Hike #39: Main Trail, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Length: 2 miles

Just outside Superior in the shadows of the Picketpost Mountain, lies the beautiful Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. The Arboretum's Main Trail is a relatively easy 2-mile stretch with several optional side trails that can add another mile to the total loop.

Beginning at the Parks gift shop and visitor center, the start of the trail is by far the most developed. The first ¼-mile contains a butterfly/hummingbird garden, a children's exploration area, and greenhouse/education center. (I highly recommend adults takes some time to explore the children's area; the exhibits were both extremely fun and interesting!)

Immediately after these smaller exhibits is the much larger Cactus Garden. Spanning both sides of the trail, the Cactus Garden contains an extensive collection of cacti from both the Southwest and around the world. This area also includes numerous side trails that provide excellent opportunities to enjoy a little seclusion from the somewhat-crowded Main Trail. Eventually, however, the garden gives way to the man-made Ayers Lake, which provides an amazing desert oasis.

After the lake, the trail does become slightly more challenging (but by no means difficult) as it works its way down the cliffs to to the banks of Queen Creek. Following the small Queen Creek, the trail then passes between the steep canyon wall and the lush riparian shores of the creek. After a short distance, a picturesque wooden foot-bridge spans the creek, leading to the High Trail, which apparently leads back up the opposite cliff and provides an alternative path back to the visitor's center. (Unfortunately, this trail was flooded during my visit, so I was unable to explore this segment; however, since my guidebook didn't speak too highly of the High Trail, I was less than disappointed.)

The final ½-mile segment of the Main Trail provides yet another unique portion completely unlike the previous hike! Perhaps the most interesting feature is the Clevenger House, a late-19th century ranch home built directly against the cliffside. The small, vine-covered house, which is open for exploration, provides a fascinating glimpse into Pioneer life. After the Clevenger House, the trail loops back towards the park's entrance passing through a lush forest of palm and date trees; although not native to the Sonoran Desert, these trees look completely at home beside the fast-moving creek.

Finally, the trail ends with a brief excursion into an Australian Outback exhibit (I'm not really sure how the whole Australian theme fits with Southern Arizona, but I guess the climates are somewhat similar.) The main attraction for this exhibit is a sheep-shearing shed, which is perhaps designed to be too stereotypically Australian (heck, they have didgeridoo music playing in the shed!) Unfortunately, the Outback exhibit completes the loop and from here it's merely a short trip back to the visitor center/gift shop.

To view more photos of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, click here.

Hike #38: Rainbow/Toothaker Trails, Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Length: 4 miles

Located on the extreme western edge of the Phoenix Metro Area, the Estrella Mountain Regional Park offers a unique hiking experience in that it's conveniently located to the city yet still relatively secluded. The park is perhaps one of the most unique county parks in that it offers large stretches of grass for picnics, a rodeo arena, and several interconnected trails, which allows visitors to customize their hike to practically any length and ability level.

I chose to start with the popular Rainbow Trail, which starts at the rodeo arena and skirts its way along the western edge of the Estrella Mountains. The park map lists the first segment of the trail as being 2.2 miles; however, the rather steep incline of this segment makes it seem much, much longer! The first two miles is little more than a continuous climb from one peak to the next. Fortunately, there are some excellent views of the White Tank Mountains and the West Valley. Eventually, the trail reaches its summit then abruptly quickly descends back to the valley below. (Due to the steepness of the trail as it descends the southside of the mountain, I would highly recommend only following the Rainbow Trail in a counter-clockwise direction!)

After descending down the mountain, the trail continues through the sandy desert valley until intersecting with the Dysart Trail. From this intersection one can either continue deeper into the mountains on the Rainbow Trail or begin looping back towards the trailhead along the Dysart Trail. I chose the easier route of the Dysart Trail and continued through the flat desert valley for another half-mile to the Toothaker Trail.

The Toothtaker Trail is the final mile stretch that continues back to the trailhead. The trail merely continues through the desert lowland around the mountain originally climbed on the Rainbow Trail. The trail itself does provide an easy finish with plenty of desert vegetation and beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks to enjoy.

To view more pictures of the Rainbow/Toothaker Trails, click here.

Hike #37: Mule Deer/Coyote Trails, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Length: 2 miles

Since there's been an inexcusably long lapse since my last hike, I decided it was about time to return to the trails. While researching new trails, I came across the website for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. After reading the trail descriptions on the Preserve's website, I decided that the Quartz Trail would be the best offering for a return to the trails.

Unfortunately, after following the directions given on the website, I found myself in a large parking-lot in the heart of Scottsdale suburbia; however, since there was a large map of the Preserve and a trailhead, I decided to continue along.

Starting at the trailhead, I found myself following a wide sidewalk as wove its way behind various shops. Surprisingly, due to the lower elevation of the path and the surrounding vegetation, the trail was extremely quiet and actually felt somewhat remote. In fact, I found the under-street tunnels rather attractive (at least from the outside!)

