favorite az hike

[postyles]

Just curious.............what everyones favorite hike in AZ is? Mine is probably Humphreys summit trail but could also be picacho.

[DarthStiller]

I was just thinking of this the other day. My favorite is the Spencer Trail up by Lee's Ferry. It's only 1.5 miles one way, but it's also about 1500' AEG. The scenery along the way and at the top is absolutely phenomenal. http://www.hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=101910 There's also some other trails nearby that you can hike to add some distance if 3-4 miles isn't enough for you.

[azbackpackr]

So far I guess I would vote for South Bass, off the south rim of Grand Canyon. At the time, another hiker said to me, "There's nothing at all down there but an old boat." There were also NO other people on that trail the 4 days we spent there. It is gorgeous, and I was able to put together a whole program on the history and archaeology of the place for my local chapter of the Archaeological Soc. I took along a copy of Colin Fletcher's The Man Who Walked Through Time and found several places he talked about in the book, and we camped where he camped, midway down, but not at his beach camp. He camped at the pocket beach, we camped at the big beach, near that old boat.

[imike]

...how could there be a favorite... just too many great places. I'd vote for the special moments wherein there happen to be no other people, or just the one other I'm hiking with. Ideally, with some nice boulders to scale, or a tight chimney formation to inch up (...do not like exposure!). and, a great picnic destination, ideally high up. For a short getaway hike out of Tucson: the Pillars comes to mind.

[JoelHazelton]

High desert trails with healthy desert flora and big views that dip in and out of canyons with lush microclimates and flowing water. Central Mazatzals and Eastern Superstitions come to mind, but choosing a single hike is impossible.

Possible hikes that fit that description (but only during winter/spring runoff): Little Saddle Mountain, Saddle Mountain to Plateau Point Overlook, Reavis Falls hike, Sixshooter/Icehouse Loop (this one's HIGH on my list), Mound Mountain Peak.

[cindyl]

The Flatiron (Superstitions) would rank right up there with me. So would Mt. Wrightson (Santa Ritas). And as many times as I gripe about it, I gladly bend over for Blackett's (Catalinas) to give me a whooping every time.

[rwstorm]

Probably my top three would be: Flatiron, Blackett's, and Wrightson.

[cindyl]

Probably my top three would be: Flatiron, Blackett's, and Wrightson.

maybe we should go hiking together sometime.

[azbackpackr]

I will always choose as favorites hikes which have views that have no really obvious man-made objects such as towns, cities, roads, power lines, etc., visible. There are many such hikes in Grand Canyon, and in the White Mountains. Even the views from Baldy or Escudilla have few distractions of this kind, although their views cover thousands of square miles, the man-made objects are mostly far away or hidden from view. So one can at least imagine wilderness, even if it isn't a reality. I've climbed most of the peaks in the Santa Ritas, Catalinas, and Rincons, and the views from these peaks are wide and long and awesome, but include new subdivisions, old subdivisions, freeways, mine tailings, power lines, power plants, airports and other things necessary to modern life, but not at all necessary to a good hiking experience. Sitting on top of Mt. Kimball trying to find one's house in the binoculars is fun just about once. After that, I want wilderness.

Maybe I should move to Alaska...

[big_load]

I can't pick. I can't even pick an area.

[rwstorm]

maybe we should go hiking together sometime

What a novel idea!

[rwstorm]

Two more favorites I better throw in here are: Carr Peak (from Reef Townsite) and Wasson Peak.

[azbackpackr]

If people look at my posts (and I don't post all my hikes by any means) they would surmise that Flat Top is my favorite hike. This would not be accurate. Flat Top is my most convenient hike. It is 5 minutes from my house and has very easy access. You will also see G&F Grasslands, South Fork, Overland, plus Murray Basin and Pole Knoll (skiing and mtn. biking) on my list. These are all very close to Eagar.

So, I would distinguish between my workout hikes, which are conveniently located to my house, and my "favorite" hikes, which are usually going to be in some lost and forgotten area of the wilderness. I will list a few more besides South Bass Trail. Fish Creek Trail #60 is way up there on my list--this is the Fish Creek near Hannagan Meadow. (Nearby Bear Wallow Wilderness will never make my top ten list--it's too popular, trail is worn out, etc. I have never hiked it without seeing other hikers or horse riders--not once). Anywhere near Grant Creek, in the Blue Primitive Area, also. West Fork/Thompson Trail, old RR grade (for mtn. biking), Black River Mainstem, etc. If I have time this summer, I am planning to post some backpacking events to some of these places.

[JimmyLyding]

Sixshooter/Icehouse loop

[JoelHazelton]

Sixshooter/Icehouse loop

That hike has it all, especially when the creek in SixShooter is running. I've yet to see the maples in upper Icehouse during the fall.

[joebartels]

Upper ice is incredible. Difficult to photograph though as it's soo dark in that pocket. Also doesn't open up on the steep terrain which makes getting a good frame difficult too.

However nothing on Pinal Mountain would fall under my top 10 favorites.

[BobP]

I'm thinkin the next GC trip I do will be high on the list for more than one reason

[te_wa]

tonto trail. antelope is far out, too. as is supes ridgeline.

[JimmyLyding]

Upper ice is incredible. Difficult to photograph though as it's soo dark in that pocket. Also doesn't open up on the steep terrain which makes getting a good frame difficult too.

However nothing on Pinal Mountain would fall under my top 10 favorites.

If you're looking to take pictures go up Sixshooter and down Icehouse. If you want exercise go up Icehouse.

[ssk44]

My preferred hikes are always off-trail, however my favorite Arizona "trail hike" would have to be Del Shay Trail #41. I doubt that any sane person will share my opinion. Hiking to the cabin and back in one day is brutal with poor route finding, areas of heavy overgrowth, and tremendous AEG. The total in-and-out hike is 14.5 miles, 2,100 vertical, and 4,100 total climbing AEG. I would love to go back but I don't think my body could handle another thrashing like that again. My body was screaming by the time I got back to the truck. That trail really should be done as an overnight backpack.

TR41 is a true adventure into the wild remote Arizona backcountry. Along the hike you will find diverse flora, extensive wildlife, perennial streams, rugged terrain, Indian ruins, and a early 1900’s homestead. Del Shay Basin holds more wildlife than any place I have visited in Arizona. Tracks from black bear, elk, mule dear, white tail dear, javelina, mountain lion, bobcat, fox, and coyote were all noted during my visit. Del Shay Basin it wild and untamed. Spending a night in Del Shay Basin could be interesting...


Eric

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=873 (Del Shay Trail #41)