We're entering prime season here in Arizona and everybody's venturing outdoors. Check out my short list of easy hikes, kayaking, and biking - and then add your own!
Double Butte Loop Trail Papago Park, Phoenix/Tempe A short hike of 2.2 miles, the Double Butte Loop Trail circles around the large red sandstone Papago Buttes visible from many points around metro Phoenix. The rocky dirt trail is generally wide and flat, making it a doable for the whole family (dogs included).
Blue Mesa Trail Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook (3 hours northeast of Phoenix) Blue Mesa Trail is a stunning 1-mile loop complete with petrified wood and petroglyphs that nest among white and blue colored bentonite clay badlands. It is partly paved and part gravel. It is a mostly flat loop that gets slightly steeper at the beginning and end.
Aspen Loop Trail Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Located at Arizona Snowbowl on the western side of the San Francisco Peaks. The 2.5-mile Aspen Loop Trail is an easy hike that's absolutely a must for photographers - abundant with aspen, spruce, pines and wildflowers. Views of volcanic fields, meadows, mountains abound and on very clear days you can see the Grand Canyon.
Kayaking, Paddle boarding, or Rafting
Tempe Town Lake, Tempe The super popular urban boater 2-mile-long Tempe Town Lake is perfect for anyone who needs a quick ride on the water fix. The Tempe Boat Rentals and Northshore WaterSport Rentals offer a selection of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) to choose from.
Lynx Lake Recreation Area Prescott National Forest, Prescott (2 hours north of Phoenix) A 55-acre reservoir, Lynx Lake is surrounded by Ponderosa pine and juniper trees, and mule deer, javelinas, and bald eagles have been spotted. It's a small lake, but perfect a relaxing, scenic getaway. The Lynx Lake Café, Store & Marina rents canoes, kayaks and SUPs, and the lake's boat ramp is wide and easy for launching.
Colorado River, Page, AZ Want a bit tamer experience riding the waves of the Colorado River? The 15-mile section from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry is a flatwater rafting experience that showcases spectacular scenery. The river's path winds past sandstone cliffs and famous sites such as Petroglyph Beach and Horseshoe Bend. Outfitters offer a variety of half-and full-day float trips on the Colorado River suitable for all ages and abilities.
Smooth cycling and novice mountain biking trails
Country Club Trail Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Pinetop-Lakeside (about 3 1/2 hours northeast of Phoenix) There are more than 200 miles of non-motorized paths in the White Mountains TRACKS Trail System, The Country Club Trail is a 3.5-mile Country Club Trail perfect for an easy ride. The loop trail is a well-marked single track, following an old railroad bed that passes through forests and alongside Whitcomb Meadow.
The Loop, Tucson, AZ It's full name is the Chuck Huckleberry Loop and it's system of 131 miles of mostly paved lanes connects Tucson to Marana, Oro Valley and South Tucson, as well as several city parks. Views include city streets, riverbeds, and even a farmer's market on the weekends. Motorized traffic isn't allowed, but bikers share the lanes with walkers, runners and inline skaters.
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, Scottsdale, AZ An 11 mile long trail of wide, concrete paths, this greenbelt system is a great family day ride through parks, around golf courses and alongside lakes. The route is mostly flat and very easy to traverse - including designated crossings to avoid major road traffic.
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