28 NOVEMBER 2017 ArcAd A News By Laura Cafiso Some folks think being a “hiker” means owning lots of specialized gear, knowing orienteering, and possessing the endurance of an Olympic athlete. But anyone can be a full-fledged hiker here in the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix and the surrounding areas feature mountains everywhere you look, just waiting to be scaled. Here are a few of the popular hikes. PIESTEWA PEAK/ SUMMIT TRAIL #302: Welcome to one of the most popular trail in town! The Summit Trail begins with an immediate uphill climb and provides a tough work out. It’s characterized by man- made steps that make it easy to follow, making it accessible to lots of climbers and impossible to get lost. Busiest times are early morning, before work and after 5 p.m. Lunch time/mid-day is guaranteed to have less traffic. 5994 E. Squaw Peak Dr. (just off Lincoln Drive), 85016 Experience Level: Moderate to difficult Dogs: No Length: 2.4 miles up and down PIESTEWA PEAK/FREEDOM OR CIRCUMFERENCE TRAIL #302: This loop trail begins where the park dead ends and skirts Piestewa Peak. While it is longer, it starts out fairly level and then alternates between hiking uphill and downhill, creating a good athletic conditioning workout. At all junctions, take a left, as there are options to deviate to trails #304 & #1. The Freedom Trail ultimately intersects with the Summit Trail and at that junction, take a right to go down and get to the parking lot. Experience Level: Difficult Dogs: No Length: 3.7 miles 40TH STREET TRAILHEAD/ TWOBIT HIKE ALSO KNOWN AS DIXIE PEAK TRAIL: Pull into the parking lot off of Shea and 40th Street. The “Two-Bit Hike” is not illustrated on the glass-enclosed map. Never fear, it is the unmarked, (no metal post or signage) but obvious, path you immediately see leading up the mountain. This trail is an easy walk in, followed by a slow ascent. Once you reach the “Two-Bit” marker, you’ll encounter the challenge of loose rocks and a steep climb. But the payoff at the top is a fabulous view of Camelback Mountain. 9200 N. 40th St. Phoenix, 85028 Experience Level: Difficult Dogs: allowed on leash Length: 2.75 miles PINNACLE PEAK HIKE: Welcome to Scottsdale’s most popular hike! While this “out and back” hike is “out of town,” it presents another busy trail, perfect for trekking solo or with a friend. Spoiler alert: you don’t actually hike to the peak, but rather up and around it. 26802 N. 102nd Way, Scottsdale, 85262 Experience Level: Moderate Dogs: No Length: 3.5 miles If heading out to more secluded trails or even trails that are well-known but intersect with multiple other trails (thus confusing!), find a group to go with who knows the ropes. SHAW BUTTE HIKE/TRAIL #306: Night hikes on Shaw Butte offer spectacular views of city lights but it’s best to go with a group familiar with the trails. Meetup group Hiking Hikers Hiking or 3H, plans a weekly Thursday night hike and in October, it fell on the night of the Harvest Moon. Head lamps and flashlights lit the way. This hike kicks butt as it has multiple steep climbs. The 3H group starts this trail on a non-traditional path. When not hiking with such an experienced group, hit the North Mountain Visitor Center for trail maps and knowledgeable park rangers. North Mountain Visitor Center, 12950 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85022 Experience Level: Difficult Dogs: allowed on leash Length: 4 miles Usually the measure of a “successful” hike is trekking the entire trail or climbing to the top of a mountain. However, if you’re a beginner or don’t have time to hike the entire mountain, another strategy is to hike for 20 minutes and then turn around and hike out. That’s a solid 40-minute cardio workout. Practice good hiking etiquette by always hiking on the right side. Stay on marked trails. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Now that we’re past another blinding hot summer, get back into your hiking groove or start hiking as a new outdoor fitness alternative. Hiking alone is an ideal time to reflect and think up creative solutions or ideas. Hiking with others is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, socialize and not get lost! City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation: www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails Daring Adventures: hiking opportunities for individuals with disabilities – www.daring-adventures.org/ Meetup Group Hiking Hikers Hiking: www.meetup.com/threeh/ Tackle these Phoenix trails this month Financial Aid Workshops for interested parents on testing days. 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