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| Take a hike: Any reason is a good one to enjoy the outdoors this fall | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| By Marija Potkonjak, Get Out | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 4, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Temperatures are dropping in the Valley. October is a harbinger for autumn weather and the beginning of the casual hiking season (die-hard hikers don’t stop trekking when the temperature hits triple digits). There are bound to be newcomers to the East Valley out on the trails. “It’s a constantly changing dynamic with people moving in and out all the time,” says Charles Liu, an avid hiker and the author of “60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Phoenix” (Menasha Ridge Press, $16.95). “It helps the hiking community revitalize itself.” As the title of Liu’s book suggests, there are a plethora of trails to choose from in city, state and national parks (some are free, others require an entry fee). On these pages are a few favorite introductory hikes that vary in difficulty. And, since a post-hike indulgence is standard (you’ve go to replace those electrolytes), we’ve included a few places to get grub.  MOONLIGHT HIKE | PIESTEWA PEAK SUMMIT TRAIL The light of the moon transforms Mother Nature’s stairmaster into a lover’s lane. The park is open to 11 p.m. Bring a flashlight. Length: 2.4 miles Rating: Moderate to difficult Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (summit is 2,608 feet high) Getting there: Take Loop 202 west to state Route 51. Exit at Glendale Avenue/Lincoln Drive and go right. Turn left onto Squaw Peak Drive. Cost: Free Information: http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikephx.html Where to get grub: Delux, 3146 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Make it to the summit and back and you’ll really need some carbs and protein. Regularly voted best burger and fries. (602) 522-2288 or www.deluxburger.com  HIKE TO ELEVATE THE HEART RATE | WIND CAVE The trail to the Wind Cave is not as congested as Camelback or Piestewa Peak (you’re unlikely to slam into a hiker using his cellphone). Once you reach the cave, sit in the shade and take in the view of the East Valley. Length: 3.2 miles Rating: Moderate to Difficult Elevation gain: 820 feet Getting there: Take the U.S. 60 to Ellsworth Road. Drive north and eventually the road becomes Usery Pass Mountain Road. Turn right into the park and follow the signs to the trailhead. Cost: $6 per car Information: (480) 984-0032 or www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery Where to get grub: Iowa Cafe, 5606 E. McKellips Road, Mesa. From the hike, take Ellsworth south to McKellips and turn right. Midwestern fare includes biscuits and gravy (the menu claims the food puts hair on your chest). (480) 985-2022 or www.iowacafe.com  HIKE FOR THE WATER LOVER | BUTCHER JONES TRAIL The first quarter-mile of this hike is paved with handrails and runs along the waters of Saguaro Lake (the pavement ends at Peregrine Point). Head out just as the sun is rising, and you’ll see the sun’s rays bounce off the mountains. But beware of mosquitoes. Length: 2.5 miles Rating: Easy Elevation gain: 115 feet Getting there: Take Ellsworth Road north to Bush Highway. Turn right and follow the road to the Butcher Jones Recreation Site (about one mile past the marina). Cost: $6 per vehicle. Passes are available at local retailers, by mail or by phone. Information: (480) 610-3300. http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml Where to get grub: The Egg & I Cafe, 2823 N. Power Road, Mesa. Share this chic breakfast eatery with cyclists early in the morning. (480) 641-8080.  IN-TOWN HIKE | CAMELBACK It’s cliche, but Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail is a lot of hiking for a 30-minute drive from the East Valley. The trail is strenuous (Phoenix Parks and Recreation recommends it for experienced hikers), but the view from the top is worth the effort. Length: 2.3 miles Rating: Difficult and strenuous Elevation gain: 1,264 feet (the summit is 2,704 feet high) Getting there: Enter at Echo Canyon Parkway just east of Tatum Boulevard off of McDonald Drive. Come early or you’ll wait for a parking spot. Cost: Free Information: http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikcmgud.html Where to get grub: La Grande Orange Grocery, 40th Street and Campbell Avenue in Phoenix. Hikers who have just stepped off the mountains converge upon this yuppie hang-out early in the morning. Steaming hot coffee, organic oatmeal, homemade granola, egg white omelets and other breakfast fare. Open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (602) 840-7777 or www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com  HIKE FOR DOG LOVERS | NORTH TRAIL, McDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK Most of the hiking trails in the Valley are dog friendly. In fact, very few trails are closed to dogs. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash and bring plenty of water. “It’s obviously more work to hike with your dogs,” says Jamie DeBenedetto of the Canine Hiking Club of Arizona. “Hiking by myself is certainly much easier, but I know the dogs really enjoy it and I enjoy spending time with them.” Length: 0.6 miles Rating: Easy Elevation gain: Flat Getting there: Take Highway 87 to Shea Boulevard. Turn left and then right at Saguaro Boulevard. Continue through Fountain Hills to Fountain Hills Boulevard and turn right. The park is four miles up the road. Cost: $6 per car Information: (480) 471-0173 or www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/trails.aspx Where to get grub: DJ’s Bagel Cafe, 13693 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills. Since you can’t bring your dog into a restaurant, consider a quick bagel with schmear. (480) 816-4155. Mountain climbers unite Hiking groups in the East Valley often start with a group of friends meeting regularly for treks in the wilderness. Soon, the group grows to about 20 to 30 people. “It’s a great way to meet people and see what’s out there,” says author Charles Liu. “You’ll exchange ideas with people, talk about other hikes. Friendships come out of that.” Sometimes, these groups do more than hike. Canoe trips, kayaking, weekend trips to national parks and getting together to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving are just a few of the activities that bond members. “Without some of these people I wouldn’t have an extended family,” says Beth Brookhouse, a member of the Arizona Outdoor and Travel Club. There are several hiking and outdoors clubs active in the East Valley. Here is a sampling of what’s out there: Friends Outdoor Hiking and Camping Club meets 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Carmen’s Bistro, 219 E. Baseline Road, Suite H2, Tempe. This ambitious club has something to offer everyone each weekend. Day hikes, backpacking and canoe/kayak trips. $15 annual membership. (602) 339-8780 or www.friendshiking.com. Southwest Outdoor Club meets 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Founded 28 years ago, this club takes members out on several outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, kayaking and backpacking. Members are age 40 and older, but the group welcomes younger members. Free. (480) 704-1682 or www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/6162. Canine Hiking Club of Arizona is a networking club for dog lovers who hike. The Web site, www.mydog8az.com/k9hike.html, is filled with helpful tips for hiking with your dog. Arizona Outdoor & Travel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Hotel Scottsdale, 5101 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Members come from all walks of life and can turn any activity into an activity for the club. Hiking, biking, kayaking and trips out of town. Annual memberships are $25-$35. (480) 636-7440 or www.azoutdoortravelclub.com. Arizona Trailblazers meets the second Tuesday of the month at Top Shelf Mexican Food and Cantina, 1976 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Hikes two to four times per month. Experience level depends on the hike. www.azhikers.org. Wandering Soles meets the first Tuesday of every month at Boulders On Broadway, 530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe. Membership is $10 per year, but potential members are invited to join hikes before making a commitment. (602) 222-2572 or www.wanderingsoles.info. Contact Marija Potkonjak by email, or phone (480) 898-6818 |
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