Hiking in Phoenix-Scottsdale

One of the best ways to see the beauty of the Valley of the Sun is from above, so hikers of all calibers seek a vantage point in the mountains surrounding the flat Valley.

The city's Phoenix Mountain Preserve System (Phoenix Mountain Preservation Council, Box 26121, Phoenix, 85068. 602/262-6861. www.phoenixmountains.org) administers the mountainous regions that surround the city and has its own park rangers who can help plan your hikes. It also publishes a book, Day Hikes and Trail Rides in and around Phoenix. No matter the season, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and a camera to capture a dazzling sunset. When hiking in Arizona it's a good idea to tell someone where you'll be and when you plan to return.

The wonderful folks at AOA Adventures (480/945-2881. www.aoa-adventures.com) cater to hikers at different levels of expertise on their half-day, full-day, and multiple-day hikes. The guides are extrememly knowlegedgeable about local flora and fauna.

Camelback Mountain and Echo Canyon Recreation Area (Tatum Blvd. and McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley. 602/256-3220 Phoenix Parks & Recreation Dept.) has intermediate to difficult hikes up the Valley's most outstanding central landmark.

The Papago Peaks (Van Buren St. and Galvin Pkwy., Central Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 602/256-3220 Phoenix Parks & Recreation Dept. Eastern and Central District) were sacred sites for the Tohono O'odham. The soft-sandstone peaks contain accessible caves, some petroglyphs, and splendid views of much of the Valley. This is a good spot for family hikes.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail (2701 E. Piestewa, Peak Dr., Paradise Valley. 602/262-7901 North Mountain Preserves Ranger Station), just north of Lincoln Drive, ascends the landmark mountain at a steep 19% grade, but children can handle the 1¼-mi hike if adults take it slowly—allow about 1½ hours for each direction. No dogs are allowed on the trail.

Pinnacle Peak Trail (26802 N. 102nd Way, 1 mi south of Dynamite and Alma School Rds., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 480/312-0990) is a well-maintained trail offering a moderately challenging 3½-mi round-trip hike or horseback experience, for those who care to round up a horse at the local stables. Interpretive programs and trail signs along the way describe the geology, flora, fauna, and cultural history of the area.

South Mountain Park (10919 S. Central Ave., South Phoenix. 602/534-6324) is the jewel of the city's Mountain Park Preserves. Its mountains and arroyos contain more than 60 mi of marked and maintained trails—all open to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. It also has three car-accessible lookout points, with 65-mi sight lines. Rangers can help you plan hikes to view some of the 200 petroglyph sites.

Waterfall Trail (13025 N. White Tank Mountain Rd., Waddell. 623/935-2505) is a short and easy trail. Part of the 25 mi of trails available at the White Tanks Regional Park, it's kid-friendly, and strollers and wheelchairs roll along easily to Petroglyph Plaza, which boasts 1,500-year-old boulder-carvings—dozens are in clear view from the trail. From there the trail takes a rockier but manageable course to a waterfall, which, depending on area rainfall, can be cascading, creeping, or completely dry. Stop at the visitor center to view desert reptiles such as the king snake and a gopher snake in the aquariums.