Hikes within one day driving distance from Phoenix

[Demiurg]

Hi all,

We will be visiting Arizona for the first time in September. Will be staying in Phoenix at the beginning, but driving around long distances is not an issue. We are looking for interesting day (or maybe even multiple days) hikes. I did google and checked Tripadvisor (actually, spent quite some time doing so) and all the interesting places I could find are either reported as overcrowded or fully booked months in advance or both.

We wanted to go to Havasupai, but it's fully booked. The Wave sounds nice, but people report that it usually takes a few days of trying to get a permit... the list goes on.

Can you guys recommend interesting places, parks, hikes, whatever... in Arizona and maybe Utah? Phoenix is our starting point, but we don't plan on staying there and are willing to drive. The hikes don't have to be easy, actually moderate to hard level is best, but if there are interesting short/easy hikes we would love to here about these too.

Thanks!

[AZLumberjack]

You might want to check out anything that has Sedona in it.

[Demiurg]

Thanks! Will do. Any specific recommendations in Sedona?

BTW, we are willing to drive much further than that, in particular we are considering to go to Bryce. So if there are recommendations for good "off the beaten path" hikes/places in wider radius - these are welcome!

[kingsnake]

Depending on what part of September you are here, you might want to check out Bear Canyon, either east ( http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=16861) or West (http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=16685), which have spectacular fall colors in late September. (Last few days -- e.g. 9/29 -- seem to be best.) You could camp, doing one branch one day, and another branch the next day.

[Demiurg]

Thanks! We will be there starting from September the 18th.

[KwaiChang]

Sedona - Bear Mtn and Wilson Mtn are two of the more difficult ones with Cathedral, Doe and Bell being on the easier end. There are many hikes there. You will need a Red Rock pass to park tho.

Utah - Bryce and Zion offer a lot of hikes - I would recommend Arches National park - several hikes there. If you go to Arches - check out Little Wild Horse Canyon over by Goblin Valley - awesome easy slot canyon - a great lil hike - you should get quite a few suggestions from the folks here....

Enjoy!!!

[nonot]

West Fork of Oak Creek is a classic AZ hike, though September will be a little early for the prime color.
Humphries via Inner Basin is also good to bag

[cactuscat]

Bryce is pretty, but I would spend my time in Zion! Day hike the Narrows - no permit required. Also hit Angel's Landing - one of the most amazing hikes anywhere. Go to ranger programs in the evening at Watchman Campground, and hit Zion Brew Pub and/or Spotted Dog in Springdale. Finally, chill and swim in the awesome Pine Canyon. I envy you experiencing Zion for the first time.

[e1ski]

Hitting Moab, the Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley are pretty spectacular. Multi-day hikes: you can do something like the Gems in the Grand Canyon area depending on how fit you are: http://www.kaibabjournal.com/Grand_Cany ... 4_gems.htm

[RedRoxx44]

Escalante Ut to Boulder, world class drive on the Hogsback and mult hikes pretty much anywhere you look and permits should be not a problem as off season there. Hole in the Rock road, premier hike is Hurricane to Coyote Gulch with it's arches and bridges, Davis Gulch ( last known camp Everett Ruess), Willow Gulch, Fifty Mile, Harris, Red Breaks etc.
Boulder Mail trail, long day with shuttle or overnight to explore in Death Hollow or Sand Gulch. Upper and lower Calf Creek falls.
Backside of Escalante River, the Moody's , Silver Falls Creek, The Gulch, Laminite Arch, etc.
A lot of camping at large, some facilities at more Escalante than Boulder and close proximity to Capitol Reef park which is highly underrated IMO. Premier hike there is Halls Creek Narrows, IMO.