Hiking

Moore Family
of Arizona

Hiking:

I like to get out and hike and while the summer is a challenge near to our home on Phoenix (and we have to go further) we do have great places nearby for the late fall/winter & spring seasons.

Virtually at our doorstep is the Phoenix South Mountain Park - one of the largest urban parks anywhere. We have several trails we like there - sometimes we drive to the top and hike down, sometimes we hike up and sometimes we shuttle cars with friends to start at one trailhead and end at another.

Quick hikes are possible up & down 'Telegraph Pass' to a great view from the saddle and about 600 feet elevation gain. From Pima Canyon we can loop up the National Trail through the rock Tunnel into Hidden Valley and on up to the curiously named Fat Mans Pass, and then back down via the Mormon Loop. Lots of places to explore and great city views in places.

Since Alan & Alex committed to go to on the Philmont Scout Ranch Trek in 2007 Alan has been exploring South mountain for training hikes. I have found many hidden trails and figured out how to link up lots of interesting loops - so far mainly on the south side. I've done enough exploring that I'm seriously thinking about writing a book on this....

In the summer you just have to go further afield to escape the heat...

We like Oak Creek near Sedona, AZ and especially the West Fork trail for the superb fall colors, and many other hikes in the Sedona area. Day hikes to swimming holes are fun like Wet Beaver Creek and Fossil Springs. We also like weekend trips to Tucson and escaping the city heat by heading up in altitude on Mount Lemmon.