Arizona Trail, Blue Ridge Segment
Located in Mogollon Rim, Arizona
(4 votes, average: 2.5 out of 5)
Loading ...This segment of the Arizona Trail connects the edge of the Mogollon Rim with the Blue Ridge Reservoir. This is a wonderful trail in Arizona and I not only recommend it, I regularly take students on it. The trail starts at General Springs Cabin and finishes just as it runs into the west end on the Blue Ridge Reservoir.
The same area boasts a few exciting trails other than the Arizona Trail segment. Even though many of the trails start at the same General Springs Cabin, they take off in different directions. One of the trails that I also recommend is the Cabin Loop. This trail starts off along the same path as the trail described here, but it creates a loop through the forest connected by similar pioneer style cabins.
The Blue Ridge Segment offers beautiful Northern Arizona scenery and an almost guaranteed weather surprise. Storms are commonplace along the edge of the rim and I strongly suggest planning for the worst and ignoring the Weather report… it has never been correct for me. I have seen hip deep snow and bone chilling ice chips blowing in strong winds, heavy raindrops falling all weekend, and dry cloud containing winds rush up the edge of the rim so fast, some people swear it would support their weight.
If you go for the weekend, plan on camping anywhere you like on the way in, just be warned that you won’t find water until you hit the reservoir, and even then there are no guarantees on the clarity of said water. The map shows water in the reservoir extending much further west than it actually does. Aim further East than you expect for your camp spot if you want to camp by the water.
This is definitely a section of Arizona you need to see. The only downside for me is that you are reminded of civilization a little too much when you cross a couple of major dirt roads and see others at the reservoir fishing in their canoes.
H2 Trail, Thunderbird Park
Located in Phoenix, Arizona (5 votes, average: 3.6 out of 5) Loading ...
This is a great trail if you are looking for a short and quick hike in the Phoenix area (park is actually in Glendale). Although this park boasts many other trails, this is the most common one to hike.
If you feel up to it, this is a great trail to jog! I just suggest you go to the right at the ‘y’ intersection so that your descent is made on the switchbacks. If you are in to geocaching, you are in luck… Thunderbird Park is home to many caches!
Feel free to check out the following .pdf — City of Glendale Trail Brochure In it, you will find trail etiquette guidelines and hours of operation for the area.
South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon
Located in Grand Canyon, Arizona (4 votes, average: 4 out of 5) Loading ...
This is the second most popular trail down to the Colorado River via the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
The most common trail, the Bright Angel trail, meets up with this trail at the river. Many hikers take this trail to escape the incredible number of tourists on the Bright Angel Trail.
This trail is a bit shorter but steeper. So, if you are looking for a quick trip in and out, this is it.
National Park Service Review: (Steep) The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 6 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available at trailhead.
Humphrey’s Peak Summit, San Fransisco Peaks
Located in Flagstaff, Arizona (11 votes, average: 4.36 out of 5) Loading ...
This trail takes you to the top of the highest point in Arizona. At 12,633 feet, it isn’t that tall compared to some mountains, but the climb up will be worth it!
The trailhead is located right next to the parking lot at Snowbowl, one of two Arizona Ski Resorts. After crossing the meadow, where I have seen 2 mountain lions to date, you start your climb up this lush forest covered trail. It is quite a surprise to see such a beautiful mix of trees and plants since this area of Arizona is usually pine tree only forest. Hike up a part of the way until you see a trail log box. After signing in, continue left up the trail.
If you are hiking to the see the Plane Wreckage on Humphries, you don’t have much further to go. But, if you are going for the summit… Keep Walking!
Be very gentle above the treeline. The Tundra is very fragile and you can get a fine if you don’t stay on the trail (which is very hard to find among all of the cinders). There are two false peaks… don’t get discouraged! The top is worth the view!
Coconino National Forest Website:
Length: 4.5 miles (one way)
Rating: Strenuous
Hiking Time: 3 hours (one way)
Use: Moderate to Heavy
Season: Late Spring to Fall
Notes:
No mechanized or motorized vehicles, including bicycles, in Wilderness.
There is no hiking off-trail above treeline in order to protect the San Francisco Peaks Groundsel.
No camping above treeline (11,400′)Back-country permits are required in the winter. They can be obtained (no charge) from the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts from 7:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday and they are available at Snowbowl when they are open at the Agassiz Lodge between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Elevation: 9,300′ to 12,633′
USGS Maps: Humphreys Peak Quad
Location: 14.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff on paved roads.
Access: From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for 7 miles to FR 516, the Snowbowl Road. Drive 7.4 miles on this paved road to the lower parking lot of the Snowbowl facility. The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot.
Tanner Trail, Grand Canyon
Located in Grand Canyon, Arizona (6 votes, average: 4.17 out of 5) Loading ...
Incredible Trail! This was my first backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon thanks to my friends Tad and Katy. I was spoiled to be able to experience the Grand Canyon without being surrounded by tourists and donkeys carrying the tourists gear!
This trail is NOT for the timid… if you are unsure of your ability to hike the Grand Canyon, you should stick to the more common and much more gradual Bright Angel and North Kiabab Trails. This trail has no water supply along it, and it is STEEP! You must carry enough water for you first day and for the last half of the climb out. You will then need to cache this extra water at the halfway point (this is where you will need to spend the night the second night). You can then continue down the Canyon to the river for your first night’s camp and water resupply.