As the sidewalk path continued, I was never able to come across the "Quartz Trail"; instead, I found myself along the Coyote Trail as it passed between backyards! Although it wasn't the ideal scenery, I was surprised at the abundance of wildlife; I saw more rabbits and quail on this path than any other trail.

To view more photos of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, click here.

Hike #36: Horton Creek Trail, Tonto National Forest

Length: 5 miles

Well, the thing I most feared finally happened...I got about 50 miles outside the Phoenix area when I suddenly realized that I hadn't brought my camera! Had I been by myself, I might have considered just turning around and forgetting the hike; however, since I was with a friend, I decided that it would probably be best just to continue onward. I did, however, decide to alter my hiking plans so that I repeated a previous hike rather than continue to a completely new trail without the ability to record my adventure photographically!

I had originally hoped to hike the Fossil Creek Trail just north of Payson near the town of Strawberry; instead, I chose to re-hike the Horton Creek Trail just 20 miles east of Payson. My last visit to Horton Creek was in the Fall, so the warmer Spring weather did provide a completely different perspective. The trail still provided the same dramatic views of the creek as is cascades down the mountain-side. However, on this trip, there was the added beauty from an abundance of wildflowers; I wish I could have identified more of them, but the only ones I could definitely identify were the numerous pink wild roses!

Although I did remember the fantastic views of Horton Creek, I somehow failed to remember the significant incline of the trail! The full length of this trail (to the spring) is approximately 8.5 miles roundtrip. Unfortunately, I decided against hiking the whole trail, instead choosing to turn around after 2.5 miles.

Hike #35: Soldier Pass Trail, Red Rock Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 4.5 miles

Popular with the local Jeep tours, the Soldier Pass Trail is a highly interesting trek with several delightful sights directly along the trail!

The trail begins to the right of the official Jeep path, working it's way through a quarter-mile of sparse forest. The trail then crosses the Jeep path at the first of the three sites along this trail. To the right of the trail is Devil's Kitchen, a 100-foot deep sinkhole (see picture below).

After Devil's Kitchen, the trail wraps its way between the Red Rock buttes for another mile until it arrives at the second site of interest - the Seven Sacred Pools. These deep puddles have slowly been carved from the soft slickrock and are generally filled with water. I've seen several beautiful pictures of these pools, with the sky and red cliffs reflected in their surfaces; unfortunately, during my visit, the pools where merely filled with a disgusting green water that was spawning numerous forms of life.

Continuing along, the trail again crosses the Jeep path and then descends into a dry creekbed. The trail then leaves the Jeep path and begins a rather steep climb into the surrounding cliffs. Eventually, the trail ends at Solder Pass Arch, a small natural arch with just inches between the arch and the adjacent cliff. In fact, the arch is much more cave-like than most of the arches one associates with arches of the Southwest! However, the arch does provide a welcome resting place that is both shaded and cool. After a well-deserved break, return along the same path or merely follow the established Jeep path back to the trailhead.

To view more photos of the Soldier Pass Trail, click here.

Hike #34: Boynton Canyon Trail, Red Rock Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 5 miles

Boynton Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Sedona area. The red rock surroundings and lush forest setting are considered by many to be the best Sedona has to offer. Adding to the popularity is the New Age belief that along this trail is a spiritual vortex believed to be a concentration of electromagnetic energy.

The first half of this trail passes through a box canyon with red rock buttes and cliffs towering on both sides. Although the cliffs are extremely picturesque, the view is slightly marred by the presence of a large resort adjacent to the trail.

After about one-mile, the trail descends deeper into the canyon, and a forest of pines, oaks, and sycamores obscure the red cliffs from view. The rest of the trail passes through a cool, shaded forest with numerous wildflowers and wildlife. Once you begin to think the trail is never going to end, the path begins a steep quarter-mile incline that ends at a wooden sign announcing the official end of the trail. Although the view from the end is somewhat impressive, one has to question whether it was really worth all that climbing!

Fortunately, the steep climb in makes for a quick descent back to the forest below. Now, it's merely a level return past the resort and back to the trailhead.

To view more photos of the Boynton Canyon Trail, click here.

Hike #33: Devil's Bridge Trail, Red Rock Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 2 miles

Although this short trail is just miles outside Sedona, due to the extremely rough condition of the dirt road leading to the trailhead, Devil's Bridge is relatively secluded by Sedona standards.

The trail wraps its way among some of the best Red Cliffs Sedona has to offer! Although this trail does provide magnificent views, the true highlight is the Devil's Bridge arch at the finale.

Standing at over 50 feet high, Devil's Bridge is the largest natural arch in the Sedona area. With a series of natural stone steps leading to the top, Devil's Bridge Arch is easily enjoyed from both above and below.

After a well-deserved break at the arch, merely retrace your steps and return to the trailhead along the same path.

To view more photos of the Devil's Bridge Trail, click here.