Backpacking Arizona: From Deep Canyons to Sky Islands

by Bruce Grubbs

The world-famous Grand Canyon is only one of Arizona's spectacular natural features. Arizona encompasses over 90 wilderness areas, more than 15 national parks and monuments, and the largest national forest in the country. Expansive mesas, high peaks, and snaking canyons create a dynamic landscape and reflect a rich geologic and human history. Backpacking Arizona is the only guide devoted to overnight trips in the state. You'll discover the maze of side canyons and hidden grottos in the Grand Canyon's untrammeled backcountry, historic pioneer trails on the Mogollon Rim, the little-traveled Blue Range, and the legendary Superstition Mountains in the Sonoran Desert.

218 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

The author has a serious problem- he doesn't know what he wants to do when he grows up. Meanwhile, he's done such things as wildland fire fighting, running a mountain shop, flying airplanes, shooting photos, and writing books. He's a backcountry skier, climber, figure skater, mountain biker, amateur radio operator, river runner, and sea kayaker- but the thing that really floats his boat is hiking and backpacking. No matter what else he tries, the author always come back to hiking- especially long, rough, cross-country trips in places like the Grand Canyon. Some people never learn. But what little he has learned, he's willing share with you- via his books, of course, but also via his websites, blogs, and whatever works.

Reviews

[Stephen Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book as an ardent backpacker moving to the incredible state of Arizona, yet having little knowledge for the grandiose hikes it had to offer. This book is organized in an unbelievably helpful manner. It is organize by season along with estimated days to complete the hike, scenery ratings, difficulty ratings, and (my personal favorite) solitude ratings. I've used this extensively as a resource to better plan hikes in Arizona. Most definitely recommended to anyone that fits the obvious target audience of the book. My only remark would be that the maps provided are vague, but what is the internet for?

[Lianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book...rates hikes by scenery, difficulty and solitude. Lots of hikes in the Superstition Wilderness plus lots more in SE AZ, up north and one in particular up the tallest mountain in AZ I want to try. Each trail has a detailed summary, map and thorough directions to the trailhead. Info may be a bit out of date and isn't good at calling out when you need a 4x4.