Best hike in AZ?

[heatherpeak]

We arrive on Monday and will be in AZ for 12 days...we're starting in Sedona, then head to Holbrook, Globe, Willcox, Bisbee, Ajo and then loop back into Phx for our departure....(a few other places along the way in the general direction of the others)....
So what hike must we ABSOLUTELY do? Preferrably day hikes in mind...no overnighters...
Thanks!!!
Heather

[joebartels]

I figure the best is something I haven't seen over in the eastern extreme side of the state.

topic for thought
http://hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtopic.php?t=767


West Fork is easily the best day hike around Sedona this time of year.

[conform6073]

Since you will be in Holbrook, go east on I-40 to Petrified Forest National Park. A couple miles inside the park you come to the Painted Desert Inn. A trail at the west side of the building leads to the Painted Desert Wilderness. The trail ends after a half mile, but you contine north and a bit west to an area called Black Forest - it is labelled on the map you receive at the park entrance. I think the size and quantity of petrified trees you encounter will amaze you. Its not very far out there and you will be in sight of the Inn at all times, so "you can't get lost" (have you ever heard that before?). I can provide some GPS coordinates if you want.

[heatherpeak]

In response to Belladonna Took's reply:

Coordinates would be great! We're getting ready to program our GPS tomorrow, so it'd be perfect!
Thanks!
-Heather

[conform6073]

Black Forest is atop a mesa. 35 degrees 06.382' N, 109 degrees 47.788' W will put you more or less in the middle of it.

[whereveriroam]

Around Willcox the Pinaleno's and Chiricahua's are great. With the Pinaleno's (Safford) you can drive up instead of hike the 5000'-6000' climb via the Swift Highway to the top. There are several trails along the way but they all go up. The Chiricahua's are my favorite, they are remote and you probably won't see anyone on the trails besides if your lucky a bear. Most of the trails there also go up but Rucker Canyon at the southern end is an awesome hike which is pretty flat along a perennial stream. There are 2 CG's and the remains of a lake and 2 more CG's at the end of Rucker Canyon Road. The Crest trail at the northern end takes you along the top of the mountain after driving up the mountain. There is bad fire damage along this trail in parts due to a bad fire in 1994 but the area is recovering and the trail is in good shape. I haven't driven this road since I think it's the wimpy way to the top so I don't know if it's 4WD, High clearance or whether any car will do. Beware of illegal's and drug runners if you venture to the southeastern part of the Chiricahua's as well as any area near the border i.e. Bisbee, Ajo. Also don't skimp on carrying water it is hard to find even with good maps since we've been in drought. Have a great time and if you need more info on the Chiricahua's send me an e-mail.

[Sredfield]

The best hike??

The next one!