Visitor Needs Advise

scottnoar · Post by **scottnoar** » Oct 25 2006 2:18 pm

I need some advise finding a great hike
I will be visiting Phoenix early November and have a free day Tues, Nov 7.
I will be staying at the
JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA,
5350 E. Marriott Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85054

I would like to find a difficult hike, 5-8 miles, 800-1600 elevation gain, nice view, nice desert experience.

I am an experienced hiker and recently hike this Aug in Nevada and Colorado. I have some desert hiking experience.

Can anyone recommend any good hikes not too far fromt he hotel?

Kind regads,
Scott

bryanmertz · Post by **bryanmertz** » Oct 25 2006 4:19 pm

Hi Scott;

What is your idea of "not to far?" The Superstition's are probably a 40 minute drive and there are great hikes that fit your criteria. Look up the Peralta, Siphon Draw, and Battle Ship (a little longer I think) mountain hikes for a few of my favorites in this range.

Bryan

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Oct 25 2006 4:54 pm

what rental are you driving?

hikngrl · Post by **hikngrl** » Oct 25 2006 5:42 pm

Not to be contrary but I wouldn't recommend Battle Ship in the same class as Peralta and Siphon Draw.

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Oct 25 2006 7:09 pm

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=243

this is the one for you. a little burn section also, to give perspective into the frailty of this environment.

Al_HikesAZ · Post by **Al_HikesAZ** » Oct 25 2006 8:13 pm

mikeinFHAZ wrote:http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=243
this is the one for you. a little burn section also, to give perspective into the frailty of this environment.

This is a good choice and fits your criteria, but the dirt road to the trailhead makes the getting there longer than it might seem from the mileage.

Even though this trail may be closer in mileage, because of the dirt road to get to the trailhead, I don't think it's any closer than Flatiron in travel time. To get to Flatiron you have freeway most of the way. My guess is that it's 45-55 minutes to each trailhead from the Desert Marriot. It's just a choice of scenery and hiking style.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Oct 25 2006 8:16 pm

Flatiron would be an eye opener for somebody looking for 800-1600

but it would fit the request for difficult and rewarding