panecott

I'm planning to do some hiking - leisurely and not too strenuous - on my upcoming trip to Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Scottsdale.

Are hiking boots recommended or can I get away with good walking shoes? I have the boots but prefer not to schlep them if they're not necessary. TIA

vjpblovesitaly

I have LL Bean light hikers that I really like. I bought them for a trip to Sedona, actually, but now I wear them as regular walking shoes in the winter

joeyi

i've always just gone in my walking shoes and been fine.

MikePinTucson

Unless you are going to be doing rocky trails, good walking shoes will be more than enough. Even hiking part way down one of the trails at the GC (Bright Angel Or South Kaibab), the walking shoes will be good enough.

J62

I have a pair of Merrill hiking shoes that I really like. I also use them as regular walking shoes in the winter. They don't provide any ankle support like a higher boot would, but I don't find that necessary for any of the hiking I do either at home, or out west in places like Sedona or GC.

Comfortable fit, lightweight, and good arch support matter most to me, and I found I had to shop around to find a good match.

You will see people in flip flops - even a few miles down the Bright Angel trail at GCNP.

panecott

Thanks for the replies. This is great -- looks like walking shoes will be fine.

Connie

Just be sure they are not slick on the bottom. You will feel more confident with some traction. Some of the soil is like talcum and can be slick.

SAnParis2

Of course, should you run into any varmits, you may wish you had the boots...

MikePinTucson

Well, I have lived, and hiked, in Arizona for almost 44 years. And have never run into a varmint that would have required hiking boots.

Of course, I also watch closely where I am stepping, particularly during times when snakes might be out.

panecott

Well, MikeP, the first part of your post made me feel a lot better after reading SAnParis' warning, but the second part --not so much!

So--- when are the times when snakes might be out? And what kind of snakes are we talking about??

MikePinTucson

The only snakes to worry about are the rattlesnakes. During the Spring months, snakes come out frequently during the day, once it has warmed up. I hot months, they usually stay hidden and don't come up until after dark. It is not unusual for them to warm themselves on the roads after dark, when the roads are giving off warmth. Here is an excerpt from Rattlesnake FAQs, from alongtheway.com

" Generally, rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation in March or April, or when the average daytime temperatures reach and remain about 60F and higher. The snakes are then most active when the temperatures are between 80-90F. This means that the snakes may be active most of the day during the spring, and during the early mornings and late afternoons throughout the summer. Exposure to temperatures above 110F for more than a few minutes is enough to kill a rattlesnake; therefore, during the hottest part of summer, snakes are seldom observed, except occasionally at night. Snake activity picks up again as temperatures begin to fall in late summer and early autumn before they go into hibernation as early as September or as late as December".

There are 13 species of rattlesnakes in Arizona:

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/arizona-rat...es.shtml#facts

I have lived on the very outskirts of Tucson for the past 12 years, on 3+ acres of desert. During that time, I have only seen rattlesnakes a few times near the house. Mostly see gopher snakes and other non-venomous snakes.

Just make sure you stay on paths and watch the trail ahead and you shouldn't have any problems.

SAnParis2

Mike is correct. Of course I am headed out that way in a few days, & will wear my boots. Didn't mean to scare anyone, but you do need to pay attention, particularly when trekking through an unfamiliar environment.

panecott

Oh my! I am leaving for AZ on April 17 so it looks as tho' the rattlers may be out in full force to greet me! OY.
I'm a city girl and can tolerate the rats on the subway tracks but don't think I'll be too happy if I run into a rattlesnake! Anyway, you've convinced me to wear the boots.

So, what does one do if confronted with a rattlesnake? I'll be on my own.

DebitNM

I like boots when doing any kind of "hiking" to help avoid ankle injuries [ twists, sprains etc] which can happen when walking on "trails" with loose rocks, gravel, dirt etc. I would hate to sprain or twist my ankle when walking. The traction is better too than regular walking shoes.

I always opt for boots, no matter how mild the terrain. Better safe than sorry.

I also use hiking poles for added stability and it makes going up and down trails easier. Don't need anything fancy.

{Snakes like to warm themselves on rocks, especially this time of year, here in SW}.

panecott

>>> {Snakes like to warm themselves on rocks, especially this time of year, here in SW}.>>>

Well, so much for taking a rest and sitting on a rock!!

Is there any way to avoid the snakes, e.g., like in bear country they tell you to make human noises or wear bells, which frightens the bears away. I need a crash course in "Rattlesnakes for Dummies". Help!!!

MikePinTucson

This will answer most of your questions:

http://www.alongtheway.org/rattlesnakes/faq.html

As I mentioned, though, I have yet, in 44 years, to have a close encounter with a rattler. By "close", I mean coming right up on one unexpectedly. whenever I have seen one, it has been a ways up ahead of me.

MikePinTucson

And here is info on "rattlesnake basics"

http://www.alongtheway.org/rattlesnakes/basics.html

panecott

Thanks for the link.

But what if I see one up ahead on the trail? Is it likely to linger there or just move on eventually?
Should I wait for it to move or should I just turn back and go on a jeep tour!!???

panecott

And if you suddenly see one up close, should you stand still until it moves?

SAnParis2

Mike has had better luck than me. I have never seen a rattler in the wild & spend lots of times outdoors. I have seen plenty of copperheads, as well as other types of snakes, but no rattlers. My biggest problem would be keeping my kids from trying to pick one up, before I can identify it. lol Take a wide berth, they don't want anything to do w/you, anymore than you do w/them.