Best Short Hikes in Arizona

By Don Laine and Barbara Laine

Book Overview

* More than 60 short Arizona hikes (ranging from a fraction of a mile to just over 7 miles round trip) * A mix of popular hikes and little-known gems showcasing scenic Arizona hiking * Many hikes in or accessible from major metro areas plus destination parks and landmarks Don and Barbara Laine present the best of the best of Arizona's short hikes-with an emphasis on "user-friendly." To make selection easy, a "Hikes at a Glance" chart lists trails by distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and location. Other charts list hikes by best places to admire rock formations, see desert plant life, enjoy scenic views, explore historic and prehistoric sites, relax along a shady stream or lake, take the kids, or see wildlife. Important details such as entry fees, restrooms, drinking water, and campground information are listed up front; there's a map and elevation profile for each hike. That's to say nothing of the breadth of experiences (from sandy desert floor to steep mountainside and riparian environment) awaiting you; or the detailed trail descriptions with tips on where Hollywood movies were filmed and background on old cabins and mines. Most hikes are rated easy or moderate-making them perfect for families-plus a selection of more strenuous hikes. Regions include the Phoenix, Sedona, Tucson/southern Arizona, and Flagstaff/northeastern Arizona areas; the Grand Canyon (north and south rims) and Petrified Forest National Parks; and Organ Pipe and Chiracahua National Monuments.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 089886948X
• ISBN13: 9780898869484
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books
• Length: 253 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Best Short Hikes in "Central and Eastern" Arizona

I long ago came to the realization that I would rather do several short hikes than one long one, especially when visiting a new area. Walking this way you come to see more of an area and get a better feel for its landscape and scenic features. So as a frequent visitor to Arizona I always appreciate guides like this one. Indeed, the 'Best Short Hikes' series from Mountaineers Books is simply the best format to explore these sorts of hikes. This volume does not disappoint. The authors divide the state into 8 regions and devote a chapter to each. Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff receive the most attention, but readers will also find a good selection of hikes in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Grand Canyon (of course) and Petrified Forest National Park. Each hike description includes a nice sketch map of the trail, an elevation profile, and a detailed write up. True to the series name, fully 3/4 of the hikes included are 3 miles or less. Interesting sidebars also provide wonderful introductions to natural and human history in the region. Readers will learn about "Brighty" the mule, the fabled gold mine of the Lost Dutchman, and how to tell a squirrel from a chipmunk. Finally, the book also includes a detailed listing of local campgrounds so that even if you are in the Phoenix area, you can find a way to escape urban sprawl. With all this going for it, one might ask why this book gets only 4 stars instead of 5. The answer is that the entire western half of the state (Oregon Pipe excepted) seems to have been left out of this book. I was amazed, for example, that the Phoenix section did not include the White Tank mountains, only 20 or so miles west of town. Lake Mead Recreation Area, the mountains around Williams, and my favorite Arizona park, Hualapai Mountain, are all missing. Still, I have walked over a quarter of the hikes the authors recommend and all were wonderful. This is an excellent book and I will use it the next time I travel to Arizona.