NEW TIMES 2023 BOWL GUIDE SPECIAL RETAIL SECTION Dec 21st–Dec 27th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES 29 Cave Creek Mountains. At the 1-mile marker, you’re sitting at an impressive 3,680 feet. About a half-mile later, you’ll reach the saddle for another set of outstanding views. Then there’s one more half-mile to the ridgeline and a proper view of Tom’s Thumb and its awe- inspiring proportions. Echo Canyon Trail Distance: 2.3 miles round trip Level of Difficulty: Difficult Average Time: 2 hours Camelback Mountain should be hiked at least once in your life. Whether you live here or are just visiting the Valley, this summit hike offers some of the most sought-after panoramic views of Phoenix. Located in the middle of the city, this 1,264- foot climb is an intense taste of wilderness tucked within suburban limits, one that is sure to take your breath away in more ways than one. Echo Canyon is one of two trails on Camelback, and throughout much of this hike you will endure sections of scram- bling and stair-stepping. If this makes you a little skittish, know that handrails have been put in place for assistance if needed. At just under a mile, a false summit comes into view. Now while this may seem like a nasty trick after the cardio you’ve been putting in, the true summit is mere steps from this, and you will soon be atop the highest peak in Phoenix. Take it in, catch your breath and enjoy the sights of metro Phoenix — from downtown and South Mountain to Four Peaks, the Superstition Mountains and Chase Field. This is an absolutely outstanding approach to seeing the entire city. Hieroglyphic Trail Distance: 3 miles Level of Difficulty: Easy Average Time: 1.5 hours The short Hieroglyphic Trail hike offers spectacular views of the magnificent Superstition Wilderness Area, as well as a prehistoric collection of Hohokam petro- glyphs. Located at the base of the Superstition Mountains, this hike is perfect for beginner hikers, families or anyone looking for a fun, easy hike. The trailhead is shared with the Lost Goldmine Trail, but make your way up a small hill and you will find two wooden signs marking where the trail forks. Stay left and continue toward the mountain. At around a half-mile, South Mountain, Camelback Mountain and Sombrero Butte will come into view. Continue another half-mile, and you will be entering Hieroglyphic Canyon; keep along this trail and within about five to 10 minutes, you will reach a large rocky area with several small pools of water and scores of Hohokam petroglyphs. You may be wondering why it isn’t called the Petroglyph Trail. It seems to be that a misunderstanding on behalf of early miners and settlers is to blame. Hohokams inhabited Central Arizona approximately 800 years ago, leaving behind large numbers of petroglyphs that early settlers mistook as Egyptian hieroglyphics. Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley Trail Distance: 3.9 miles Level of Difficulty: Moderate Average Time: 2 to 2.5 hours Located within the largest municipal park in the country, South Mountain’s Hidden Valley Trail lets you escape the city with exceptional rock formations and two natural rock tunnels bookending this half- mile trail. Tranquility is found within this stretch of the hike, as the city and its sounds disappear, leaving you with awe-inspiring rock formations and sandy, dry washes. Entering the hike at the Mormon Trailhead, the ascension Top: Hikers on Echo Canyon Trail. Left: Hieroglyphic Trail. (Photos by Ray Stern and sciman111/ Flickr/CC) Hit the Trail from p 27 >> p 30
