First-time AZ visitor looking for hikes and must-sees!!

BagLadyB · Post by **BagLadyB** » Apr 07 2002 1:08 pm

Thanks to my boyfriend and his need for travel, I am going to AZ for the first time for my birthday!

We're arriving in Phoenix and staying in Scottsdale for a few days. Then we're heading to Sedona for day or two, and then north to the Grand Canyon.

We are looking for some must-do hikes, and things that we must see and do while visiting AZ.

Any ideas or suggestions??

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » Apr 08 2002 12:54 am

Welcome to the valley of the sun...

If you are staying in Scottsdale, the obvious answer would be the ' twin peaks ' - Meaning Camelback Mountian and Squaw Peak. They are both excellant hikes and offer sweeping views of the valley and the phoenix Metroplex.
Then of course the superstition Mountians are to the east. I will let those who know that area tell you about the best trails out there.

Have fun!

montezumawell · Post by **montezumawell** » Apr 08 2002 6:19 am

There's about a hundred trails in the Sedona 'region.' If you talk to enough people you'll come to the conclusion they ALL are 'must do' trails. It really doesn't matter what trails you do in the Sedona area since you are virtually guaranteed to have a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Simply follow you heart's voice and pick any trail that seems right for the day, time and circumstances. The majority of the 'A List' Sedona trails are well-covered on this website's TrailDEX. Also, peruse the Trail Chat section of the forum and you will find a lot of GREAT advice about Sedona area trails. If you have time, get on Amazon.Com and order Richard and Sherry Mangum's 'Sedona Hikes.' It's the best, bar none. Good Luck and Happy Trails.

J&S in RR

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Apr 08 2002 9:00 am

You can personalize your selection by using the TrailDex system on this website.
Click on the map of AZ, then click on the region(s) you will be visiting. You will be given an index of hikes in that area. If you look to the left of the Trail/Hike name, you might see a little guy, looks like the one at the top right of the screen...he is a Kokopelli. This little guy is rumored to be an indian god of furtility, not the baby kind, the crop/produce kind. Well this little Indian god has been busy, as he is on T-shirts, posters, cups, etc everywhere in AZ. He could be considered an unofficial mascot of AZ. He is our mascot here at HAZ. The more little Kokopellis you see next to a hike, the more 'spectacular' the hike. So, look for the most Kokopellis and you will find the 'must see' hikes in our beautiful state!

Hope this helps, and enjoy your visit.