One of the perks to taking your yearly vacation in Arizona is that you will be able to devote large chunks of your time to hiking and taking in a truly spectacular outdoors. Although the state has several wonderful hiking trails, there are four that every outdoors enthusiast should make use of.
Wet Beaver Loop
The Wet Beaver Loop is not a trail that should be hiked by a novice. The trail is a twenty-two mile loop so you should plan on taking a couple of days to complete it. That’s okay because there several places where you will enjoy camping. While you are hiking the Wet Beaver Loop you will not only be able to see waterfalls, but you will also see the Waldrop canyon. There is a portion of the trail that requires you to cross water, so make sure you have clothing that you can change into.
The Wet Beaver Loop is not for children.
Picacho Peek
The Picacho Peak is a hike that that will provide you with the opportunity to admire the Sonora desert. Although the trail is only a seven mile round trip, you need to be aware that much of it is extremely steep and that there are many switchbacks. There is an alternate trail that is easier, but it will add a few extra miles to the length of the hike.
When you are hiking Picacho Peak you need to make sure that you have the right equipment. Before you start you hike, you need to make sure that you have steel cables and you should have a pair of good quality gloves.
There are sections of the Picacho Peak hike that have a Class 3 classification. This hike should only be attempted if you are in good physical shape.
Kendrick Mountain
If Picacho Peak is more than you feel comfortable handling, you might want to consider the Kendrick Mountain hike. This particular hike is 9.2 miles round trip. When you reach the summit you will find a cabin and have an amazing view of Mount Humphreys, Red Mountain, and Sycamore Canyon. On a clear day you will even be able to see the Grand Canyon’s north Rim.
Paria Canyon
The Paria Canyon hike is wonderful, but it is not a spontaneous hike. The first thing you have to do is keep your eye on the weather. This particular trail is susceptible to flash floods so you won’t want to go if there is going to be a great deal of rainfall. You will also have to make sure that you get a permit that allows you to cross BLM land. This is also a multi-day hike so make sure you are prepared to do some camping. If you are going on the Paria Canyon hike, you will start your day in Utah and cross into Arizona.
Since this is not a round trip trail, there is a shuttle service that will return you to your car.
