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Good Beginner Trails
Posted: Nov 24 2002 10:16 pm
by collova
I am looking for good beginner trails around the Superstitions, San Tans and/or Usery Mountains. i am an assistant program director for a local gym. I am hoping to start a hiking club after the first of the year. This would be for our members to help get them aquainted with this area and learn good hiking skills. Do you have any specific trails that you would recommend?
Thanks!
Posted: Nov 24 2002 10:33 pm
by Pellegrino
One of my first and favorite hikes, especially in the spring is Garden Valley View - check it out here
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=G ... ley%20Loop
Posted: Nov 24 2002 10:42 pm
by Mike
Welcome to HAZ, collova!
From the First Water Trailhead, try either the Second Water Trail to Garden Valley(
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=S ... er%20Trail) or the Dutchman Trail to Parker Pass (
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=Parker%20Pass). If you don't mind crowds, head over to the Peralta Trailhead, and try it's namesake trail (
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=Peralta%20Trail). It's steeper than the other two, particurally in the upper end, but the reward is one the best views of Weavers Needle in the Superstitions. Another good option would be the Hieroglyphics Trail (
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=H ... cs%20Trail).
Have fun!
Posted: Nov 24 2002 10:48 pm
by Lizard
Posted: Nov 24 2002 11:04 pm
by Sredfield
I suppose the Kaibab would be out?
Posted: Nov 25 2002 6:23 am
by Daryl
For beginners, Usery mountain park has several hikes, is very populated, and hard to get lost.
Be careful in the superstitions as it's easy to get lost and you may not run into anyone that could help.
Posted: Nov 25 2002 7:19 am
by Sredfield
South Mountain has some great trails, and on a weekend there are lots of poeple there also.
Posted: Nov 25 2002 4:51 pm
by joebartels
Sredfield wrote:South Mountain has some great trails, and on a weekend there are lots of poeple there also.
that's an understatement!
It's like an ant hill!
Posted: Dec 01 2002 9:42 pm
by ellehcim
teva wrote:Sredfield wrote:South Mountain has some great trails, and on a weekend there are lots of poeple there also.
that's an understatement!
It's like an ant hill!
Then Camelback and Squaw Peak must be comparable to a Conga Line... :P
Posted: Dec 02 2002 6:26 am
by Sredfield
I've seen big crowds on the east end of S. Mtn, the entrance off 48th street. But if you go in off the Central Ave entrance and head up to Telegraph Pass, park and walk west,you can avoid the majority of the crowds. I've done this many times and after about a mile the crowds disappear. You can also access this area from the south (Ahwatukee). Again, crowded near the TH's, but they don't go very far. You have to set up a shuttle to do this route, but its worth it.
The Alta trail from the very west end is also a good alternative, some good EC and you can make it a 9+/- mile loop if you like.