead coordinates in latitude and longitude for those who prefer to navigate using that geographic coordinate system. Typically, handheld GPS units use the WGS84 datum by default, so the latitude and longitude coordinates are specified using WGS84.

Most trailheads, which begin in parking areas, can be reached by car. However, some hikes still require a short walk from a parking area to reach the trailhead. A handheld GPS unit may be useful for navigation beyond the driving directions. That said, however, readers can easily access all trailheads and find the routes described in this book by using the directions given, the overview map, and the trail map, which shows at least one major road leading into the area. For those who enjoy using the latest GPS technology, the necessary data have been provided. A brief explanation of the geographic coordinate systems follows.

UTM COORDINATES—ZONE, EASTING, AND NORTHING

Three numbers labeled zone, easting, and northing appear within the trailhead coordinates box on the first page of each hike; for example, the Camelback Mountain Summit Trail hike includes the following data:

UTM Zone (NAD27) 12S

Easting 0409661

Northing 3709315

The zone number (12) refers to one of the 60 longitudinal (vertical) zones of a map using the UTM projection. Each zone is 6 degrees wide. The zone letter (S) refers to one of the 20 latitudinal (horizontal) zones that span from 80° South to 84° North.

The easting number (0409661) references in meters how far east the point is from the zero value for eastings, which runs north–south through Greenwich, England. Increasing easting coordinates on a topo map or on your GPS screen indicate you are moving east. Decreasing easting coordinates indicate you are moving west. Since lines of longitude converge at the poles, they are not parallel like lines of latitude. This means that the distance between full easting coordinates is 1,000 meters near the equator but becomes smaller as you travel farther north or south. The difference is small enough to be ignored until you reach the polar regions.

In the northern hemisphere the northing number (3709315) references in meters how far you are from the equator. Above the equator, northing coordinates increase by 1,000 meters between each parallel line of latitude (east–west lines). On a topo map or GPS receiver, increasing northing numbers indicate you are traveling north.

In the southern hemisphere, the northing number references how far you are from a latitude line that is 10 million meters south of the equator. Below the equator northing coordinates decrease by 1,000 meters between each line of latitude. On a topo map, decreasing northing coordinates indicate you are traveling south.

Remember that whenever you use UTM coordinates, the GPS should be set up to use the NAD27 CONUS datum. If you don’t make this setting on your GPS unit, the coordinates given in the book will differ greatly from what your GPS unit measures while standing at the trailhead.

LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE

A more commonly used coordinate system specifies each point on the globe with a pair of angular measurements—latitude and longitude. Similar to X-Y coordinates that specify points on a two-dimensional plane, the latitude and longitude coordinates specify a point on our spherical planet. These coordinates are also given in the trailhead coordinates box.

Latitude is specified in degrees and measures the north-south angular distance between a point on the map and the Earth’s equatorial plane, which divides the Earth into a northern hemisphere and a southern hemisphere. A point on the equator has latitude 0, while the North Pole has latitude 90 degrees. Points of equal latitude trace out concentric circles called parallels. The 38th Parallel became a well-known latitude during the Korean War. Since the United States lies in the northern hemisphere, latitudes for points within the United States will be some number between 0 and 90.

Longitude is also specified in degrees and measures the east-west angular distance between a point on the map and an arbitrary reference point—the Royal Observatory at Greenwich in England—designated as having 0 longitude. Points of equal longitude form meridians and run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole. The 0-degree longitudinal line is also known as the Prime Meridian. Longitude values increase as you move away horizontally from the Prime Meridian. Everything to the east of the Prime Meridian is in the eastern hemisphere, and everything to its west is in the western hemisphere. For arbitrary reasons, points in the western hemisphere are given a negative longitude. So 111 degrees west is the same thing as -111 degrees longitude. The longitudinal line at 180 degrees—points farthest from the Prime Meridian—also serves (roughly) as the International Date Line.

Since longitude and latitude are angular coordinates, they are sometimes noted in degrees (denoted by °), minutes (’), and even seconds (”) for better readability. A typical GPS unit comes from the factory set to display latitude/longitude coordinates in degrees and minutes. Therefore, all latitude/longitude coordinates are specified in degrees and minutes in this book. Make sure your GPS unit is set to use the WGS84 datum when using latitude/longitude coordinates. Again, WGS84 is a typical default setting on many GPS units.

For the same example given above, the trailhead for Camelback Mountain Summit Trail has the following latitude/longitude coordinates:

Latitude N33°31.283’

Longitude W111°58.410’

These coordinates specify a point in the northern hemisphere, 33 degrees and 31.283 minutes north of the Equator, and in the western hemisphere, 111 degrees and 58.410 minutes west of the Prime Meridian.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Following are some suggestions to improve not only your hiking experience but the environment for those who follow you. Whether you’re on a city, county, state, or national park trail, always remember that great care and resources have gone into creating these trails. Treat the trail, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect.

  1. Hike on designated trails only. Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure), avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all required permits and authorization. Also, leave gates as you find them or as marked. Note that some of the trails in this book include sections off the main trails. Clear directions are provided.
  2. Leave only footprints. Be sure to pack out what you pack in. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind.
  3. Never spook animals. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most animals. A surprised snake or skunk can be dangerous to you, others, and themselves.
  4. Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are hiking—and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times; carry necessary supplies for changes in the weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and to others.
  5. Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, or equestrians you meet on the trails. It is customary to yield to equestrians, hikers going uphill, and faster hikers.

WATER

“How much is enough? One bottle? Two? Three?! But think of all that extra weight!” Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when it comes to deciding how much water to pack: A hiker working hard in 90-degree heat needs approximately ten quarts of fluid every day. That’s two and a half gallons—12 large water bottles or 16 small ones. In other words, pack along one or two bottles even for short hikes.

Around Phoenix, water sources are scarce at best, and hikers must be prepared to take along all the water they need on a hike. Look in the Key At-A-Glance Information for the minimum recommended amount of water for each hike. Keep in mind that high ambient temperatures and physiological differences among individuals may require you to drink more than the recommended amount.

There are a few perennial streams near Phoenix, and serious backpackers hit the trail prepared to purify water found along the route. This method, while less dangerous than drinking untreated water, comes with risks. Purifiers with ceramic filters are the safest but also the most expensive. Many hikers pack along the slightly distasteful tetraglycine-hydroperiodide tablets (sold under the names Potable Aqua, Coughlan’s, and others).

Probably the most common waterborne “bug” that hikers face is giardia, which may not affect you until one to four weeks after ingestion. It will have you passing noxious rotten-egg gas, vomiting, shivering, and living in the bathroom. There are other parasites to worry about, including E. coli and cryptosporidium (these are harder to kill than giardia).

For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain healthy. If you’re tempted to drink “found water,” do so only if you understand the risks involved. Better yet, hydrate prior to your hike, carry (and drink) six to ten ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate after the hike.

FIRST-AID KIT

A typical kit may contain more items than seem necessary. These are just the basics:

SNAKES AND GILA MONSTERS

The mere mention of snakes strikes fear in the hearts of some hikers. Hike enough in the desert and you are bound to meet a snake. It’s the price desert dwellers pay for a relative dearth of nagging insects, ticks, and poison ivy. However, snakes pose less risk than most people imagine, and they certainly need not keep you from enjoying a hike. Knowing their habitat, understanding their behavior, and respecting their territory are the keys to minimizing risks associated with a snake encounter.

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Rattlesnakes, named for the noisy rattles at the tips of their tails, are the most common snakes found in deserts and mountains near Phoenix. They belong to a group of venomous snakes called pit vipers—pit because they have concave heat-sensing glands on the sides of their faces and viper because they have venom-conducting fangs. There are over a dozen species of Arizona rattlesnakes, many of which are protected by law. Western diamondbacks are the largest and most common, and the nearly identical Mojave rattlers are the most dangerous. You’d do well to avoid both. True to their name, diamondbacks are usually brown in color with speckled dark-brown diamond-shaped blotches on their backs. Alternating black and white stripes line their tail just below the rattle. Mojave rattlers share the diamondbacks’ blotchy pattern and black and white tail stripes, but the white stripes are notably wider than the black ones. Mojave rattlers sometimes show a greenish tint. These dangerous snakes carry a potent neurotoxin that is ten times more powerful than the hemotoxins of other rattlesnakes. Since the Mojave rattler is so close in appearance to a diamondback, it is very difficult to tell them apart, especially during a stressful snake encounter.

Armed with deadly venom, heat-sensing glands, and effective camouflage, rattlesnakes are efficient predators and thrive on small rodents. Fortunately, they are not aggressive by nature and rarely attack humans, unless sufficiently provoked. Most snakebites occur when an inattentive hiker steps on a snake or when a foolish person plays with one out of curiosity. Always give rattlesnakes plenty of space and never approach one on purpose.

Rattlesnakes prefer warmth but not searing heat. They are most active during spring and around dusk. Their favorite hangouts are among rock crevices, tall brush, and under shady branches. Vigilantly watch your step while hiking, and peer over any rock outcroppings before using them as handholds. Rattlesnakes do not like company. When you get too close for comfort, they will let you know by coiling into a defensive posture and emitting a loud rattle that you will likely remember for a long time. Heed their warning. Back up slowly and give them ample space. More often than not, they will back down and seek shelter under a nearby rock. If a snake obstinately obstructs the trail, find a way around it. Never aggravate snakes by poking them or throwing rocks at them. If you often hike with a dog, keep the pet on a close leash. Dogs often chase snakes, and that can lead to trouble for you and your hiking buddy.

Gila monsters are the largest lizards in the country and one of only two venomous lizards in the world. They are native to the Southwest and can be found in the mountains near Phoenix. Bulky and awkward-looking, they grow to two feet in length and have bright and distinctive brown, pink, yellow, and black markings. Staying out of sight most of their lives, Gila monsters rarely make a public appearance. They move slowly and pose little threat to hikers. However, those who molest these animals may receive a very painful and tenacious bite, from which it may be nearly impossible to free yourself. Unlike snakes, Gila monsters don’t have fangs. They deliver their venom by gripping the victim within the jaws and letting the poison seep into the wound. If you happen upon a Gila monster on a hike, count yourself lucky and take some pictures, but do not attempt to touch or otherwise pester it.

