<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:g="http://base.google.com/ns/1.0" xmlns:c="http://base.google.com/cns/1.0">
	<channel>
		<title><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[ArizonaHiking.org]]></description>
		<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/</link>
										<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=480:adero-canyon-th&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Adero Canyon TH-McDowell Mountain Preserve]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=480:adero-canyon-th&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hikes from the Adero Canyon Trailhead in the McDowell Mountain Preserve near Fountain Hills, Arizona.   From the parking area, follow the signs to the Promenade trail (left...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2021 00:07:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>480</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2021-02-19</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/df/f8/d8/P2180003-36-1613693660.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located Fountain Hills, AZ.

In the Phoenix area, take state HWY-87 towards Payson. Turn left onto Shea Blvd into Fountain Hills. From Shea Blvd, drive 3 miles and turn right onto Palisades Blvd. Take Palisades Blvd for 1 mile and turn left onto signed Eagle Ridge Drive. Take this paved road 2.2 miles through the neighborhood to the signed trailhead and parking. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[14800 N. Eagle Ridge Drive]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[fountain hills]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:country>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[USA]]></c:value>
                                          </c:country>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 6 miles for the loop.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took three hours to complete the loop. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The climb on the Western Loop section of the trail is a 500 ft elevation climb.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2021-02-18 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a popular weekend trailhead so parking may be a challenge. Expect to share this trail with 30 - 40 people.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6212571]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.7766919]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The best part about this hike is it&#039;s proximity to the Phoenix area. This trail is moderate in difficulty.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:skillsdetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Some route finding.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:skillsdetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Parking could be a challenge on weekends.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=525:agua-fria-river&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Agua Fria River (via Sunset Point)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=525:agua-fria-river&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								Hike to the Agua Fria river in the Agua Fria National Monument This hike was a wonderful surprise. We've passed by (and stopped at) the Sunset Point rest area for...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>525</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2026-01-23</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/d8/7d/bd/agua-fria-river-57-1769208926.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Cordes Junction, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the Sunset Point rest area exit (#252). Turn right at the the first intersection and drive a short way to a dirt parking area.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Cordes Lakes]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.0 miles round trip.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us two and a half hours with a 15 minute stop for lunch.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1000 ft descent into the canyon]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2026-01-23 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Even though the Sunset Point rest area gets thousands of visitors a day, none of them seem to know about this hike. We didn&#039;t see any other hikers on this trail.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[34.1921830]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.1307160]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This rough trail can be difficult to follow in spots, especially at the start, so use those route finding skills. This is a Moderate hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Route Finding, cattle, rough trail, a bit overgrown in places]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=81:alta-bajada-loop-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Alta-Bajada Loop (South Mountain)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=81:alta-bajada-loop-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike with the Alta and Bajada trails in South Mountain park in Phoenix, Arizona.   The first decision you need to make is which direction you would...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>81</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-11-29</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/56/5a/b3/_alta-bajada-loop1-1322540461.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. 

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take Central Avenue south into South Mountain park. Once you enter the park, stay on the main road, passing the stone buildings that mark the visitor center. Continue on the main road, following the signs for the San Juan lookout, for 2.5 miles (2.0 miles from the stone buildings) to the small trailhead parking on your left. Drive slowly on these roads and watch out for bikers, hikers, and runners on the road
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[South Mountain]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[8.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The length of the hike is 8.2 miles for the loop.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took about 3.5 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationloss>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1200]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationloss>                                    <c:elevationgain>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1200]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationgain>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 1200 ft total elevation gain. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[June]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[All Year. The best time to hike this loop is in the cooler months. Not recommended in the summer. If hiking in the summer, start this hike early in the morning because it can get really hot. March is nice for wildflower season]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not bad considering how popular South Mountain park is. On the Alta trail, expect to share the trail with 10 other hikers. On the Bajada-National section, we only saw one other hiker.        ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.3200000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.1300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Be Aware of: trail runners, limited trailhead parking

30 yr old Recommendation: The views of the area are great, both North towards the Phoenix city center and South of the park.  The loop described here is a Moderately difficult hike. 
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[No permits are needed.  Make sure to check the schedule so you don&#039;t expect to drive to the trail head on a &quot;Silent Sunday&quot; when only runners and cyclists are allowed in the park.  Although do enjoy one of the Silent Sunday&#039;s by bike sometime.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                                    <c:permitlink>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/index.html]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitlink>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=419:apache-wash-loop-hike-phoenix-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Apache Wash Loop hike (Phoenix Sonoran Preserve)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=419:apache-wash-loop-hike-phoenix-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike using the Apache Wash trail in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve in Arizona.   The cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale should be applauded for making a sincere...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jan 2014 20:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>419</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2014-01-18</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/05/30/e7/419_p1180018-1390077665.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in Phoenix, AZ.

