Fly Fishing Phoenix AZ

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Length: One-Way: 1 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: This trail is very popular and is visited annually by thousands of people from around the world. The trail follows relatively level terrain to the very edge of the Mogollon Rim. There are excellent scenic vistas along the trail. A hike along this self-guided interpretive trail gives visitors a great appreciation of the characteristics of the Mogollon Rim and its uniqueness as the dividing line between the Colorado Plateau and the Gila-Salt River watersheds. It is likely more kinds of trees, bushes and shrubs can be seen growing side- by-side along this trail than any other area on the district. Pacific willow and Bebb’s willow, together with a wide variety of water plants and sedges can be found growing along an irrigation ditch which has an interesting history relating to pioneers in the area.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Phoenix
Length: One-Way: 1.2 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Maximum Elevation: 2608 feet
Elevation Change: 1190 feet
Trail Surface: Loose Rock
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: While Squaw Peak isn’t as popular as the nearby Camelback Mountain is is still one of Phoenix’s best known natural landmarks. Squaw Peak has some of the Valley’s most popular Hiking trails and the Summit Trail is likely the most popular of these trails. The Summit Trail is a short but steep 1.2 mile hike over a diverse menu of gravel, slick rock and manmade guides to prevent slipping. The trail climbs through fragrant desert botanicals. The summit of Squaw Peak offers panoramic views of the gorgeous city below. This vista is great reward for this strenuous climb.

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 6700 feet
Maximum Elevation: 7200 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Ice Cave Trail winds its way along Porter Creek and the south side of Scott Reservoir before connecting to Blue Ridge Trail. Midway along the trail is the Ice Cave. The cave is really a lava tube. The name “Ice Cave” probably came fro the constant flow of cool air (about 52 degrees F) leaving the cave.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7200 feet
Maximum Elevation: 8500 feet
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Heart trail begins in the Sandy Seep area just north of Flagstaff at approximately 7200 feet and climbs the east slope of Mt. Elden to connect with the Sunset Trail in Sunset Park. As the trail climbs, it winds through the remnants of a large mixed conifer forest which was destroyed by the Radio fire in 1977. The area is well into regeneration, with gamble oak and various grasses and shrubs growing strong. The Heart Trail can be accessed from a number of trails the Little Elden Trail, the Sandy Seep Trail and the Sunset Trail.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.8 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7140 feet
Maximum Elevation: 7190 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Springs trail is perfect for the beginner trail user or even for the more advanced who are looking for a less strenuous loop. The Springs trail is on Forest Road 182, a short distance from Pinetop-Lakeside. It consists of 3.8 miles of trail with little change in elevation. During the rainy season the trail may become very muddy. Equestrians should think twice about riding this trail at these times because horses can do great damage to a muddy trail. The most distinctive and certainly an attractive part of the trail is where it crosses and parallels Thompson Creek. Areas in close proximity to streams and rivers, known as riparian habitat, harbor a great variety of interdependent plant and animal life. For that reason, they are extremely sensitive to human interference. Watch for signs of animals that are directly dependent on the creek as well as those that are attracted by ample food and cover. If you’re looking to do a longer hike, take the Little Bear Connector to the Blue Ridge loop, or the Iron Horse Connector to the Country Club loop.