TICKS

Ticks are not often found in the deserts around Phoenix. However, they do exist in the higher elevations, around streams, and in lush forested areas. Among local varieties of ticks, brown dog ticks and Rocky Mountain wood ticks are most common. You can use several strategies to reduce your chance of ticks getting under your skin. Some people choose to wear light-colored clothing, so ticks can be spotted before they make it to the skin. Insect repellent containing DEET is an effective deterrent. Most importantly, though, be sure to inspect yourself at the end of a hike. During your post-hike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check. For ticks that are already embedded, removal with tweezers is best.

POISON IVY

Thankfully, poison ivy isn’t as common near Phoenix as it is in most other places in the country. However, these itch-causing plants do grow near perennial streams and ponds. Recognizing and avoiding poison ivy, oak, and sumac are the most effective ways to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with these plants. Poison ivy occurs as a vine or groundcover, 3 leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as either a vine or shrub, also with 3 leaflets; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf having 7 to 13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Within 14 hours of exposure, raised lines and/or blisters will appear on the affected area, accompanied by a terrible itch. Refrain from scratching because bacteria under your fingernails can cause an infection. Wash and dry the rash thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion to help dry out the rash. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. If you do come into contact with one of these plants, remember that oil-contaminated clothes, pets, or hiking gear can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets if applicable.

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MOSQUITOES

While not a common occurrence, individuals can become infected with the West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Culex mosquitoes, the primary varieties that transmit West Nile virus to humans, thrive in urban rather than wilderness areas. They lay their eggs in stagnant water and can breed in any standing water that remains for more than five days. Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness, but some may become ill, usually 3 to 15 days after being bitten.

The Phoenix area has proven to be one of the riskiest for West Nile virus because of an abundance of stagnant swimming pools in the city. Most at risk are the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Though the risk of infection is relatively low, hikers should consider taking measures to prevent mosquito bites. Remedies include using insect repellent and wearing clothes that completely cover the arms and legs.

SUN

The Valley of the Sun lives up to its name. Sunburn is a serious threat to hikers around Phoenix. High-altitude hikes exacerbate the risk of overexposure. Aside from the obvious pain and suffering and unsightly peeling associated with prolonged sun exposure, sunburn can be extremely harmful to the skin. Arizona unfortunately reigns in the category of skin cancer occurrence in the country. To avoid looking like a lobster at the end of your hike, apply sunblock with a minimum SPF rating of 30 before setting out. Reapply the sunblock every few hours to all exposed areas of your body. Don’t forget your ears, nose, and the back of your neck. Wear a wide-brim hat and long shirts and pants for ultimate protection.

HIKING WITH CHILDREN

No one is too young for a hike in the woods or through a city park. Be careful, though. If you have an infant, flat and short trails are probably best. Toddlers who have not quite mastered walking can still tag along, riding on an adult’s back in a child carrier. Use common sense to judge a child’s capacity to hike a particular trail, and always expect that the child will tire quickly and need to be carried.

When packing for the hike, remember the child’s needs as well as your own. Make sure children are adequately clothed for the weather, have proper shoes, and are protected from the sun with sunblock. Kids also dehydrate quickly, so make sure you have plenty of fluids for everyone.

A list of hike recommendations for children is provided. Finally, when hiking with children, remember the trip will be a compromise. A child’s energy and enthusiasm alternate between bursts of speed and long stops to examine bugs, sticks, dirt, and other attractions.

THE BUSINESS HIKER

Whether you’re in the Phoenix area on business or are a resident, these 60 hikes offer perfect quick getaways from the busy demands of commerce. The City of Phoenix is home to some of the best urban parks and mountain preserves in the United States. Instead of eating inside, you can pack a lunch and head out to picnic along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt or on Tempe Town Lake. Jumpstart your day with a power hike up Piestewa Peak, or wind down from a stress-filled meeting by watching the sunset from atop Camelback Mountain. You can also plan ahead and take a small group of your business comrades on a nearby hike in South Mountain or to the Wind Cave in Usery Park.

THE WINTER VISITOR

Phoenix may be hot during summer, but its mild winters draw seasonal visitors by the thousands. Family reunions, weddings, and holiday vacations seem to happen more often here between November and April than at other times of the year. Many people spend nearly half a year living in Phoenix and the rest of the time in their hometowns.

While the rest of the country shivers under a blanket of snow and ice, Phoenicians enjoy their best hiking weather. Instead of writhing in discomfort after overindulging in Thanksgiving turkey, try burning it off with a family outing to Pinnacle Peak. A Christmas vacation to Phoenix just wouldn’t be complete without hiking up Camelback Mountain in shorts and a Santa hat. You can even call your snowbound midwestern friends from the summit to brag about the weather. Early spring in Phoenix is the best time to attempt longer hikes in the wilderness areas near town. When conditions are ripe, wildflower displays can be absolutely stunning in the Superstitions and the White Tanks. No matter how you end up in Phoenix in winter, be sure to take advantage of its superb hiking opportunities.

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