Scottsdale

Longtime Phoenix journalist and Arizona Monthly co-founder Jeff Ficker has nearly a decade of experience covering Phoenix as a writer and editor. In Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona, he covers the hot spots of the Valley of the Sun, including Phoenix's sandstone peaks, the red rocks and vortexes of Sedona, and the best golf courses and shopping Scottsdale has to offer. Discover the rich culture of the Native American tribes who first settled the Valley, venture north to the leafy respite of Oak Creek Canyon, marvel at larger-than-life cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden, or explore fossils at the Mesa Southwest Museum. Packed with information on the best dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona caters to a range of travel budgets. With unique travel strategies such as Desert Romance and Southwest Heritage, Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

With more than 4 million people, the Phoenix metropolitan area is one of the country's largest. Surprisingly, it's also one of the most diverse and dramatic for hikers, with scenic destinations ranging from area parks, greenbelts, and preserves to high and low deserts and breathtaking mountains. This easy-to-use guide features the best scenic day hikes, determined by author Charles Liu using state-of-the-art GPS technology. These hikes are geared to every skill level, whether it's a comfortable stroll for the family or a tricky trek for the more fearless hiker. Stretching from Hidden Valley to the south to the Superstition Wilderness to the north, the book contains clear trail maps and profiles complemented by detailed descriptions and useful at-a-glance information. All roughly within an hour's drive of the Valley of the Sun, the trails highlighted in this updated edition begin right inside the city limits with popular Camelback Mountain.