<?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=159:piestewa-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Piestewa Peak]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=159:piestewa-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the top of Piestewa peak in Phoenix, Arizona.   This trail is well marked and right in the middle of the Phoenix area. These two facts...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>159</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/62/86/b7/159_squawpeak4-1327457816.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located Phoenix, AZ.

In the Phoenix area, take state HWY-51 North to the Glendale Avenue exit. Turn right after taking the exit to get on Lincoln Dr. After about 0.5 miles, turn left on Piestewa Peak Drive. Follow this road through the residential area to Piestewa Peak Park.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Piestewa peak park]]></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[2.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.4 miles to the summit and back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 1.5 hours with a 15 minute stop at the top.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1200]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1200 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:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[hike early in the day during the summer]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2010-01-10 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is not the hike for those seeking solitude. This area is extremely popular during weekends and holidays. Expect to meet 300 other hikers. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.5394634]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0233045]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It&#039;s not a difficult climb, but it is steep. As a consolation, the views are good. The problem with this hike is you have to share it with several hundred other people. This is a moderate difficulty hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[crowds]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=117:pinnacle-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Pinnacle Peak]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=117:pinnacle-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike along Pinnacle peak in Scottsdale, Arizona.   This trail has a storied history. Back in the 1989, hikers and rock climbers had access to this peak for...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>117</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/bf/22/44/117_pinnacle-pic-1327458288.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in Scottsdale, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take US-101 North to the Pima Road Exit. Continue North on Pima until you reach Happy Valley Road. Make a right turn (East) onto Happy Valley Road and go about 1.5 miles to Alma School Road. Turn left (North) onto Alma School Road and follow for about 0.7 miles. Turn left on Pinnacle Peak and travel another 0.25 miles to the trailhead and parking. Parking can get crowded on weekends.   ]]></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[3.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.4 miles to the end of the trail and back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about an hour and 15 minutes to the end of the trail and back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 400 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:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-22 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is not the hike for those seeking solitude. This area is extremely popular during weekends and holidays. Expect to meet 50-100 other hikers.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Just a little climbing here and the views are good. This is an easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Crowds]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=174:pipeline-canyon-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Pipeline Canyon Trail]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=174:pipeline-canyon-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Pipeline trail near Lake Pleasant, Arizona.   From the South trailhead, take the well marked trail North from the parking area. After a rain, the wildflowers...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>174</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-08</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/09/ca/35/174_pipe1-1327458553.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ.

To get to the South trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the Carefree highway exit (HWY-74). Turn West (left) and go about 11.5 miles. Turn into the park by Castle Hot springs road and drive 2.2 miles. Turn right here onto the Lake Pleasant Access road. After about 3 miles, this road dead ends at the trailhead. This is a fee area and as of April, 2013, this fee was $6 per car. There is a restroom here.

To get to the North trailhead: Continue driving on Castle Hot Springs road past the Lake Pleasant Access road to Castle Creek Drive. Turn right onto Castle Creek Drive, then drive to Cottonwood lane. Turn right again and drive to the end of the road for the trailhead and parking. There is a restroom here.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[carefree]]></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[4.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is 4.0 miles to the North trailhead and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took about two hours with lots of time for pictures.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[0]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[no elevation to speak of ]]></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: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[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain to see the wildflowers. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-08 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[You won&#039;t too much solitude on this hike. Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8800000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.3000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is best done during wildflower season. The desert turns amazingly green and the wildflowers are everywhere. The out and back described here is an Easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[crowds, $6 fee to enter the park area]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=169:poland-creek&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Poland Creek]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=169:poland-creek&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to Poland Creek near Phoenix, Arizona.   It's a pretty drive (and long) to get here, but once you start hiking off the FR259 road, the solitude...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 06 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>169</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2017-05-06</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/8d/13/b9/169_polandcr-1327459058.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Crown King, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the Bumble Bee exit (#248). After driving on a paved road for a bit, this road (FR259) becomes good graded dirt. About 25 miles from I-17 (and 3 miles from the town of Crown King) just before and within site of mile marker 25, there is a pullout on the left side of the road. There is a small trail sign here. It may be difficult to see the trail here right away, but within about 100 yards of hiking, there is a sign and trail registration. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[crown king]]></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[3.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.0 miles round trip.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us three and a half hours with a 30 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 decent into the canyon]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <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:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[summer ok too (because swimming available)]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2004-01-05 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Great solitude here. Once we got off of the very popular FR259 road, we were all alone with the desert critters. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[34.2177789]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.3080666]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The solitude is great on this hike and the opportunity for secluded swimming is a real bonus. This is a Moderate hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Rattlesnakes, bounder hopping, swimming opportunities]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=443:poston-butte&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Poston Butte]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=443:poston-butte&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Poston Butte near Phoenix, Arizona.   Charles Poston (1825 - 1902) had a historic impact on the early years of Arizona, lobbying then President Lincoln to...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>443</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2015-02-14</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/be/a7/fa/443_p2140006-1423949833.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Florence, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Ellsworth Road Exit. Go South on Ellsworth Road, which eventually turns into the Hunt Highway going East. Take the Hunt Highway towards Florence, AZ. About 1.25 miles before you get to SR-79 and would turn right to Florence, you&#039;ll see a hill on your left (North) with a white F on it. This is Poston Butte. Look for a small, unsigned parking area on the left near a bridge that the railway goes over. Park here. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Hunt Highway]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Florence]]></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[1.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.0 miles total to reach the top and back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[0.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about 30 minutes to complete this short loop hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The climb to the top of Poston Butte is 300 feet.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                                  <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[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:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2015-02-14 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Surprisingly good, since this is an out of the way area. Expect to share the hike with only a few others.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.0500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike. It&#039;s a good choice to take new hikers or visitors to the desert.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[A bit of route finding at the beginning due to multiple trails in the area.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=98:pueblo-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Pueblo Canyon]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=98:pueblo-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the ruins in Pueblo Canyon, Arizona   The impressive ruins that are the destination for this hike were built and occupied by the Salado Native Americans...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>98</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/ca/83/ff/98_pueblocanyon1-1327459488.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. This is also the start of the hike to the Cooper Fork ruins.

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[6.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is just under 6.0 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 relaxing exploration of the ruins. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 1500 ft elevation gain total. Sorry, the narrow canyon walls prevented an accurate GPS profile of the elevation gain for the last mile of hiking.]]></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:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2008-01-11 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.  ]]></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[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The ruins here are in incredible shape and there are quite a few of them, but the approach to them requires some nasty bushwhacking. The out and back described here is a Moderately Difficult hike.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4WD to get to trailhead, bushwhacking, minor route finding, some exposure]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=303:pueblo-la-plata-silver-creek-ruins&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Pueblo la Plata (Silver Creek Ruins)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=303:pueblo-la-plata-silver-creek-ruins&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the ruins at Pueblo la Plata, also known as the Silver Creek Ruins in Arizona.   Although the ruins here are not nearly as impressive as...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>303</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/08/65/45/303_pueblo-la-plata1-1327459836.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 Bloody Basin exit (#259). This road (FR269) is a good graded dirt road. Bloody Basin road crosses the Agua Fria river, but the river is either low or dry most of the year and the crossing is paved. Drive 8.7 miles along this road and make a left at the signed junction for route 9023. You&#039;ll pass double tank on your left (a couple of large cow dirt water ponds) and after 0.5 miles, you&#039;ll stay left at the signed 9023 junction. At this point, the BLM calls this road a &#039;route&#039;. You&#039;ll probably need a high clearance vehicle to make it to the parking area, which you&#039;ll reach after another 0.7 miles of driving. You can also park and walk it if you like. There&#039;s a trail register here, with information about the ruins.]]></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[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0 miles round trip.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us an hour and a half hours with a 15 minute stop for lunch.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[100]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 100 ft slow decent]]></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[September]]></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[2010-01-02 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 stop for the four wheeling set, so don&#039;t expect much solitude here.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[34.2400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike is too short for my taste, but the ruins are interesting enough. This 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=171:quartz-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Quartz Peak]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=171:quartz-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to Quartz peak near Phoenix, Arizona   The hike starts in a typical Sonoran desert, with Cholla and Saguaro along the trail. The flat start of the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:41:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>171</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-22</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/02/ed/e7/171_quartzpk-1327460171.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 West. Take exit 126 (Estrella Parkway). Go 8.3 miles south (left) on this road to Elliot Road. Turn right on Elliot road and go 2.7 miles to Rainbow Valley road. Turn left on signed Rainbow Valley road. Take Rainbow Valley road 9.5 miles to the intersection with Riggs road. Turn left here onto Riggs Road and follow this road 3.9 miles. This road will end in a T intersection (at Bullard Ave). Turn right and then immediately turn left onto the unsigned dirt road. Take this dirt road 5.4 miles. This road requires a high clearance vehicle and can be sandy, so use good judgement. After driving the 5.4 miles on this dirt road, you&#039;ll reach some power lines. Turn right here and go 1.9 miles on another unsigned dirt road (although there is a small hiking marker at this intersection). After driving 1.9 miles, make a left turn here (small hiking marker at this intersection) and head towards the mountains for 1.9 miles to the well marked trailhead. High clearance vehicle is recommended. Don&#039;t take this road if it has been wet. Keep your eye out for 4WD and dirt bike enthusiasts here. The trailhead has a restroom but no water.

