GoLite Hex 3 Nest Tent Phoenix AZ

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Usery Mountain Recreation Area
Length: Round Trip: 2.9 miles
Trail type: Loop
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: 1A
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Blevins Trail is a multi-use trail through the beautiful Sonoran desert. This trail was named after Bill Blevins, a local highwayman and colorful character. The Blevins Trail passes through a lush example of higher Sonora desert terrain and provides some of the best solitude in Usery Park. There are excellent views of the Superstition and Goldfield mountains. The Blevins Trail is accessed from the horse staging area. There is a small fee to enter Usery Mountain Recreation Area. Picnic areas and camping facilities are available.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: One-Way: 1 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7200 feet
Elevation Change: 100 feet
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate

Description: Ledges Trail offers forest visitors an easy hike to a scenic overlook of Mormon Lake and the volcanic hills surrounding it. The route leads past a group of rustic summer cabins and then begins a gradual climb to the top of a rocky outcrop that gives the trail its name. Along the way, it passes through open stands of ponderosa pines punctuated with a few juniper trees and Gambel oaks. Small trailside meadows provide a chance to observe some of the area’s resident elk and mule deer. The rock ledges at the overlook jut clear of the trees and provide an unobstructed view of the lake and the surrounding mountains and forests. Look closely here, it’s a good place to see a hawk or bald eagle gliding on the wind, hunting the brushy flats along the shore.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Tonto National Forest
Length: One-Way: 5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4080 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5600 feet
Elevation Change: 1520 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Light

Description: The higher part of the Boyer Trail runs through a Ponderosa pine forest dispersed with oak, sycamore and other deciduous trees, especially along the waterways. As it drops down in elevation the flora changes to brush and chaparral. The Sierra Ancha Wilderness can be accessed from this trail. Scenery includes views of Salome Canyon and Roosevelt Lake, prehistoric ruins and the Boyer Cabin. The Boyer Trail follows Boyer Creek, steadily climbing through chaparral and semi-desert grassland. It reaches the bluffs and then follows the bluffs above Salome Creek and eventually meets with Hell’s Hole Trail (#284). This may be overgrown and difficult to follow in some places. Hikers should be prepared for strenuous exercise at higher altitudes. The upper part of the trail is often closed by snow in the winter. Parts of the trail are steep and rocky and may be difficult in places for horses, but can be traversed with caution.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Phoenix
Length: One-Way: 10 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Desert Classic Trail is excellent for mountain biking, Hiking or trail running as it leads through the south side of South Mountain Park. The trail is fairly level with washes. Single track, some rocky areas, washes are sandy at bottom, fairly flat. Be sure to hydrate in late spring and summer.

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: South Mountain Park
Length: Round Trip: 2.4 miles
Elevation Change: 1000 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: 3B

Description: Although this is a short trail, there is plenty to explore off the many branches of the Mormon Trail, especially in Hidden Valley. A natural tunnel hidden in the rolling hills is filled with petroglyphs. Rock formations here have a far different appearance than the South Mountain face that makes up part of the cityscape. Limited parking is available at the 24th Street entrance.