From the Phoenix Area, take I-17 North to the Dove Valley Road Exit. After some driving along this road, Dove Valley road becomes Sonoran Desert drive. The signed Apache Wash trailhead is on your left. Turn left and drive a short distance into the parking area. There are restrooms here, but no water. 

Alternate route from the Phoenix area, take US-101 North to the Cave Creek Exit. Head right (North) onto Cave Creek Road. Turn left onto Sonoran Desert drive. The signed Apache Wash trailhead is on your right. Turn right at the sign and drive a short distance to the parking area. There are restrooms here, but no water.   ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1600 E. Sonoran Desert Drive]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.6000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.6 miles for the loop hike described.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about two hours and 15 minutes to hike the loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[650]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 650 ft gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2014-01-18 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a popular place on weekends. Expect to meet 20-40 other hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Well marked and easy to follow. This is an easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Mountain bikers and horseback riders. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=522:arnett-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Arnett Canyon]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=522:arnett-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike through Arnett Canyon near Superior, Arizona   The city of Superior has been working on a trail system they call LOST (Legends of Superior Trails). There are...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jan 2025 21:37:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>522</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2025-01-04</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/9d/29/ee/20250104-094556-48-1736026771.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Superior, AZ.

To get to the Trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East toward the town of Superior. Turn right at Airport road. After about 0.3 miles on this well graded dirt road, turn right at the small brown Arizona trail sign on your right. This dirt road now requires a high clearance vehicle. Take this rough road 0.8 miles to the parking area next to the small TR221 sign.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[superior]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6.4 miles for the out and back described.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 2.5 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 300 ft of up and down climbing during this hike length]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[September]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2025-01-04 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Surprisingly popular for how remote this trail is. We saw perhaps 10 other hikers (and plenty of horseback riders). ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.2765835]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.1374807]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This was a moderate difficulty hike primarily due to the route finding at the beginning.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Equestrians are quite fond of this trail so you&#039;ll probably share it with them, route finding at the beginning.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=186:bell-pass&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Bell Pass]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=186:bell-pass&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to bell pass near Scottsdale, Arizona.   This hike is located in the McDowell Mountain preserve area and features an easy to follow trail with clearly signed...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>186</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/2f/6d/19/186_bellpass5-1327369378.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Scottsdale, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take state HWY-101 North to the Bell Road exit. Take Bell Road East (right) and take Bell Road until you reach 104th street. The parking area is on the right (North) side. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[scottsdale]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[7.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[7 miles for the total out and back to Bell Pass]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 3 hours with a 10 minute break at the pass.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1300 ft gain]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2008-01-04 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Average. We shared this trail with between 10 and 20 other hikers.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Nice views and convenient access from the Phoenix area. This is a Moderate difficulty hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Limited Parking]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=166:ben-avery-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Ben Avery Trail]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=166:ben-avery-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Ben Avery trail near Phoenix, Arizona.   There is some peaceful and pristine desert west of the Phoenix area. The Eagletail Mountain wilderness area contains plenty...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>166</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-25</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/47/14/35/166_courthouse-1327369822.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Buckeye, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take I-10 West towards Quartzite, AZ. About 68 miles from Phoenix, exit the I-10 at the Harquahala Valley Rd exit (exit #81, also signed as Salome Rd.) and make a left (South). Stay on the Harquahala Valley road by making a quick right turn after crossing the overpass. Drive 5.5 miles south to the intersection of Harquahala Valley Road and Courthouse Rock Road (also Centennial road). Turn right onto Centennial road, which is good graded dirt. Follow this road for about 7 miles until the road splits at a natural gas pipeline road. There is an information sign for the Eagletail mountains wilderness area here to mark this split. Bear right here and take the natural gas pipeline road another 4.0 miles to well signed FR013 and make a left on to this road. Drive the final 1.5 miles to the trailhead. Because the road is crowned here and crosses desert washes in places, a high clearance vehicle is a good idea.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[buckeye]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[7.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is 7.0 miles round trip to Indian Spring and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 3.0 hours hiking to complete this hike, with a 15 minute stop for a snack. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[200]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 200 ft elevation gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a good hike to do when the weather is cold or cloudy. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-25 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Very good. We only saw one other hiker all day.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.4700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-113.3600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy walking through the desert. It was tricky trying to find the spring. The out and back described here is an Easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Route Finding]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=478:beverly-canyon-loop-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Beverly Canyon Trailhead Loop (South Mountain)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=478:beverly-canyon-loop-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike with the Javelina and Ridgeline trails from the Beverly Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain park in Phoenix, Arizona.   There are a couple ways to access...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>478</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2019-11-20</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/28/89/95/PB090026-10-1574240017.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take the I-10 freeway to the Baseline Road exit. Take this exit West for about 1 mile and make a left onto 46th street. Follow this paved road 0.3 miles to the signed Beverly Canyon trailhead and parking area.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike distance is 3.4 miles for the loop hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took about 1.5 hours. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 400 ft elevation gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wild Flowers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:ratingdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March is also nice for wildflower season.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:ratingdetails>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2019-11-10 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[South Mountain is a popular place, so don&#039;t expect much solitude on this hike. Expect to see from 30-50 other hikers.