HikeArizona.COM

Hi All,

I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Ronney and I'm 34 years old. Married to Bill for 10 years. 3 kids ages 17, 16, and 8.

Here is my "problem" I am not familiar with alot of hiking trails. I just recently hiked squaw peak (piestewa peak, sorry) and actually made it to the top. I am still fairly a beginner as I've only recently discovered my passion about a month and a half ago, but have hiked nearly every day since then. I have only hiked squaw peak, userypass, and papago.

Anyhow, I would love to find partners to help me discover some of the other trails you all talk about. I am REALLY interested in the Superstition mountains, but will hike anywhere.

Well, I didn't mean to write a novel hehe.

I hope to hear from someone soon:)
Ronney

I would suggest getting the book. "25 Easy day hikes around Phoenix" It lists a lot trails in the area that you wouldn't need to fear getting lost in the middle of nowhere.
-TIM-

In response to Ronney's reply:

Thanks for your quick response. Can I get that book at Bookmans?

I apologize for my ignorance. Like I said, I'm still pretty new.

Thanks
Ronney

Ronney,

check your private messges.

Easy Day Hikes?????

Naaaah, air drop her into a "no rescue" wilderness with a jack knife and a snickers bar and see if she survives.

I got the "Best Easy Day Hikes Phoenix" book at Barnes and Noble. Here is a link to it.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bookse ... 9241&itm=1

It has some great "starter hikes" that are in the area. I believe I have seen it at Borders also. I haven't been to a Bookmans yet. It's usually in the "Local Area section" there are lots of other hiking books too in the same series.

dont apologize for saying Squaw Peak. There are over 6 officially named "Squaw Peaks" in Arizona alone. Not to mention that many of them are on Indian lands!! Try posting a picture of yourself, you get better responses when looking for hiking partners. good luck, Ronney

In response to Ronney's reply:

I found "Day Hikes and Trail Rides In and Around Phoenix" when I was vacationing in AZ a few years ago, and find it to be a great help when I am lucky enough to get back to Phoenix. Authors - Roger and Ethel Freeman.

Now that you've conquered Squaw, try Camelback. One of the best short hikes anywhere. It is a little tougher than Squaw, though.

mikeinFHAZ where you serious when you wrote:

Try posting a picture of yourself, you get better responses when looking for hiking partners. ?

Just curious..... And is that why you have a pick of tiny little animal on your posts?

woop

Woop, i have hiked with him, that is really what he looks like!!

If you are still reading this thread, welcome Ronney. My suggestion for local hikes would be south mtn preserve, while the weather is nice. Or Peralta, although can be busy. There are a lot of hikes on here, if someone is looking for hiking partners just message them and come along.

davis2001r6 wrote:I would suggest getting the book. "25 Easy day hikes around Phoenix" It lists a lot trails in the area that you wouldn't need to fear getting lost in the middle of nowhere.
-TIM-

Tim,

My .02

While books are great as reference material, it's probably better that someone brand new to hiking hook up with experienced hikers when starting out and not rely on books and maps that they might not be able to follow......more experienced hikers know how to read a topographic map and know the trails, landmarks etc. and can teach that to new hikers. Especially when hiking in the Superstitions or many of the other desert areas of AZ.


Trish

In response to Trishness' reply:
Yes I agree that it is very beneficial to learn from someone with experience in the different areas and map reading. I just moved out here in April and had absolutely no hiking experience and that was the book that got me started. I hiked all the trails in Phoenix before I tried anything elsewhere. Your right though, I would not venture off in the superstitions alone as a beginning hiker. That is why I just made it there in the last month. The book has some great trails that not everyone knows about in Phoenix. Most people just think of Camelback and Squaw Peak. I haven't hiked a trail in that book that I didn't see a handful of people on.
-TIM-

Tim,

I understand your thinking in doing the "city hikes" type of thing but Piestewa & Camelback are both pretty arduous for beginners. It's hard to get lost on either one of these trails and there's always major traffic too.

I've hiked most of the Western Supes trails and know them pretty well now. I never could have done it without the help of my friends who had been there before me. All the books I've read have only enhanced the knowledge I've learned from my hiking buddies.

If you're interested in doing more Superstition hikes I would recommend a few things.

Take a friend or get with a group that knows the area
Get a good map (REI has them for 9.95...waterproof and tear resistant) and then KNOW YOUR ROUTE
Get a copy of "The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wilderness" by Carlson & Stewart...excellent resource for most trails & historical stuff

Trish :A2: