Biz trip to Phoenix help me make the most of my time

[mackt]

Hello all. I am visiting Phoenix Oct 14-17.
Here is physical ability info. I am 33. I trail run 3 days a week here in FL and work out 3 days a week, so I am in pretty good shape. I have mountain hiked in NC, TN, WY, and MT, although not in a couple of years. I can handle pretty steep climbs and the heat, although I know it will be totally different dry heat. I plan on bringing a back pack full of water, a hat, sunglasses, shorts, t shirt, and trail running shoes. Is there anything I else I need or need to do different?
I am staying at the Biltmore on business and will have basically noon to whenever sunday, then from whenever monday morning to about 2pm. In addition I will have about two hours tuesday afternoon.
Here is the little bit I know of. Please offer any input on that but feel free to give me any ideas about the surrounding areas! You guys are the locals! Thanks in advance.
I assume due to proximity the Summit Trail and Squaw Peak would be a no brainer. From what I have read I should go very early in the morning or late at night. I am tempted to go late for the nighttime photos of the city. But what are you all's thoughts? And if I go at night I assume Ill need a light?
Echo Park is right there and the Grotto looks REALLY cool but is it worth it?
Advice and ideas are appreciated thanks!

I guess I should also point out that if you know of somewhere awesome I could get up real early monday morning and drive somewhere and do some serious hiking that would be worth my time and in my time frame let me know

[nonot]

October is a crapshoot for weather, you probably won't know if it will be hot or not until a few days before your trip. If you need to stay in town, then Camelback, Squaw Peak, etc aren't bad choices. McDowells are also in your range for monday. It would be a bit of a drive but monday might give enough time to drive out and pick up Peralta trail to the WN overlook. Your pack list seems ok, add a map of the area. Unfortunately not many of these are on my favorites as I prefer long hikes with solitude.

[mackt]

Thanks for the info. I agree I would like some solitude in the desert and some waterfalls, time just wont permit. I would like to ride out to Peralta or McDowell Sunday, however I was thinking I would probably try to climb Squaw Peak that evening and get some pictures of the sunset and the night time shots of the city. So, I may try to get up really early Monday and go to Peralta or McDowell. I imagine it would be hard to fit much in Sunday. A few questions to help me decide what to do:
I searched for WN overlook but nothing came up. any more info? Is Weavers Needle and the Superstition Mtns attainable Monday?, I mean how long of a hike is it as I would have to be at a conference at 3.
As far as ascending/descending Squaw Peak in the dark I would probably need a headlight right?
What would you recommend if i went to McDowell?
Thanks a lot!

[Trishness]

Peralta Trail is a superhighway on the weekends and loaded with people. I would go on Monday if you want some form of solitude and even then it might be busy. It's a good one hour drive from downtown Phoenix to the Peralta turn off and then a little over 7 miles back to the TH on an unmaintained dirt road. Last time I was on Peralta Road it was in OK shape for a passenger car but that was months ago. Maybe another member can chime in on it's current condition. The hike itself is just about 5 miles round trip and here's the link to the description:

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=88

Oh bring sunscreen and lip balm too!!

Trish

[AZLumberjack]

A thought for your Sunday hike might be Siphon Draw in the Superstitions. It's a bit of a drive and it's best to hit it kinda early in the morning as the shade would be in your favor. You can make as much or little of the hike as you feel comfortable with, just turn around and return. The trails are well marked/visible so maps would not be required.

Park your vehicle at the Miners Camp Restaurant for a scenic start and hit the trail right from the rear corner of the parking lot. The trip all the way to the Flatiron or peak 5024 are within reach but exhausting.

Hope you enjoy your short stay in the Phoenix area

[kingsnake]

"I plan on bringing a back pack full of water"

Contrary to popular rumor, we *do* have water in Arizona. Sometimes they even sell it in stores.

