Synopses & Reviews
The Sonoran Desert draws visitors from far and wide to walk among the iconic Saguaro cacti, craggy boulders, and spiky plant life that can be found nowhere else. Phoenician Lilia Menconi grew up on these trails, and in
Moon Take a Hike Phoenix, she shows you the best hikes in and around the cityand#151;all within two hours of Phoenix. With details on public transportation options and clear directions on how to reach the trailhead, Menconi has all the bases covered. Suggested lists of hikes include:
Best Historical Hikes
Best Summit Views
Best Hikes for Solitude
Best Kid-Friendly Hikes
Best Butt-Kickers
Best Hikes for Wildflower Season
Best Hikes Near Water
Best Hikes for Wheelchair Access
Let Menconi show you all the worthwhile hikes, from short, flat routes suitable for families to day-long, steep treks for more advanced hikers. Each hike profile contains practical information including point-by-point trail navigation, contact information, facilities, fees, parking instructions, and an easy-to-use map for each trail. From South Mountain Park with its many petroglyphs to the white granite rock formations of White Tank Mountain Regional Park, your trip begins with Moon Take a Hike Phoenix.
Synopsis
Grab your water bottle and explore more than 75 great hikes in and around Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun offers thousands of acres for hardcore hikers and first-timers alike to enjoy Arizona's amazing landscape. Inside Moon Take a Hike Phoenix you'll find: - Detailed Descriptions: Find the right hike for you with thoughtful and thorough descriptions of what to expect along each trail. Pick from a variety of hikes ranging from flat routes suitable for families to challenging rock scrambles. Escape the city for a few hours or take a day-long trek to ultimate solitude.
- Quick Reference: Compare difficulty ratings, distance, and elevation gain to pick which trail to tackle in an easy-to-scan chart. Icons identify hikes that are dog-friendly or wheelchair accessible-and highlights like historic sites, wildlife, and wildflowers
- Maps and Directions: Easy-to-use maps for each trail showing topography and elevation. Point-by-point navigation guides you along the right path and prepares you for changes in terrain. All hikes include GPS coordinates and detailed driving directions (including access via public transit when available) for each trailhead.
- Best-of Lists: Get ideas for where to start with hikes sorted by interest or difficulty, including "Best Near Water," "Best Summit Views," and "Best Kid-Friendly Hikes."
- Trusted Advice: Born and raised in Phoenix, author Lilia Menconi shares the experience and knowledge she's gained hiking in and around her hometown. Lilia also includes essential tips on desert safety and ways to beat the heat.
Whether you're a veteran or a first-time hiker, a lifelong resident or a brand new transplant, Moon Take a Hike Phoenix will have you ready to lace up your hiking boots and head out on your next adventure. Looking to explore beyond Phoenix? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip. Ready for an overnight outdoor adventure? Check out Moon Grand Canyon.
About the Author
Lilia Menconi is a Phoenix gal through and through. She was born and raised in Phoenix with the famous Camelback Mountain visible from her backyard and school playground. While she enjoyed the occasional day hike with her family during her childhood, she truly fell in love with the cityand#8217;s dusty trails as an adult.
Lilia is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in local publications, including Phoenix New Times, Arizona Republic, and Generation Health AZ, and on the blog The Broke-Ass Bride. She loves her day job as a communications coordinator and feels lucky to accept additional work as a freelance writer and blogger. She happily lives and works in Phoenix with her husband (who hiked almost every trail in this book with her) and two adorable cats.