ALTERNATE 4WD ROUTE: Take I-10 South to SR347. In the town of Maricopa, turn right (West) on SR238. Take this road 9.4 miles to mile 35. A power line crosses the road here. Just after the power line on the right is a gate. Go through this gate and take this rocky 4WD road 9.9 miles. The road stays under the power lines the whole time. After 9.9 miles, turn right and go another 1.9 miles towards the mountains to the well marked trailhead. Keep your eye out for 4WD and dirt bike enthusiasts here.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[maricopa]]></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[The hike described is 6.0 miles round trip to the top of Quartz peak and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 3.5 hours hiking to complete this hike, with a 20 minute stop at the top. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 2500 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:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-21 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Outstanding. We had the mountain all to ourselves this day.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.2400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Difficult]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Up, up, up to great views. This is a strenuous hike because of the elevation gain and the route finding towards the end. If you stop where the main trail ends, you could make this a moderately strenuous hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Route finding. Scrambling. High Clearance Vehicle required]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=305:quartz-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Quartz Trail]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=305:quartz-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Quartz trail near Scottsdale, Arizona.   Not to be confused with Quartz Peak, which is also a great hike in the Phoenix area, the Quartz Trail...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>305</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/6c/52/2b/305_quartztrail1-1327460524.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 Frank Lloyd Wright exit. Turn right onto Frank Lloyd Wright and then take a left onto Thompson Peak Parkway. From there, make a right onto McDowell Mt. Ranch Road. When you reach 104th street, turn right. The trailhead parking area is on your right, although the trailhead is across the street on your left. If you enter the neighborhood, you&#039;ve gone too far on 104th street.]]></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[9.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[9.2 miles for the total out and back (including the Quartz knob)]]></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 to complete the out and back. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1000 ft gain. Hiking to the Quartz knob adds another 300 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:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2010-01-02 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Excellent, but probably not typical. Although we only saw four other hikers, we also hiked on a very overcast day with periodic rains. My guess is this is a popular trail.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6500000]]></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[This is a good escape to the desert hike with convenient access from the Phoenix area. This is a Moderate difficulty hike. ]]></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=508:queen-creek-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Queen Creek Canyon and Tunnel]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=508:queen-creek-canyon&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Queen Creek Canyon near Superior, Arizona   If you've ever driven from Superior, AZ to Globe, you've probably noticed that closed road down in Queen Creek...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2022 20:06:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>508</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2022-05-12</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/7c/f0/9b/P5120019-82-1652386028.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. Drive through the town of Superior and just as you leave the town, take the signed exit for AZ-177 (Ray Road). Turn left here and drive 0.1 miles to the unsigned parking area on the right at the intersection of Magma Ave and Heiner Drive.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Magma Avenue]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <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[4.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.4 miles for the out and back described.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 2 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 600 ft ascent to the tunnel]]></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[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[2022-05-12 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Really good for such an accessible hike. We didn&#039;t see a single other hiker.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.2922431]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.0957992]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike along a closed road.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[road noise, don&#039;t block the gate on this road when you park]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=502:ridgeline-adero-tr&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Ridgeline-McDowell Mountain Preserve]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=502:ridgeline-adero-tr&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hiking the Ridgeline trail from the Adero Canyon Trailhead in the McDowell Mountain Preserve near Fountain Hills, Arizona.   From the parking area, follow the signs to the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2021 23:41:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>502</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2021-12-29</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/7d/43/91/PC290010-51-1640821295.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[4.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 4 miles for the out and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took two hours to complete the loop. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[900]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[With all the up and down, expect to gain and lose about 900 ft of elevation]]></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[2021-12-29 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[Easy]]></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 easy in difficulty.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:skillsdetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Some minor 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=190:rock-knob-loop-estrella-mountain-regional-park&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Rock Knob Loop (Estrella Mountain Regional Park)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=190:rock-knob-loop-estrella-mountain-regional-park&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Rock Knob loop in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Arizona.   