[chulavista]

"I plan on bringing a back pack full of water"

Contrary to popular rumor, we *do* have water in Arizona. Sometimes they even sell it in stores.

[kingsnake]

Seriously though, Camelback is a zoo (every day of the week). Unless you are someone who likes crowds, avoid it. Same goes for similar places like Piestewa, at least on weekends. Lots of people at South Mountain, or the White Tanks, but those places are huge, so except for certain trailheads, they are spread out.

You got a GPS?

If you need something quick and close, with plenty of elevation, then I'd do something around South Mountain. That might be good for Sunday, as you could do whatever, ending up at the Telegraph Pass observation point for sunset. (A great place to watch it, and crowded if you actually drive up, but not so bad if you hike up.)

You got a little more time on Monday, then head out to the White Tanks and do Ford Canyon Trail, which has really nice white granite pools -- which might actually have water since we've gotten a bit of rain lately. You should be able to do that and get back to the Biltmore, shower, and be ready for your meetings at 2pm no problem.

[Trishness]

"I plan on bringing a back pack full of water"

Contrary to popular rumor, we *do* have water in Arizona. Sometimes they even sell it in stores.

Yes....yes we do have water out here. Just don't drink the water from the tap out here in AZ Much like Florida, it's just nasty!!! (I know this because I lived in Florida for three years and that water was horrid). Jack mentioned Siphon Draw and that's a great hike too~~~~Have fun and be safe whatever you decide to do.

Trish

[cactuscat]

Sometimes they even sell it in stores.

Just not at the Grand Canyon! No bottled water under a gallon sold ... but our tap water is spring water.
I second the White Tanks/Ford Canyon suggestion.
Or maybe Spur Cross/Elephant Mountain.

[mackt]

Thanks everybody! Here is what Im thinking right now based on what youve told me..

Sunday take kingsnake's advice and head to South Mountain, see the sights and watch the sunset. Would this be a good place to stick around and get some nighttime pictures of the city? I see all the beautiful pics from Squaw Peak and I wonder if there will be similar vistas from South Mountain? This is what the website says "All gated roadways, trailhead parking areas, restrooms and ramadas are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., the trails remain open until 11 p.m." I assume as long as I am off the trails by 11 pm I can still drive out of there?

Monday morning get up very early before sunrise and go to Squaw Peak get up there before daylight to catch the sunrise. I understand this will be crowded but as it is right next to the Biltmore I figure it is my best chance to be on top of a mountain to see the sunrise, or should I just go back to South Mountain?

Then hightailing it to either kingsnakes's Ford Canyon Trail in White Tanks, or mnlumberjacks Siphon Draw in the Superstitions. They both seem to be fairly equidistant from the Biltmore. Sunrise is 6:33 AM that day.

kingsnake I dont have a GPS, I have whatever GPS is in my phone, and I am fair with a compass. I shouldnt really need either unless I leave the trail though right?

Trishness suntan lotion lip balm, good idea thanks.

As for the water obviously I am just planning on purchasing it there, not bringing water from here. I drink tap and well water here in north central florida, it tastes just fine, as Im sure the water does out there.

[hippiepunkpirate]

I haven't been to Ford Canyon, but for an out-of-towner I think Siphon Draw is a better recommendation. It has the more classic views of the Superstitions, so its one of those places where every once in a while you a photo of it in a magazine or something and makes you say, "I've been there!" Creates great memories for a lifetime....

[kingsnake]

You should be okay without a GPS if you stick to the trails. Especially on South Mountain or Piestewa (renamed from "Squaw Peak" after a local war hero). Really, if you can see the sun -- normally not a problem we have -- and have a watch and topo, you can safely terrain associate. Also, South Mountain is much closer to downtown that the other mountains ...

