These boots were made for HIKIN’
Arizona is soooo about getting outside, so if you want to get into nature and see all the glorious flora and fauna of the Southwest, may I suggest….
WALK | Phoenix Botanical Garden
COST: ADULTS | $24.95 KIDS | $12.95 | HOURS: Daily 8am–8pm | SHOES: Closed toed RECOMMENDED | LENGTH: 2 mile loop
A short drive just north of Tempe is the Papago Nature park…this houses the Phoenix Zoo, the Hole in the Rock hiking trail, a nature preserve and the Phoenix Botanical Garden. They are home to some permanent Chihully (glass) sculpture and have a lovely gift shop and cafe on site that are both worth checking out.
COST: FREE | HOURS: Daily Sunup to Sundown | SHOES: Closed toed shoes needed | LENGTH: 0.3 miles
“Across the street” from the Botanical Garden is the trail head and parking lot for the Hole in the Rock trail. One of the easier hikes, it is common to Arizona tourists. Water bottles and proper hiking attire is recommended.
ADVANCED HIKE | Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon)
COST: FREE | HOURS: Daily Sunup to Sundown | SHOES: Closed toed shoes REQUIRED | LENGTH: 1.3 miles or 3 hours
Camelback Mountain, with an elevation of 2,704 feet, is an excellent hike or climb in Arizona. Hiking Camelback Mountain is perfect for a tourist activity in Phoenix, because the hike is quick and is located in the middle of the Phoenix Valley with great views. Camelback Mountain is a hiking destination for both locals and tourists in the Valley and is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.
If you would like a guide — CPR certified/Geogolist/Photographer — you can hire guides starting at $125.