When you wake up, you can make the first push out of the canyon back to the water cache for your second night’s camp, and then out to the top the following morning.Yes, the canyon can be climbed much faster (just go on a rim to rim trip with me if you want to know) but with packs the size you will have, the climb out is pretty serious. My legs were so sore, walking was difficult for the next couple of days.Great trip though…once in a lifetime journey.You can see some of the pictures I took while on this trail in their respective album in the GoTakeAHike.com Photo Gallery.
Wikipedia Article Excerpt:…The trail is categorized as a primitive trail and receives little maintenance by trail crews and very few patrols by park rangers. This trail is only recommended for seasoned hikers, as it is very steep, rocky, has very little shade, and the only water source is the Colorado River. The trail is fairly well worn, and mostly easy to follow, although it is one of the longer trails in the Canyon…
Distance (mi) Elv (ft) Location Trail Junction 0 7400 Lipan Point, South Rim Trailhead 1.9 5660 75 Mile Saddle None 3.5 5700 Below Cardenas Butte None 9 2650 Tanner Campgrounds Beamer Trail
Escalante Route
Bell Trail, Wet Beaver Creek
Located in Sedona, Arizona (6 votes, average: 3.83 out of 5) Loading ...
This is a gorgeous trail in the late Fall in Arizona! It can be fairly warm during the summer (too warm at night too) but the swim at the watering hole, The Crack, is well worth it! The swimming area is right before the “Bell Trail River Crossing” and can be found on google earth HERE.
If you plan on a late night trip up for an overnighter, you can camp anywhere about a mile in on the trail near the creek. When you wake up the next day, you can easily make it to the swimming hole by early lunch, and back to the trailhead by early afternoon…. Perfect for a quick stop into Sedona for an ice cream!
Be careful taking our dog on this trail. Yes, you are along a creek the entire way, but it is unaccessible for much of the trail and it can get HOT on those little paws!
USDA Forest Service Review: This trail is the only developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and the Wilderness Area it shelters. It is a very popular trail with hikers and anglers who come to enjoy the solitude and other rewards offered by a clear cool stream flowing through a scenic desert canyon. For the most part, the trail follows a route along a bench well above the streambed. A number of side trails, however, lead down to the waterside and indicate the location of good swimming holes or popular fishing spots. If you take advantage of these well-used detours, you’ll find a number of places along the stream where deepwater holes alternate with bubbling riffles to invite you to take a dip or wet your line. At one point the trail leaves the canyon bottom to wind high along an escarpment of red sandstone and offer scenic views of the riparian area, the canyon and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Most people who come to this trail hike only the first 3.3 miles to Bell Crossing, taking advantage any one of several access paths that branch off the main trail and lead down to the stream. After crossing the Wet Beaver Creek, the Bell Trail climbs the canyon’s south wall to a high, grassy plateau where it winds through pinyon juniper stands and open grasslands offering views that stretch all the way to the Sedona Red Rocks Country and the San Francisco Peaks. Eleven miles from the trailhead at Beaver Creek, Bell Trail ends at Forest Road 214.
Length: 11 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Use: Moderate
Season: All year
Hiking time: 6 hours
Notes:
* No motorized vehicles on trail. No mechanized vehicles in the Wilderness.
* The trail is poorly marked and hard to follow across the high plateau where there is also no water.
* The sign at the Bell Trailhead is correct in that we discourage trailers at this Trailhead. That is the reason we constructed the Bruce Brockett Trailhead (just north of the Bell Trailhead) for trailers and equestrian trailer parking and the trail from this trailhead connects to the Bell Trail.USGS Map(s): Casner Butte, Walker Mountain
Location: 43 miles south of Flagstaff on paved and all-weather graveled roads.
Access: Drive 40 miles south from Flagstaff on Interstate 17. Leave the interstate at the AZ 179 interchange. Turn east under the highway and drive about 1.5 miles east to the old Beaver Creek Ranger Station turnoff. Turn north about a quarter mile to the parking lot and trailhead.
Piestewa (Squaw) Peak Summit, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Located in Phoenix, Arizona (6 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5) Loading ...
This is the single most popular hike in the Phoenix area (and the busiest too). I have been told that this trail actually gets more foot traffic every year than the Grand Canyon! If you are used to this being called Squaw Peak, you are not alone… this was only recently changed by our governor.
If you want a parking spot, get here early!
City of Phoenix Hiking Review: Surrounding the base of 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak, the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area are gateways into diverse desert that offers everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. You don’t have to fight crowds on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail to enjoy the area — the area boasts dozens of miles of trails to enjoy the glory of the Sonoran Desert in relative solitude. An assortment of picnic area nestled in the hills offer a picturesque spot for gathering. Phoenix Mountains Park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hiking Map and Trail Guide
Echo Canyon Trail, Camelback Mountain
Located in Phoenix, Arizona (20 votes, average: 3.95 out of 5) Loading ...
This is one of the most popular trails in the Phoenix area (and my favorite city hike). This trail is not for beginners! You do not have to be a “hiking pro” to complete this trail, but there are some very steep sections on this trail. All too often I see hikers on this trail under prepared for the Arizona desert. Bring water and make sure you are fit enough to handle this trail.
City of Phoenix Hiking Review: Sheer red sandstone cliffs and its telltale hump draw thousands of hikers to Camelback Mountain each year. Hiking to the top is not for beginning hikers — the two summit trails are strenuous climbs over sometimes-tricky trails. Some easier trails allow close-up exploration around Camelback’s base. Trailheads are open from sunrise to sunset.