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.3742800]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.9855738]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The views of the area are great... too bad you have to share them with so many other people.  The loop described here is an easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Mountain bikers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=354:black-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Black Mountain]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=354:black-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Black mountain trail near Phoenix, Arizona.   Black mountain stands as a 4000 ft high peak overlooking the town of Cave Creek in the North Phoenix...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>354</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2012-04-01</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/51/63/52/354_p4010015-1333315429.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Cave Creek, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix/Mesa area, take I-17 North to the Carefree Hwy exit. Take the Carefree Highway East  about 8.5 miles to Cave Creek Road. Turn left onto Cave Creek Road and drive to the four way intersection with Schoolhouse Road (four way stop sign). Turn south on Schoolhouse Road, drive for a few hundred yards, and look for a legal place to park. There is some parking on the North side of Military street or the West side of Schoolhouse Road. Do not park further south from this point, as this is a no parking area and we don&#039;t want to make the local land owners unhappy so we can continue to enjoy access to this hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[cave creek]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The out and back described is 2.5 miles]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.7500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us an hour and 45 minutes.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1100]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1100 ft to the top of Black Mountain (3398 ft)]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2012-04-01 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a pretty popular hike. Expect to share the trail with 25-40 other people.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.9400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Although not long, the climb to the top of Black Mountain is pretty steep... your heart will definitely be pumping. This is a moderate difficulty hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Parking is a bit chaotic, minor route finding.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=437:brown-s-mountain-scottsdale-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Brown's Mountain (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=437:brown-s-mountain-scottsdale-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike around Brown's Mountain in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve near Phoenix, Arizona   The most recent addition to the McDowell Mountain preserve is the area around Cholla mountain,...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2014 20:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>437</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2014-11-22</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/02/fc/c7/437_pb220009-1416687018.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Scottsdale, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take state HWY-101 North to the Pima Road exit. Drive north on Pima road and after six miles, turn right onto Dynamite road. Go east on Dynamite Road and after 3 miles turn left onto signed Alma School Parkway. After 1.5 miles of driving on this road, you&#039;ll reach the well signed Brown&#039;s Ranch trailhead. There are water and restrooms at this facility.
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Scottsdale]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2 miles for the round trip]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us just under 2 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 500 ft gain to the top of Brown&#039;s Mountain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2014-11-22 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[With the birth of the McDowell Mountain Sonoran preserve, this area is very popular. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Nice views and convenient access from the Phoenix area. This is an easy hike. If you take the short 0.2 mile spur to the top of Brown&#039;s Mountain, add another level of difficulty to Moderate. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Routefinding.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=409:bulls-eye-trail-loop-round-mountain-park&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Bulls Eye trail loop (Round Mountain Park)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=409:bulls-eye-trail-loop-round-mountain-park&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 An easy loop hike using the Bulls Eye trail in Round Mountain park in Globe, Arizona.   If you're in the Globe area and looking for a nice,...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 28 Sep 2013 20:46:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>409</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-09-28</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/7c/6f/61/409_p9280021-1380401308.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Globe, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take US-60 East toward Globe. Once in Globe, turn left on signed South Street. This turnoff is less than 0.5 miles before the intersection of HWY-70, HWY-77, and US-60. Take South street 0.5 miles (it turns into a well graded dirt road) to the parking area and Round Mountain park visitor center. There are restrooms here but no water.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[globe]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The loop hike described is a 2.5 mile total hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us an hour of hiking to finish this loop. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[450]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[You gain about 450 ft.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[September]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-09-28 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Excellent. On a lovely Fall day we only shared this hike with two other people. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-110.7700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy stroll through a gentle desert setting. Did I mentioned this was an Easy hike?]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Watch for abandoned mine entrances. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=503:bursera-peak-loop-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Bursera Peak Loop (South Mountain)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=503:bursera-peak-loop-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Bursera Peak Loop trail in South Mountain park in Phoenix, Arizona.   The far west end of South Mountain hosts a relatively uncrowded trailhead called the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:05:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>503</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2022-01-27</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/3c/e6/52/P1270003-59-1643317623.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 south to the HWY-202 Loop West. From the HWY-202, take the 17th Ave exit and head north to Chandler Blvd. Turn left on Chandler Boulevard and after you pass 19th Avenue, park at the obvious trailhead on the right.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[10500 S. 19th Avenue]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.3000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike is a 3.3 mile loop hike]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took about 2 hours. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 600 ft elevation gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2012-10-13 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not too bad for an easily accessed South Mountain hike. Expect to share the trail with 15 other people or so.      ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.3029862]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.1030545]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike to some nice views. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[route finding, mountain bikers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=448:camelback-mountain-cholla-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Camelback Mountain (Cholla Trail)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=448:camelback-mountain-cholla-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Camelback mountain using the Cholla trail in Phoenix, Arizona   Camelback mountain is a popular hike, for good reason. The views from the top are spectacular...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2015 21:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>448</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2015-05-09</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/af/7b/76/448_p5090033-1431206890.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in Phoenix, AZ. 

