If you love to hike, you will LOVE Arizona. Right now, we are unusually warm - in the mid to high 70’s, but it’s perfect for being outdoors. For anyone that hikes or just wants to stroll along a trail, be sure to be prepared. Bring plenty of water and a cell phone.  Even when I take a stroll - because it certainly isn’t a “hike” for me, I bring water, and I’m never alone.

When those that are unfamiliar with our climate, exit the airplaine with shorts and t-shirts, (coming from the east) they’re ready to rock and roll and love our warm and sunny outdoors.

I’m providing a list of some of our hiking trails for those of you looking for a good trail.

1.  [1] Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area - East McDonald Drive - Phoenix, Az 85018; Phone: 602.262-4837

2.  [2] Piestewa Peak - 2701 East Squaw Peak Drive, Phoenix, Az 85016; Phone: 602.262-7901 (right off of the 51)

3.  [3] Superstition Mountains at Lost Dutchman State Park - State Route 88, Apache Junction, Az; Phone: 520.982-4485

4.  [4] Dreamy Draw Recreation Area - 2421 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix 85021; Phone: 602.262-6696

5.  [5] Tempe Town Lake - Mill Avenue and Rio Salado, Tempe 85289; Phone: 480.350-8625

6. [6] Papago Park - 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008; Phone: 602.256-3220

7.  [7] South Mountain Park - 10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix 85042; Phone: 602.495-0222

8.  [8] Shaw Butte Park - 12898 North Central Avenue, Phoenix 85020; Phone: 602.262-6696

9.  [9] Thunderbird Park - 9170 East Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale 85260; Phone: 480.312-2771

These trails are very popular and well marked. There are others as well. Just off of I-60 heading east from Mesa into Gold Canyon, there is a nice and mild hill on the north side of the freeway. I see cars parked there daily. Enjoy your hike, but again - take plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes, and take a cell and a friend.