When it comes to going out in "the wild" it's certain an experienced adventure tour guide knows where the masses don't go. It's been my specialty to be well placed to take folks into the wild outdoors and experience the best of Arizona. In fact, I run a tour company showing folks how to enjoy Arizona hiking. So when I dish on these trails you had better come fast because there aren't many spots close to "town" and they are getting known quick.
Before I begin to share where these trails are located, let's look at the criteria I'm using to choose the sites. Firstly, it has got to be pretty easily accessible from anywhere in the Valley. You will need a car to get there in most cases but the drive isn't more than say an hour (Metro Phoenix is sprawling - quite a few of these places are found in the Metro area). Also - while we often say the masses are not there, what I'm trying to say by this is the traveller hoards aren't there. To know what I mean, show up at Camelback Mountain, and you'll see a minimum of 200 hikers. Third, the location should be relatively straightforward to get around - I don't want you to get lost because many of my tour guides work for Search & Rescue and I'd prefer to have my guys guiding not searching, if you know what I mean.
Ok, now that we have the criteria established, here are the three most enjoyable, least "tourist-like" hiking trails metro Phoenix offers.
South Mountain - This spawling mountain park is really the second most visited site in Arizona, following the Grand Canyon, of course.So how can this qualify? Well, while it may get over 3 million visits a year, they're not "unique" visitors. What I mean is if I ride or hike there 2 times every week per year, then that counts as 104 visits. Also , the place is pretty big so it will not seem overrun. Finally - there are usually very few visitors compared to the locals.
Superstition Mountains - Use caution with this recommendation because this area is literally a training ground for Search & Rescue. There are a lot of reasons why only experienced locals go here. They say natural selection is alive and well in the Superstition Mountains. Take a map and a compass and lots of high quality H2O.. Oh, and it would not hurt to bring a whistle so if you do get lost you can signal the search crews. With that disclaimer out of the way, it's an absolutely amazing place to enjoy. These mountains should be on everyone's bucket list.
White Tank Mountains - The newly upgraded visitor center is as amazing as the hiking trails. The best part about this place is it is just too out of the way for most travellers; which means you are mostly going to only see locals.
I leave you with this: Have a good time but don't be a statistic. If you choose to be a statistic, please agree to be an organ donor.
Before I begin to share where these trails are located, let's look at the criteria I'm using to choose the sites. Firstly, it has got to be pretty easily accessible from anywhere in the Valley. You will need a car to get there in most cases but the drive isn't more than say an hour (Metro Phoenix is sprawling - quite a few of these places are found in the Metro area). Also - while we often say the masses are not there, what I'm trying to say by this is the traveller hoards aren't there. To know what I mean, show up at Camelback Mountain, and you'll see a minimum of 200 hikers. Third, the location should be relatively straightforward to get around - I don't want you to get lost because many of my tour guides work for Search & Rescue and I'd prefer to have my guys guiding not searching, if you know what I mean.
Ok, now that we have the criteria established, here are the three most enjoyable, least "tourist-like" hiking trails metro Phoenix offers.
South Mountain - This spawling mountain park is really the second most visited site in Arizona, following the Grand Canyon, of course.So how can this qualify? Well, while it may get over 3 million visits a year, they're not "unique" visitors. What I mean is if I ride or hike there 2 times every week per year, then that counts as 104 visits. Also , the place is pretty big so it will not seem overrun. Finally - there are usually very few visitors compared to the locals.
Superstition Mountains - Use caution with this recommendation because this area is literally a training ground for Search & Rescue. There are a lot of reasons why only experienced locals go here. They say natural selection is alive and well in the Superstition Mountains. Take a map and a compass and lots of high quality H2O.. Oh, and it would not hurt to bring a whistle so if you do get lost you can signal the search crews. With that disclaimer out of the way, it's an absolutely amazing place to enjoy. These mountains should be on everyone's bucket list.
White Tank Mountains - The newly upgraded visitor center is as amazing as the hiking trails. The best part about this place is it is just too out of the way for most travellers; which means you are mostly going to only see locals.
I leave you with this: Have a good time but don't be a statistic. If you choose to be a statistic, please agree to be an organ donor.
About the Author:
About The AuthorBruce Leadbetter has been guiding since the age of 14, when he helped his dad on hunting trips. He is well known in the Arizona outdoor adventures scene and frequently helps the Travel channel scout locations. If you are lucky, and if you can find him, maybe you can hire him for a guided Grand Canyon hike.
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