[outdoor_lover]

With the time that you have on Sunday, South Mountain is a good choice. The amount of Trails there are phenomenal. http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=2127. If you're looking for Sunset pics, kingsnake's recommendation there is a good one. The Mormon Trail also affords great views of the City including Downtown. It gets you up in elevation fast and when you get to the top, if you want to lengthen the Hike, you can do the Mormon Loop, for more City vistas or if you want to forget you're in the City briefly, you can go into Hidden Valley, then go out National from there to the Buena Vista Lookout and back down Geronimo for a change of Trail then just a few blocks back to your car....Don't assume that the gates in the gated parking lots will stay open past 7:00 P.M. That is not always the case, but depending on what TH you use, there are options to park outside of the gates.

For Monday, if you are going to drive all the way out to the Superstitions, Siphon is good, but for a first time look at the Supes, I would recommend driving another 30 or so minutes out to the Peralta TH and doing Peralta to Fremont Saddle. Great Trail with huge payoff at the end. Lots of BANG for your buck. And if the road into Peralta is rough, oh well, you're going to be in a Rental, right??? Plus on an early Monday morning, there won't be scads of people....

And, if you get done early enough and like to drive...Head up to Cave Creek and you'll have your semi-solitude with a Waterfall at Camp Creek Falls. It may still be running, especially if we get any rain between now and then.

Save Piestewa for Tuesday. If you're really in shape, you can get up and down in that small window you have, since it's close...

The White Tanks are really good too. Ford Canyon is one of my faves. Be advised that there is a fee to get into that Park. For a good Sunrise view, go up the Mesquite Trail, hike through Willow Canyon and come down Ford....

If you don't have a GPS, then I would advise printing out the Routes, just to help....

[trekkin_gecko]

piestewa and camelback are the classic city hikes
south mountain is worthy of exploration and will also give you good views, especially at night
personally i would not leave my car at mormon trailhead after dark
i second peralta over siphon draw for a superstition experience - if you can find a companion who knows how to get down cave trail from peralta saddle, even better

[mackt]

Great information - thanks everyone. Thanks so much for the specifics outdoorlover. I googled the ranger office number. Im going to ask them about parking. Taking what trekkingecko said maybe I should just take a cab?

Yeah I am definitely going to print maps for wherever I end up planning to go.

I would really like to get some sunrise pics but I guess I could always get up early Tuesday and be at Squaw Peak/Piestewa. The Biltmore is about 1/4 mile south of E Lincoln Drive so this would be the closest peak to me.

All this info really helps I appreciate your time

[trekkin_gecko]

if you're going to hit south mountain, you might try going to the central avenue entrance where there is a ranger presence
then go up say kiwanis to the little stone hut on national
you would be on a ridgeline and get views of the city to the north and south
i wouldn't take a cab, just take your chances with the rental car and don't leave anything of value in it

[Tough_Boots]

I totally agree with HPP,
Get out of the city and do the Flatiron! You have to do a Superstitions hike and this one is a classic. Its challenging and definitely rewarding. You'll be glad you did it and you could probably find someone on HAZ to come along. We might even talk you into doing a Ridgeline

[mackt]

OK well it sounds like the superstitions for Monday then. Maybe I will get up Tuesday am for Piestewa/Squaw Peak to see the sunrise. Yeah If anybody is available Ill take some company, it would be interesting Im sure I would learn a lot more about the landscape and the area. That would be great!

[----]

Hey mackt. You should hike the superstitions Monday. As others have said, Flat Iron and the peak above it are strenuous and tons of fun. Peralta is another great option, however I would recommend making a loop hike out of it, going from Fremont Saddle to Geronimo Cave, and back down the cave trail to Bluff Springs trail and back to the Peralta parking lot. Hiking that loop doesn't add much more time than simply hiking Peralta Trail, and it's much more scenic, however it's trickier and shouldn't be done alone. If you want company, feel free to holler at me. I'm pretty much a retired house husband to a doctor and have been hiking the Superstitions heavily for the past year.

By the way, Peralta Rd is completely driveable with a regular passenger car right now. It is however rough at spots and simply requires you to slow to a crawl.