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

[mackt]

Hey everyone. I know this is a couple of months later but I just wanted to thank everyone for their help. Due to a changed work/conference schedule and delayed flights I didnt get to hike as planned but it wasn't all for naught. I got in late Sunday afternoon and hurried out to South Mountain, where I made a quick climb up (literally ran) Geronimo to Buena Vista and watched the sunset then came down in the dark. Monday morning I got up and and went back to South and did Holbert to National and came back down on Kiwanis. Tuesday morning I got up and climbed Squaw Peak before sunrise. It was quite a climb. Got some amazing pics. Then Tuesday midmorning I went back to South, did Mormon to National and went thru Hidden Valley and came back out the same way. So didnt get to get off the beaten trail but honestly I saw maybe 15-20 people all three days, so that was great. Got some amazing pictures Im about to post. And the best news is, Im planning on heading back west this spring or summer so I can do it right. Got a couple of friends who enjoy hiking and camping that want to come along that have never been out there. We're looking around right now trying to select somewhere in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Utah, Montana, Colorado. We havent decided just want to go somewhere different. When we pick out an area Ill definitely return to this website to get helpful tips and info. Thank you all for helping make a successful trip

[outdoor_lover]

Sounds like you were able to make the most of the time you did have. Good for you, glad you enjoyed it.