HikeArizona.COM

OK, another teacher asked a question today that took some time to answer.

"What are your top 5 hikes in the state?"

Thought it might provide some interesting posts from HAZ members...

So what's your top five hikes (and if you'd like...why...in a few words)...

hippiepunkpirate wrote:There it is. Pretty much the "HPP Guide to Sedona and the Peaks with a couple random other things for good measure".

I like it, HPP. I like it alot

nickfraley wrote:

Jeff MacE wrote:would add Esperero to the Window to the list since it cruises by a lot of fun things on it's way to a great destination and beats your back-end the entire way!

really if you take into account the trails all connecting the Pusch Ridge ridgeline, from Esperero Saddle to Pima Saddle this would actually be my favorite stretch of trail in Arizona.

Agreed x10! ;)

nickfraley wrote:I like it, HPP. I like it alot

Thanks. In hindsight, I think Fremont Peak also deserves a spot on there.

11. Elephant Head - holy pumpkin!

nickfraley wrote: really if you take into account the trails all connecting the Pusch Ridge ridgeline, from Esperero Saddle to Pima Saddle this would actually be my favorite stretch of trail in Arizona.

Yeah. Is awesome up there. Getting to be the time of year to hit it, too! Hmmm.....

Wow, this is a subjective topic. My “top five” list is likely going to be significantly different than everyone else and most certainly does not diminish anyone else’s list. You need to realize that I am a little different. Call me a hermit or maybe I am just a little bit messed in the head. My idea of a 5 rated hike could likely be a 3 for someone else. Ha! Sometimes it seems like I enjoy punishing myself. My base criteria for my top five list is “remote”, “solitude”, “high cool factor”, “manageable terrain”, and “well rounded”. Numbers 4 and 5 are almost a tie. The common denominator on my top three is that they all have killer views and are epic locations to have lunch. For me, there is nothing like enjoying a meal on a remote mountain top bluff with an awesome view.


#1) Goat Mountain
#2) The Spine
#3) Sevenmile Mountain
#4) Malicious Gap
#5) Pinal Creek Canyon

I always say I like to hike by myself butttt when I start thinking of hikes it's people that come to mind. Trips I'll never forget.
1. One year hiking Canyon Creek with my son(Little Denny) we were heading down to are fishing hole and we got to see a bear and to some fishing too. On the way back he starts whistleing the theme from the Andy Griffith Show. Priceless to me
2.Taking my daughter(Heather) and my future son in law to Red Rock Crossing to take some pictures of the two of them for a wedding book she was making. It turned out it was a rainy day and we had the place all to ourselves. Some great bonding time.
3.Pushing my dad(Larry) around Boyce Thompson in his wheelchair before I lost him to cancer two years ago.
4.Taking my girlfriend (Grace) on our first hike together on Thompson Trail #629.
5.? The Flatiron. Only because it got me hooked on hiking.
Mostly all easy hikes but ones that I think of often.

Tortoise Hiker wrote:Trips I'll never forget.

That's what it's all about!

Tortoise Hiker wrote:Trips I'll never forget

You were on one of my number five hike. Its the one you lost all your hair on .Your words not mine.

1) Any loop with great views/ changing terrain.
2) Something with the sound of water, or a chance to get my feet wet.
3) A summit.
4) Something where finding the TH is an adventure and requires getting a cold beer in a tiny town.
5) Pretty much any hike where there aren't cell phones and the Internet.

(maybe my take on the question is different?)

Tortoise Hiker wrote:5.? The Flatiron. Only because it got me hooked on hiking. Mostly all easy hikes but ones that I think of often.

Isn't that the hike you went on with that axe murderer and your daughter called every 15 minutes to make sure you were still alive?

I still haven't found that axe. ;)

The Inner Basin is a good one Bob.
Yeah Wally, that was my first hike with a HAZ hiker. I think she trust you now. Good Times!