The Estrella Mountain Regional park south of Goodyear, Arizona contains nearly 20,000 acres of...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>190</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/62/cf/0f/190_rock-knob-loop1-1327547692.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Goodyear, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take I-10 West towards Los Angeles. Turn left (South) on the Estrella Parkway exit. Drive 5.1 miles South on this road and turn left onto West Vineyard Avenue (near a golf course). You&#039;ll very quickly make a right turn onto Casey Abbot Drive, which puts you in the Estrella Mountain Regional park. After stopping at the entrance shack to pay your toll, continue to follow Casey Abbot Drive. You&#039;ll be following the signs for the &quot;Rodeo Arena and Trails&quot;. Park next to the trailhead near the Rodeo Arena.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[goodyear]]></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[6.7000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The loop hike described is 6.7 miles.]]></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 of hiking.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[You gain a gradual 500 ft.]]></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[May]]></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[2008-01-12 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Surprisingly Good, although there were plenty of horse trailers in the parking area, we only saw 3 other people (on horses).]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.3700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.3700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike through a desert with a short commute from the Phoenix area. The hike described here is an Easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[$6 to get into the park (as of Dec 2008), horses and mountain bikes share these trails]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=442:rock-knob-loop-scottsdale-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Rock Knob Loop (Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=442:rock-knob-loop-scottsdale-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike around the Rock Knob in the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve in Arizona.   The Scottsdale McDowell Mountain preserve has very quickly become a popular hiking destination. A...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>442</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2015-02-08</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/32/d6/37/442_p2070011-1423419082.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 turn right onto Happy Valley road. Go east on Happy Valley road, which will turn North on it&#039;s own and become 118th street. Turn right onto signed Ranch Gate Road. Go 1.3 miles to 128th street and turn right. After 1 mile more of driving, you&#039;ll reach the signed trailhead. There are restrooms at the trailhead, but no water.
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[23015 N. 128th Street]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <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[7.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[7.2 miles for the lollypop loop around the Rock Knob formation]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us just over 3 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 400 ft gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Lollypop Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wild Animals]]></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[2015-02-08 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Pretty good considering the popularity of the trailhead. Once you get away from the trailhead, you&#039;ll meet very few hikers, but you will run into a few mountain bikers.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8000000]]></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[mountain bikers like sections of this trail]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=472:rondo-spring&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Rondo Spring]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=472:rondo-spring&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to a remote spring near New River, Arizona.   Note: This hiking area is currently state trust land. Please get a  state trust land permit before...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 25 Feb 2018 15:17:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>472</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2018-02-25</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/b1/0e/10/P2240016-56-1519571881.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 New River exit. Head east (right) on New River road. After about 0.2 miles, turn left to stay on New River Road. Take this paved road about 6.1 miles from the freeway to Circle Mountain Road. Turn left here and drive 1.5 miles to 16th street. Turn right on 16th street and drive 0.5 miles to Cavalry road. Turn left onto Cavalry road and take it 0.5 miles to the state trust land gate. This trailhead is nestled in a neighborhood, so please minimize your impact by being respectful to private property and parking appropriately. Your positive actions at the trailhead will go a long way in making sure the public has access to this area. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[New River]]></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[8 miles for the out and back to the spring]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us a bit over 4 hours, with 15 minutes to explore the spring area]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 600 feet of mostly gradual elevation gain]]></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[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[2018-02-24 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Although the first half mile or so is on a desert road somewhat popular with ATV folks, we didn&#039;t see another hiker all day.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8787500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0304500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Although the walking is generally easy, there is some tricky route finding needed to stay on the trail. This is a Moderate Difficulty hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[A State trust land permit is required for this hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                                    <c:permitlink>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[http://www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/recreation_permit.htm]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitlink>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[route finding, ATVs, grazing cattle]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=397:saddle-mountain-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Saddle Mountain trail]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=397:saddle-mountain-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Saddle mountain trail in the Phoenix area of Arizona.   This lovely and remote hike West of the Phoenix area is a great winter hike destination,...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2013 23:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>397</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-02-09</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/00/0e/8e/397_p2090004-1360454356.