Kristen McEwen

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Take A Hike!

Posted On: February 24th, 2016 11:20PM

With this great weather upon us, it’s time to get hiking.  Here are some of my favorite trails.

  1.  Deem Hills: right in my backyard in Stetson Valley.  Located at 51st Ave and Happy Valley.  Fairly new, and there are 3 main trails.  The Ridgeline, goes to the top of the mountain and runs 1.45 miles.   It has excellent views to the north and west including of Ludden Mountain. The Ridgeline Trail can be strenuous so exercise caution.  The Palisade trail at 1.53 miles utilizes the water reservoir road to the east as it twists and turns through the interior.  The shortest trail, Basalt connects to the Ridgeline, Palisade, and Circumference trails providing quick shortcuts to each at only .64 miles in length.  Rattlesnakes are common so use your best judgement.  Also, it is a popular mountain bike trail. Deem Hills
  2. Thunderbird Mountain:   located around 55th Ave and Pinnacle Peak.  Very busy and popular spot in the Northwest Valley.  Just north of Arrowhead.  This is a nice, steady, non-strenuous, climb to the summit for anyone who is somewhat active. The type of incline where you can hold a conversation all the way up.  Slightly rocky in parts but manageable.  I have done this hike with my kids and they had a blast.  Enjoy the American flag at the top. Map of trails
  3. Piestewa Peak: 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive.  Many hikers head for the hills in search of solitude, but if you’re planning to hike to the summit of Piestewa Peak you’d do better to bring with you your community spirit – rarely have we seen such a busy trail.  Hikers, walkers, sightseers and runners alike flock to this prominent peak because of it proximity to the city of Phoenix. Despite the crowds this mountain can still be a lot of fun, offering as it does a short but taxing 1,100 ft climb and many great views along the 1 mile route. You may also travel the Circumference Trail which traces a flanking route around the mountain. The trip around the mountain measures around 3.1 miles from the peak trail and back to the trailhead.  Trail map
  4. Camelback:  5700 N Echo Canyon Dr.  Located in the heart of the city and most likely, the most well known mountain in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area.  During Winter / Spring months, Echo Canyon experiences EXTREMELY high visitation. The parking lot will typically fill up from late morning through early afternoon and remain full throughout the day on weekends. When the park reaches capacity the entry gate will be closed. . Police will ticket hikers who idle their cars on McDonald and will tow vehicles parked illegally on the street.  The summit of Camelback Mountain is at 2,704 feet above sea level. The mountain’s two summit trails gain approximately 1,200 feet in elevation.  There are always stories on the news about hikers needing rescue, so please be prepared and bring water. Camelback
  5. North Mountain (Shaw Butte):  10600 N 7th Ave. North Mountain National Trail is a 2.3 mile loop trail located near Phoenix, AZ that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and birding and is accessible from October until June. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. North Mountain

There you go!  Now, go take a hike!

 

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