Hiking Phoenix: Favorite Day Hikes

by Cosmic Ray

Newest in a series of popular outdoor guides by Cosmic Ray, Hiking Phoenix details 50 of the best of the best day hikes in and around Phoenix. Clear, bold, easy-to-read and down-to-earth maps will connect you from freeway to trailhead and then guide you along the way as you explore the desert trails. The hikes are for all levels of ability. The accompanying verbal descriptions include a quick view contour profile showing elevation change over distance so you can see what you are in for at a glance. Choose your hike with solid information about distance, time, difficulty, level of route finding skill, best season to hike, view wildflowers or whether to take along the family pooch. There is a fun guide to the types of cactus found in this beautiful Sonoran desert, a chart depicting what to expect from the weather and a very helpful up-to-date overview map of the Phoenix freeway system. Hikes range from urban trail areas like Camelback, Squaw (Piestewa) Peak, South Mountain, Pinnacle Peak and the Phoenix Mountains to trails all the way out in the White Tank, Usery and Superstition Mountains. To help you choose from so many hikes, there is a special icon used to depict a few certain trails that are super favorites, worth a far journey and not to be missed. There are also a half dozen cooler high country hikes with creeks and pools shown for when the Arizona desert gets cooking. All in all, the book is done in a humorous, cartoony, entertaining style that will add to the enjoyment of any adventure. The bright attractive cover and rounded corners on this volume make it a perfect companion that fits in your pocket or pack, full of useful information on hiking in this most unique part of the planet.

Paperback

First published January 10, 2011

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, it's my personal checklist of hikes to do! It's one of my "most read" books, and "most handy". (and "most beat up"). One time one of my friends called me while I was sleeping, I answered the phone and he asked about a hiking trail, and I just reached over to my nightstand and picked up this book to consult it. I almost always have it near me. I use it all the time.

[Chris Gager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good smallish guide to mostly local hikes with a few long drive ones thrown in. Date read is approximate.

[Jan Komrska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect, handy and well designed book for hikers coming down to Arizona (it’s not only about Phoenix). I love this book and check it whenever I plan my next trip.

[Cesar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot of cool places to hike with in Flagstaff/Sedona/Phoenix area