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Tonopah, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take I-10 West towards Los Angeles. Once you near Tonopah you&#039;ll take exit 94 and turn left onto 411th Avenue. Take this road 2.9 miles to the junction with the Salome Highway. Turn right onto the Salome Highway and drive 5.1 miles to another road junction, this time with Courthouse road. Turn left onto Courthouse Road. Drive 0.9 miles and look for a faint dirt road on your left signed as FR8211. Turn left here onto this dirt road. The road itself is in good shape but you&#039;ll likely need a high clearance vehicle. Take this road for 0.9 miles to the intersection with signed FR8212. Keep going straight here and soon enough the road will end at a parking area. You&#039;ll know you&#039;ve reached the parking area as the dirt is a reddish color. The trailhead starts from the southwest corner of the parking area. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[tonopah]]></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[3.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is 3.0 miles to the peak and back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 3.25 hours hiking to complete this hike. We did get off trail for about 20 minutes so you may be faster than us. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 1600 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:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-02-09 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Fantastic. We didn&#039;t have to share this trail with another hiker all day.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.4800000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-113.0400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[After the saddle, the route finding and occasional scrambling make this hike more challenging. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Route Finding, scrambling]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=147:salome-creek-the-jug&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Salome Creek (the Jug)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=147:salome-creek-the-jug&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Canyoneering the Jug of Salome creek in Arizona.   This hike describes a small area of Salome Creek. This area is known as "the Jug" because of its...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>147</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/80/b1/da/147_salome1-1327721266.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Punkin Center, AZ. 

To get to the Trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take US-87 North East towards Payson. From US-87, take HWY-188 South East to Punkin Center. About 8 miles past Punkin Center, turn left on FR60 (A Cross Road). Follow A Cross Road 10 miles to the A Cross Trailhead.  

ALTERNATE ROUTE:

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 east to Globe, AZ. In Globe, take HWY-188 North for 14.7 miles to HWY-288. Take HWY-288 for 12 miles to the turn-off for A cross road. Turn left here (near mile marker 270) and take A cross road for about 15 miles. The trailhead is on the right.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Punkin Center, AZ]]></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[Mogollon Rim]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6 miles round trip]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[6.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us a leisurely 6.0 hours with lots of playing in slides and pools. Best to take your time (and the better part of a day) to truly enjoy this canyon.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[100]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationloss>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationloss>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 500 ft down to the start of the canyon and 500 ft back up.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Lollypop Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[June]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[September]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May-June and September-October ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2009-04-11 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not bad considering the proximity to easy access roads. Expect to see 15 other hikers on a weekend.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.1400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Difficult]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[30 yr old Recommendation: This is one of those amazing swim/hike/climb through a water filled slot canyon. This is a Strenuous hike only because of the skills required to successfully complete it. Don&#039;t try this hike if you don&#039;t have training in rappelling. You also have to know when the water level is too high to continue. It&#039;s safest to do this hike for the first time with someone who has done it before. Lots of common sense required here because this is dangerous fun stuff.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:skillsdetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Rappelling, Swimming, ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:skillsdetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Scrambling, swimming, rappelling. This is a very technical hike. Flash flood danger
]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=450:san-tan-regional-park-goldmine-trailhead-loop&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[San Tan Regional Park - Goldmine Trailhead Loop]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=450:san-tan-regional-park-goldmine-trailhead-loop&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike on the Goldmine Trail in the San Tan Regional park in Arizona.   The San Tan Regional Park has several hiking trailhead access points. The Northern...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2015 22:22:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>450</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2015-11-26</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/ba/96/22/PB260017-2-1448577532.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Queen Creek, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Higley Road Exit. Go South on Higley Road, which eventually turns into the Hunt Highway going East. Take the Hunt Highway, turning right onto signed Wagon Wheel Road. Take this road South 1.1 miles to the trailhead and parking area. This is a fee area and it is $6 to park (self service as of November 2015). ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[queen 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[4.7000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.7 miles total for the loop hike]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.3000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 1 hr and 30 minutes to complete the loop hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[700]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 700ft total elevation change]]></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[2015-11-26 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Average. Expect to meet 10-20 other hikers.