[azdesertfather]

Am wondering if any of you have discovered any interesting/unique hikes that are no more than an hour and a half from Phoenix...looking for something new/interesting for Friday, figuring I'm only going to get a few more local hikes in before I start heading out of town because of the heat But so many of the hikes in the Phoenix area just all seem the same, you know what I mean?

So what would you say are the two or three most unique hikes you've found around or just outside the Phoenix area? Will be interested to hear your responses!

[azpride]

Ford Canyon trail in the White Tanks is a good one. Cave Creek/Skunk Tank loop has water, that's different.

[Grasshopper]

By this Fri-5/16 the local temps may require "getting out of dodge" for a day hike, BUT if you decide to do a local hike, here is one you should consider before we all start heading out of town: Wingate-Bell Loop Hike.. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1322 (The total loop is 10.1mls but if you just hike up to scenic Wingate Pass and back, the hike is 7.8mls total).

[Darth Stiller]

I always liked Picacho Peak as a quick out of town hike. Quartz Peak is another great one, but the drive is longer than 1.5 hours depending on where you live as you have to drive all around the Estrellas to get there.

Supes: flatiron, peralta trail to freemont saddle, rogers canyon cliff dwellings.

[tonyp]

Also look into the Ballantine Trail or climbing Picketpost Mountain.

Tony

[Jim_H]

The Paradise Valley Mall has some bizarre wildlife to see in it. Is that what you mean?

[azdesertfather]

I forgot to mention mine...I would agree that Picacho & Picketpost are a couple of the more unique hikes, and the view along Peralta of Weaver's Needle is spectacular.

• Stiller, I've always preferred Flatiron to Piestewa & Camelback, right on! Thanks for the tip on Rogers Canyon, hadn't seen that one.
• azpride, I haven't been down Ford Canyon, I'll have to try that out.
• tonyp, I've read about the cabin just off of Ballantine, did you see that when you were out there? That sounds cool.
• jhodlof, have to agree on your PV Mall "hike", although the AEG isn't all that great

I would also add Massacre Grounds to the list...neat story behind it there...