[mks]

Looking for ideas for some day hikes. I am visiting friends in Chandler but will be on my own during the days. I have been doing research on this site for a week and it has been a huge help. Thought it might be time to see if anyone has any personal favorites that I should try. Thanks!

[AZHikr4444]

If you are only visiting for a short time, and you're a fit Hiker- I would at least hike Reavis Ranch from the south- it's a fairly long dayhike RT, but it's really nice and cool this time of year. Then, I would make sure to hike up Rogers Canyon to the ruins. These are must-do in my book!

There are a host of others you could do- in the Supes, on the Rim and in Sedona if you are willing to drive a bit.

Some of my favs, besides the above:

See Canyon (this time of year!)
Horton Creek
Boyton Canyon
Bear Mountain
Hieroglyphics Canyon is short and sweet with a great reward at the end

I haven't done much in the metro area, but there are many others here who can give you the lowdown on South Mountain, Phoenix Preserve, etc.

Have fun and safe hiking!!

Mike

[mks]

In response to AZHikr4444's reply:

Thanks!! The Supes definitely look like fun. I am going to check some trail logs now. Great info!

[hikeaz]

In response to mks' reply:

You might want to check out from the Library, the Hikers Guide to the Superstitions by Stewart/Carlson. You might want to check @ the Phoenix Library (over in The Foothills section of Phoenix-ask your hosts)

Here is a link to a map/descriptions of the hiking trails in South Mountain Park. Generally speaking, the hikes at the west end have fewer folks.
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hiksogud.html

kurt

[mks]

In response to hikeaz's reply:

Thanks Kurt! I checked out the link and looks seriously close to where I'll be staying. Appreciate the info!

[hikeaz]

In response to mks' reply:

You don't say when you'll be in Chandler, but you might check HERE> http://www.friendshiking.com/hikes.htm as there is a Sup's beginner backpack AND a South Mountain hike, as well as a couple of others planned in December.

re. the Sup's... the "Hikers Guide to....." is terrific & includes maps & some history about each area....

Here are some of the hikes in the Sup's - I have "bolded" ones that I might recommend....and that can be reached using a standard car - if you have access to a high clearance vehicle, I'd make different/add'l recommendations. If you use the map link below, you'll see that there are myriad ways to create "loop" hikes throughout the Sup's. The map is interactive, whereby clicking on the trailhead or hike# will yield its description.

SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS AREA
The Superstition Wilderness Area was established in 1939, and has a substantial system of trails. While we do not wish to take away your wilderness discovery and adventure, we do feel a brief commentary about each System Trail, as well as a description of how to reach each trailhead are in order.

Map link here >> http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wilderness/superstition/supers_map.htm


The following trails are in or adjacent to the Superstition Wilderness Area:


Name and Number Length Difficulty

Hieroglyphic Trail #101 1.1 Easiest
Peralta Trail #102 6.2 More Difficult
Boulder Trail #103 7.3 More Difficult
Dutchman's Trail #104 18.2 Easiest
Peter's Trail #105 7.0 More Difficult
JF #106 10.2 More Difficult
Red Tanks Trail #107 8.9 More Difficult
Coffee Flat Trail #108 7.6 More Difficult
Reavis Valley Trail #109 15.3 Easiest
Rogers Canyon Trail #110 4.5 More Difficult
Bacon Trail #111 4.0 More Difficult
Frog Trail #112 6.8 More Difficult
Woodbury Trail #114 2.0 Easiest
Reavis Gap Trail #117 4.7 More Difficult
Fireline Trail #118 3.6 MOST Difficult
Two Bar Trail #119 8.3 More Difficult
Tule Trail #122 4.5 More Difficult
Bull Pass Trail #129 1.6 More Difficult
Haunted Trail #203 7.8 More Difficult
West Pinto Trail #212 9.0 More Difficult
Terrapin Trail #234 2.9 More Difficult
Bluff Springs Trail #235 3.4 More Difficult
Second Water Trail #236 3.3 Easiest
Whiskey Trail #238 2.1 Easiest
Cavalry Trial #239 3.2 More Difficult
Black Mesa Trail #241 3.0 Easiest
Campaign Trail #256 8.1 More Difficult
Bull Basin Trail #270 4.0 More Difficult
Paradise Trail #271 2.5 Easiest
Spencer Trail #275 4.6 MOST Difficult
Cuff Bottom Trail #276 6.0 More Difficult

[ADIE]

Try Wilson Mnt. N in Sedona. If you are from out of town you need to see Sedona. This trail is by far my favorite yet and I was born and raised right here. I have posted some pics on this trail.

[Puup Head]

Ok