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.1900000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.6600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The loop hike described is a moderate difficulty hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[small fee to enter the park ($6 as of Dec 2015). You may also have to share parts of this trail with mountain bikers.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=415:san-tan-regional-park-littleleaf-trail-loop&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[San Tan Regional Park - Littleleaf trail loop]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=415:san-tan-regional-park-littleleaf-trail-loop&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike on the Littleleaf trail in San Tan Regional park in Arizona.   In the winter holiday months, it's typical to get first time visitors to the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2013 21:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>415</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-12-25</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/82/2d/1e/415_pc250009-1388005864.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Queen Creek, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Ellsworth Road Exit. Go South on Ellsworth Road, which eventually turns into the Hunt Highway going East. Take the Hunt Highway, turning right onto Thompson Road. From Thompson Road, turn right on Phillips Road and park in the designated parking area. The turn-offs to Thompson Road and Phillips Road are both signed for the San Tan Mountain Regional Park.    ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[queen 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[1.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.4 miles total for the loop hike]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[0.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about 30 minutes to complete this short loop hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[0]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Pretty darn flat]]></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[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:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-12-25 18:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It&#039;s a crowded area. Expect to share this hike with 20-30 people.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.1700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.6400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike. It&#039;s a good choice to take new hikers or visitors to the desert.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[small fee to enter the park ($6 as of Dec 2013), crowds.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=393:san-tan-regional-park-malpais-trail-loop&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[San Tan Regional Park - Malpais Trail loop]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=393:san-tan-regional-park-malpais-trail-loop&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Malpais trail loop in San Tan Regional park near Phoenix, Arizona.   From the parking area (and after using the self pay station to pay the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2012 03:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>393</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2012-11-12</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/48/7d/b8/393_pb100002-1352690615.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Queen Creek, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Ellsworth Road Exit. Go South on Ellsworth Road, which eventually turns into the Hunt Highway going East. Take the Hunt Highway, turning right onto Thompson Road. From the intersection of Thompson Road and Phillips Road, continue to go straight, which becomes Brenner Pass Road. Take this road 3.8 miles to the signed Rock Peak Wash trailhead on your right.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[queen 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[7.8000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[7.8 miles total for lollypop loop described]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 3 hrs and 15 minutes for the loop hike described.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 300 ft gain]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Lollypop 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[May]]></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:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2012-11-10 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 didn&#039;t see a single other hiker all day (although we did see a mountain biker and two horseback riders).    ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.1300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.6400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The length of this hike makes it a moderate difficulty hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[small fee to enter the park ($6 as of Nov 2012), some hiking in the sand, and mountain bikers/horseback riders.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=344:san-tan-regional-park-out-and-back-to-the-graves&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[San Tan Regional Park - Out and Back to the Graves]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=344:san-tan-regional-park-out-and-back-to-the-graves&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the graves in San Tan Regional park, Arizona.   If elevation hiking gives you joy, there is a new trail added to the San Tan regional...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>344</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2012-01-26</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/6d/5d/99/344_santan-1a-1327548963.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Queen Creek, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Ellsworth Road Exit. Go South on Ellsworth Road, which eventually turns into the Hunt Highway going East. Take the Hunt Highway, turning right onto Thompson Road. From Thompson Road, turn right on Phillips Road and park in the designated parking area. The turn-offs to Thompson Road and Phillips Road are both signed for the San Tan Mountain Regional Park.    ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[queen 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[4.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.4 miles total for the out and back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.7500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 1 hr and 45 minutes for the out and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1000 ft total 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[September]]></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[1969-12-31 18:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Average. Expect to meet 10-20 other hikers.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.1700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.6400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The out and back to the graves is a moderately difficult hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[small fee to enter the park ($6 as of Dec 2007) and some route finding]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						</channel>
</rss>