From Camelback Road, turn North on Invergordon Rd. Park along Invergordon Road on the west side. The signed trailhead is between Cholla lane and Chaparral Rd on the west side of Invergordon Road. There is no parking at the trailhead, but there are restrooms and water. 
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Camelback Mountain]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Paradise Valley]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[AZ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:country>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[USA]]></c:value>
                                          </c:country>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.5 miles round trip
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us two hours with a 15 minute stop at the top for lunch.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationgain>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationgain>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Elevation change: about 1400 ft climb.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[June]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[September]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[all year (recommend hiking early AM in the summer months) 
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2015-05-09 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a very popular urban hike. Expect to meet 40-100 people on this hike during a weekend. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.5112358]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.9433773]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Be Aware of: Scrambling.
30 yr old Recommendation: Quick climb with some good city views at the top. This is a Moderate hike. There is some fun and slightly challenging scrambling near the top.  
 ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[No permits needed.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Parking can be challenging, as this is a popular hike. Some scrambling is required. Frequently crowded. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=78:camelback-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trail)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=78:camelback-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Camelback mountain via the Echo Canyon trail in Phoenix, Arizona.   Parking has always been a bit of a challenge at the Echo Canyon trailhead. Try...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>78</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-11-27</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/de/2f/b4/_camelback-1322364897.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in Phoenix, AZ. 

