We are off to Mesa, AZ for a week to visit our first grandchild! We are very excited. I will be spending the bulk of the time with family but am looking to do a day hike within an hour of Phoenix.

In the last 3 years I have done Camelback 4 times and have scrambled around some larger parks near Scottsdale / Mesa. Earlier this year we hiked around South Mountain (Lost Canyon / Fat Man's Pass??) and liked it a lot though there we had a lot of company for a Thursday. I am looking for a different hike, possibly other parts of South Mountain. Specific recommendations for the Superstitions? Other 4 - 6 hour hikes?

Also, any favorite gear shops that can be recommended (not REI)?

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

www.hikearizona.com click on the "regions" map on the homepage. i suggest a summit of Brown's Peak in the Mazatzals, specifically "four peaks".

az hiking shack, cave creek rd. south of thunderbird. good staff, good gear.

Mike,

Thx for the Hike Arizona recommendation. Insane site, huge postings!

Brown's Peak looks like a great day hike, spectacular views. Much about the scree chute and a recent death there, so it gets respect. I have no technical climbing skills but from the photos on one site (Justin) it looks steep, hand over hand, but no ropes. I would expect 3 hours up, about the same down. Sound right?

We rented quads out to cave creek 2 years ago. Only place we could find that let you go "free-range". Had a great time, beautiful area. If time allows I'll check out the store there too.

PW

yes, there was a recent death on Four Peaks, but i do not know the details of whether it was exhaustion, or a fall or..

the "scree" chute is easier than it looks from the bottom. better you pay attention to your footing, but there are no real hazards outside of a short, class 5 climb near the top. ive done it in 3' of snow.. ;)

if you get a chance, and the weather co-operates, you should definately climb up the Battleship mountain in the Superstitions. from the Boulder Canyon t/h you afford great views, great hike. and then stop in AJ at the Tres Banderas restaraunt for a taste of some of the 105 tequilas and some true, gritty sonoran grub.

Edited by mikeinfhaz on 05/10/2010 20:10:50 MDT.

Once again Mike, thanks for the info. I will take one of the hikes you suggested and come back with pics. Just the kind of info I was looking for.

Tequila - good. I keep Cazadores in my home cabinet. If you have suggestions, especially of regional / local concoctions, I might find my way to a little nip.

you may like El Tesoro Blanco, Casa Noble Reposado, or our local treasure, "Cruz (del sol)" http://cruztequila.com/
cazadores is a nice one to keep around. also try corazon, herencia, and trago