The Stats: Hike Date: April 8, 2018Distance: 7.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,601 feetPublished Difficulty: Hard The Skinny:Tip #1: Start early if you're going any time after March. It took about 3 hours to hike this one, and by the end, it was hot. As far as the trail itself: I always love a loop versus an in/out hike … Continue reading Alta Trail to Bajada Trail to National Trail
Wind Cave Trail
The Stats: Hike Date: April 7, 2018Location: Mesa, AZDistance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 770 feetPublished Difficulty: Moderate The Skinny:Honestly? Not my favorite hike. It was incredibly packed with people, and the cave at the end was a bit disappointing. That is, if you're willing to call it a cave and not just a rock overhang. I spared you … Continue reading Wind Cave Trail
Bell Trail
The Stats: Hike Date: March 17, 2018Location: Rimrock, AZDistance: 6.9 milesElevation Gain: 587 feetPublished Difficulty: Moderate The Skinny:First off, and possibly most important to note: there is no backpacking or camping on this trail effective August 1, 2017. Which I clearly did not know, so we ended up making it a "practice backpacking hike." You know, the … Continue reading Bell Trail
Picacho Peak
The Stats: Hike Date: March 3, 2018Location: Picacho, AZDistance: 2.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,958 feetPublished Difficulty: Hard The Skinny:This trail was incredible. A bit of a drive from Phoenix, but totally worth it. Especially if you're up for a full body workout. The "hard" categorization is definitely accurate. Come prepared to scramble, and to walk on slim boards … Continue reading Picacho Peak
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a trail in Northern Arizona that takes you from a neighborhood, up a steep incline to a rocky peak at the top. The Stats: Hike Date: February 24, 2018Distance: 2.2 milesElevation Gain: 1,194 feetPublished Difficulty: Hard The Skinny:Hard is right. I questioned whether 2.2 miles was going to be enough. I was pleasantly surprised … Continue reading Black Mountain
Runyon Canyon
The Stats:Hike Date: January 25, 2018Location: Los Angeles, CADistance: 3 milesElevation Gain: 675 feetPublished Difficulty: Moderate The Skinny: It's a good thing I love dogs, because this place was packed with them. And their people. And people without dogs. Definitely an easy trail to get to if you're in Hollywood near the walk of fame, but I … Continue reading Runyon Canyon
Sunrise Peak
The Stats: Hike Date: January 21, 2018Location: Scottsdale, AZDistance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 1,112 feetPublished Difficulty: Moderate The Skinny:Not too highly trafficked, a decent climb. Cool overlook of the Fountain Hills fountain if you're there at the right time. There's a nice view at the top and it definitely produced some sweat. I would go back.
Adventures in 2017
I set out in January of 2017 determined that it was going to be a year of adventures. As many opportunities as I could plan, I would. No excuses. As the year went on, my zeal unfortunately started tapering off a bit, but I ended the year strong with a 10 day road trip from … Continue reading Adventures in 2017
