Arizona springtime allows for breath-taking hikes

Nick Kosmider

Spring in Arizona is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the weather. What better way to do so then to climb a mountain? Hiking can be a form of exercise, meditation, relaxation, or can be just for fun.

Phoenix has many trails to offer anyone from an avid hiker to a whole family.

It is very important to select the appropriate trail for the ability of each hiker.

The most popular hiking mountains in the Phoenix area consist of Piestewa Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak), Camelback, South Mountain, and Superstition.

On Piestewa Peak there are seven trails ranging from easy to difficult.

The summit trail is not only one of the most popular in Phoenix, but also one of the most traveled in the United States.

“I hike this trail every morning, it’s almost like a stair master, one step after another the whole way up to the top,” said Mary Downs, an early morning hiker.

There are many stops along the way to the top, so those with less experience can pace themselves.

Camelback has four trails. Two are easy trails for beginner hikers and families, the other two trails are strenuous and only recommended for experienced hikers.

Parking can be a problem on both trail heads. Cholla Ln. is a private residential area, so hikers must park on Invergordon 64th St and walk to the trailhead.

The wait for a parking spot at Echo Canyon Parkway entrance can be long on the weekends because there are very few parking spaces.

South Mountain has the largest variety and most hikes in the area.

There are 17 trailheads and parking lots surrounding the mountain.

Most of the trails are easy to moderate, but three out of eleven trails are difficult.

Two of the three are rated difficult due to the length and the third, Alta trail, is not recommended for bikes or horses because it is very steep on either side.

“Hiking keeps me paced while living in an ever-moving city,” said Josh Jones an avid South Mountain hiker.

Superstition has five trails available, but this mountain is much more than a hike.

Legend states that there is a gold mine to be found in this mountain and many people have died in trying to find it.

There is a Superstition Mountain museum and scheduled hikes for anyone interested in learning more about the legacy.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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