The hike begins in Echo Canyon park, which is located off of McDonald Road, east of Tatum Drive. The signs point out Echo Canyon park the South side of McDonald Road. Spaces are limited at the parking lot so get there early. There are restrooms and water at this trailhead.
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Camelback Mountain]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Paradise Valley]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[AZ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:country>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[USA]]></c:value>
                                          </c:country>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.3000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.3 miles round trip. 
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us two hours with a 30 minute stop at the top for lunch.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationloss>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationloss>                                    <c:elevationgain>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationgain>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Elevation change: about 1300 ft climb.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[June]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[September]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[all year (recommend hiking early AM in the summer months) 
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2002-01-01 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a very popular urban hike. Expect to meet 40-100 people on this hike during a weekend. Get there early, or you may not get a parking space at the trailhead.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.5200000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.9700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Be Aware of: Scrambling.
30 yr old Recommendation: Quick climb with some good city views at the top. This is a Moderate hike. The climb will get your heart going, but it&#039;s over much too quickly. The hike is kind of short. 
 ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[No permits needed.  Beware the parking at the trial head is at a premium.  That is another reason to get there early.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=475:camp-creek-falls&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Camp Creek Falls]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=475:camp-creek-falls&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to a seasonal waterfall on Camp Creek near Phoenix, Arizona.   Waterfalls are rare enough in Arizona that they are worth seeking out when they appear. Camp...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 24 Feb 2019 12:32:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>475</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2019-02-24</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/08/4e/d5/P2060011-90-1551011624.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Carefree, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix/Mesa area, take HWY-101 North to the Pima Road exit. Take Pima road North to Cave Creek Road. Turn East (Right) on Cave Creek Road. Continue 6.5 miles from the intersection on Cave Creek Road to an unsigned parking area on your right.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[cave creek]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.6000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The out and back hike described is 2.6 miles round trip. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 2.0 hours of hiking, with a short break to enjoy the waterfall.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 400 ft of elevation change.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is best to take just after a rain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2019-02-08 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Good. Seems not to many folks know about this hike. We did run into some horseback riders, but no other hikers. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8770000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8170500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Although the distance is short and the walking is easy, the route finding is a bit tricky and depending on the water level, there could be some scrambling and/or creek crossing. This hike is a Moderate difficulty hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Route finding. Depending on water level, you may need to cross a running creek.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=163:cave-creek&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Cave Creek Loop hike (Cave creek trail and Skunk Tank trail)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=163:cave-creek&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Cave Creek Loop made up by Cave Creek trail and Skunk Tank trail near Phoenix, Arizona.   The hike starts at the Cave Creek Trailhead parking...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>163</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/2e/80/b0/163_p4020007-1364952768.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Carefree, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix/Mesa area, take HWY-101 North to the Pima Road exit. Take Pima road North to Cave Creek Road. Turn East (Right) on Cave Creek Road. Soon, there will be a Tonto National Forest sign on the right (This is about 6 miles from Carefree). From this point, this road becomes FR 24. Continue 12.2 miles from the Tonto National Forest sign to the Cave Creek Trailhead parking area (next to the campground).  FR 24 is graded dirt and passable to all vehicles, although you might want to leave that new Mercedes in your garage. As of April, 2013, this area requires a Tonto pass, which costs $6 and is available throughout the Phoenix area.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[cave creek]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[10.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The loop hike described is 10.2 miles round trip.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 4.5 hours of hiking, with a short break for snacks.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1600 ft total gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Lollypop Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wild Flowers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is especially nice in the spring, when the wildflowers are blooming, or the fall when the leaves are changing color.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-02 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Pretty good, especially considering the close proximity to the Phoenix area. Solitude is better on the Skunk Tank Trail return leg. Expect to see 10-25 other hikers during the course of the day.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.9700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Walking along water in the central deserts of Arizona is always a treat. The climb halfway through the hike to views of the area were an added bonus. This hike is rated Moderate. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[$6 Tonto pass required to park (as of April 2013)]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Fee for parking, some creek crossings.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=161:cibecue-creek&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Cibecue Creek]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=161:cibecue-creek&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Cibecue Creek in Arizona.   To go any further than the first water fall on this hike (and believe me, you will want to), you will...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>161</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/ca/1f/08/161_cibicue-1327370481.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in the Salt River Canyon near Globe, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take HWY 60 East towards G;lobe, AZ. Continue on HWY 60 about 40 miles to the salt river canyon. Turn downstream at the river and go another 7 miles to Cibecue creek.   ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[globe]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 6.0 miles round trip]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This was an all day adventure for us]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[200]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 200 ft.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[June]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[September]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2000-01-07 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not many people on this hike, but since you need a guide, there will be about 20 people in your party. Expect to meet 20-30 people on this hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-110.5600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Lots of fun swimming and scrambling. This is a Moderate hike. You will get wet! The rappelling is a blast too.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Call (928) 338-4385 for reservations and information. There is a link below to get a hiking permit (if you only want to hike to the first waterfall) online.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                                    <c:permitlink>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[http://www.wmatoutdoors.org/buy_permits_]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitlink>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Scrambling, swimming, rappelling, rock climbing, flash flood danger, guide required.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=516:cline-creek-site&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Cline Creek Site (New River)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=516:cline-creek-site&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the Cline Creek Site (ruins) near Anthem, Arizona.   There are some surprisingly remote Hohokam ruins in the New River area that are well worth exploring....				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 29 Apr 2023 21:42:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>516</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2023-04-29</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/a9/c6/de/P4290017-61-1682804636.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near New River, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the Carefree Highway exit. Turn right onto Carefree Highway and drive about 6.2 miles to the intersection with 7th street. Turn left (North) here and follow this road for 3.2 miles. Turn right onto signed Circle Mountain Road (East) and drive for about 1 mile. Turn left onto signed 12th street (North) and drive the final mile to the junction with Jenny Lin Road. There is a gate here and parking for a few cars on the right. Trail access is within a neighborhood, so please minimize your impact by being respectful to private property and parking appropriately. Please obey all no parking signs in the area. Your positive actions will go a long way in making sure hikers have access to this area. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[anthem]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2 miles for the out and back hike described. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about 2.5 hours to complete this hike]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[750]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 750 ft gain]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2023-04-29 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Really secluded hike. On a Saturday we had this hike all to ourselves.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.9005900]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0564500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Although the hike is mostly flat along a jeep road, the peak requires some scrambling and the hike itself requires some route finding. This hike is Moderately difficult.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[route finding, ATVs, scrambling]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=307:coon-creek-ruins&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Coon Creek Ruins]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=307:coon-creek-ruins&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hiking to Coon Creek ruins in Arizona.   The ruins that are the destination for this hike were built and occupied by the Salado Native Americans between 1280...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>307</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/ca/c9/d4/307_coon-creek4-1327367322.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Roosevelt, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take US-60 East towards Globe. Just after Miami and before globe, take HWY-88 (or 188 depending on the sign) left towards Roosevelt. Make a right onto well signed HWY 288. About 2 miles after crossing the Salt River, turn right onto Cherry Creek Road (signed as FR203), a well graded dirt road. You will continue to follow this road for 7.75 miles. On your left is signed FR38. Park nearby and start hiking here.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[roosevelt]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[8.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is 8.0 miles round trip to the ruins and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 4 hours hiking to complete this hike, with a 30 minute stop for lunch and ruin exploration. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 500 ft elevation gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Fall/Spring is best]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2010-01-04 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[We had excellent solitude. However, these roads are OK for ATVs so you may not get the same solitude. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6800000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-110.8600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It&#039;s no fun to share the ruins with the ATV folks, but the ruins are still worth the walk. The out and back described here is a Moderate hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Bushwhacking. Route finding. ATVs.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=168:cooper-forks-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Cooper Forks Canyon]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=168:cooper-forks-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the Cooper Forks canyon ruins in Arizona.   GPS coordinates of waypoints:         Start of Hike at abandoned mine...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>168</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/22/83/ea/168_cooperfork1-1327371201.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Roosevelt, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take US-60 East towards Globe. Just after Miami and before globe, take HWY-188 left towards Roosevelt lake. Make a right onto well signed HWY 288. About two miles after crossing the Salt River, turn right onto Cherry Creek Road (signed as FR203), a well graded dirt road. You will continue to follow this road for 23.8 miles. Some waypoints follow (remembering to stay on FR203 the whole time):

