Having been a boy that grew up in the midwest (Iowa in fact) I was excited but yet leary of the hiking opportunities that awaited in Arizona. I must admit that 5 years into my adventure in the “Valley of the Sun” that I am pleasantly surprised at how much fun I’ve had on my two feet.
Best Trail In Phoenix, Az:
Camelback Mountain
Hiking to the top of this mountain is not for beginners. This is not a tourist destination unless you’re willing to work. The summit trails are not for beginner hikers. Camelback Mt. can be deadly in the hot Arizona summer. The false summits on this hike can drive anybody crazy. Do your research and preparation and you’ll be fine. In addition you’ll get a great view of the ENTIRE Phoenix Valley.
Best Trail In Northern Arizona:
Humphrey’s Peak
Humphrey’s Peak is the highest point in what is known as the San Francisco Peaks. Humphrey’s Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,637 Ft. Humphreys Peak was named in about 1870 for General Andrew A. Humphreys, a U.S. Army officer who was a Union general during the American Civil War, and who later became Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. However, a General Land Office map from 1903 showed the name San Francisco Peak applied to this feature (apparently borrowed from San Francisco Mountain on which the peak stands). Thus the United States Board on Geographic Names approved the variant name in 1911. In 1933, the application of the names was rectified.
If you live in Arizona or are planning to visit let me know and I can get you details on these two hike or other hikes in Arizona. Give met a shout at nathan@nathansauser.com.