Arizona Hiking

100 hikes, 10 new to this edition, with color photos and maps.

Now includes detailed topographic maps, elevation trail profiles, and a trails-at-a-glance chart indicating distance, level of difficulty, and seasonal considerations.

Includes a mix of trails from easy day trips, to never-dull loop hikes, to more remote long-distance treks. No hiking guide captures the beautifully complex and varied landscape of Arizona like Scott Warren's. Thoroughly updated and expanded with useful topographic maps and elevation trail profiles, this third edition of 100 Classic Hikes in Arizona offers a wide range of the state's most scenic hiking trails. You can stand in a mile deep canyon one day, hike through a saguaro cactus forest the next, and stand on a nearly 10,000 foot "sky island" in the Chiricahua Mountains yet another day. You can hike Lenox Crater, an actual volcano with a nearby lava flow, or lose yourself on Dutchman's Trail, a solitary long distance trek in the fabled Superstition Mountains.

Unlike some guides that concentrate on certain parks or regions, Hiking Arizona covers the entire state. It includes
·large maps that provide rich detail in a format that’s easy to read,
·a trail finder that allows you to quickly locate trails based on criteria important to you, and
·practical information on park hours, length and difficulty of trails, facility details, permit requirements, and other pertinent information for parks and surrounding areas.

Designed for hikers of all interests and capabilities, Hiking Arizona has the details you need to make the most of each destination—from seasonal attractions to surrounding sites worth the visit. The only surprise that awaits you is the breathtaking beauty of the trip.

·More than 60 short hikes (ranging from a fraction of a mile to just over 7 miles round trip)
·A mix of popular hikes and little-known gems showcasing scenic Arizona
·Many hikes in or accessible from major metro areas plus destination parks and landmarks

Don and Barbara Laine present the best of the best of Arizona’s short hikes—with an emphasis on "user-friendly." To make selection easy, a "Hikes at a Glance" chart lists trails by distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and location. Other charts list hikes by best places to admire rock formations, see desert plant life, enjoy scenic views, explore historic and prehistoric sites, relax along a shady stream or lake, take the kids, or see wildlife. Important details such as entry fees, restrooms, drinking water, and campground information are listed up front; there’s a map and elevation profile for each hike.

That’s to say nothing of the breadth of experiences (from sandy desert floor to steep mountainside and riparian environment) awaiting you; or the detailed trail descriptions with tips on where Hollywood movies were filmed and background on old cabins and mines. Most hikes are rated easy or moderate—making them perfect for families—plus a selection of more strenuous hikes.