After 8.8 miles, a sign for Coon Creek FR203 takes you across the creek and onto private property. Please respect this property so we can continue to have access to this area.

After 13.3 miles, a sign marks the road for Bull Canyon.

After 20.5 miles, you pass the Ellison Ranch. After this point, the road becomes 4WD mandatory. You need to cross Cherry creek here and depending on the season this could require a pretty good high clearance on your vehicle.

After 21 miles, you will see a sign that explains the &quot;Sierra Ancha Cliff Dwellings&quot; in this area.

After 22 miles you will pass the hiking start for Devils Chasm.

After 23.8 miles you will pass over a partially buried steel drainage pipe. Find a place to park, as the trailhead start is within 100 ft of this pipe.

Please do not underestimate this road. Getting stuck out here would be a lonely experience.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[roosevelt]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is about 5.0 miles to the ruins and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.7500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 4.75 hours hiking to complete this hike, with a 15 minute stop to check out the ruins. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 1400 ft elevation gain total.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2007-01-12 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Excellent. The tough road and challenging hiking means you will likely have this hike all to yourself... just like we did. The remote feeling of this hike may allow you to see some wildlife. On our hike, we saw several deer, rabbits, and a skunk!]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-110.8700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Difficult]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The ruins here are in excellent shape, but the approach to them requires some tricky route finding. The out and back described here is a Difficult hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4wd and high clearance vehicle required. Scrambling with exposure. Route finding. Bushwhacking]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						</channel>
</rss>