<?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=182:san-tan-regional-park-trails&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[San Tan Regional Park - San Tan trail loops]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=182:san-tan-regional-park-trails&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hiking in the San Tan regional park near Phoenix, Arizona.   San Tan Trail Loops     The San Tan trail covers a great deal of...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>182</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/87/36/0e/182_santan-picture1-1327548457.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[5.7000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.7 miles for the longer loop. 3.2 miles for the shorter Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.1500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 2 hours and 15 minutes for the longer loop. It took us 1 hour 15 minutes for the shorter Loop.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1000 ft gain for the  longer loop. The shorter loop hike is 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[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[2006-01-12 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Pretty good. We only shared the trail with a few horse back riders. Expect to meet 5-15 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 longer loop is an moderately difficult hike. The shorter loop is an easy 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>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=515:scenic-loop-mcdowell-mountain-park&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Scenic Loop-McDowell Mountain Park]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=515:scenic-loop-mcdowell-mountain-park&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Scenic Loop in McDowell Mountain Park near Phoenix, Arizona.   This is an enjoyable and easy loop hike in McDowell Mountain park that provides great views...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 05 Mar 2023 21:35:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>515</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2023-03-05</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/eb/c5/a0/20230305-110717-79-1678052252.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located Phoenix, AZ.

In the Phoenix area, take state HWY-87 towards Payson. Turn left onto Shea Blvd into Fountain Hills. From Shea Blvd turn right onto Fountain Hills Blvd. This will turn into McDowell Mountain Road. Make a left at the signed entrance to McDowell Mountain Park. After paying your $7 (as of March-2023) continue on the main park road (McDowell Mountain Park Drive), following the signs for the Trailhead Staging Area. Turn right at signed Shallmo Drive and park in the trailhead area. There are restrooms and water here.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[fountain hills]]></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[4.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 4.5 miles for the loop.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.7500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the loop. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[400]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 400 feet of elevation gain and loss. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wild Flowers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c: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[Especially nice during wildflower season (March)]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2023-03-05 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 trail for both hikers and mountain bikers.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6902456]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.7181683]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[$7 fee to enter McDowell Mountain Regional Park (as of Mar-2023)]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=476:sears-kay-ruin&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Sears Kay Ruin]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=476:sears-kay-ruin&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to a well preserved Hohokam site near Phoenix, Arizona.   The Sears-Kay ruin (now typically called a site) is an impressive reminder of the efforts of the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 24 Feb 2019 12:58:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>476</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2019-02-24</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/7f/77/3a/P2060025-89-1551013153.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Carefree, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix/Mesa area, take HWY-101 North to the Pima Road exit. Take Pima road North to Cave Creek Road. Turn East (Right) on Cave Creek Road. Continue 7.1 miles from the intersection on Cave Creek Road and turn right to the signed trailhead for the Sears-Kay ruins. This trailhead has a restroom, but no water.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[cave creek]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[0.8000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The out and back hike described is 0.8 miles round trip. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[0.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us a half an hour of hiking, plus some time to explore the site.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[250]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 400 ft of elevation change.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[May]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2019-02-08 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not bad. Expect to enjoy this area with about 10-20 people.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8850876]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.8158484]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The trail is clear and well signed. This is an easy hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Fragile native american site. Please watch your step.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=349:shadow-mountain-circumference-trail-and-summit-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Shadow Mountain (Circumference Trail and Summit Trail)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=349:shadow-mountain-circumference-trail-and-summit-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hiking up Shadow Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona.   Shadow Mountain is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. This area in particular has trails, both official and unofficial, crisscrossing...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>349</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2012-02-20</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/92/e3/ce/349_shadowmt3-1329697901.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 Greenway Road exit. Turn left after taking the exit and head West. Where Greenway Parkway splits from Greenway Road, turn left onto Greenway road. Then make a quick left turn onto 27th Street. Take this street until you reach East Acoma drive and make a right. The trailhead signed for Phoenix Mountains Preserve is on the left within a neighborhood. Please be respectful to the homeowners here so we can continue to enjoy access to this area from this trailhead. There is a water fountain about 100 yards up the trail.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[We hiked a total of 2.5 miles, including both the summit and the lollypop loop around the circumference of the area.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[All told, we hiked this in just under an hour.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[For the Summit you&#039;ll hike about 400 ft up. The rest of the trail is up and down but you&#039;ll average an additional 200 ft of climbing. ]]></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[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2012-02-19 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Pretty good. We only had to share the trail with three other hikers (with their furry dog friends).]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6200000]]></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[This is a pretty easy hike conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix area. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[A lot of route finding ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=183:shaw-butte&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Shaw Butte]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=183:shaw-butte&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike Shaw butte near Phoenix, Arizona.   From the parking area, take the well signed trailhead for trail #306 going to the right. Although you can take this...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:09:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>183</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-15</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/24/88/6d/183_shawbutte1-1327549267.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located Phoenix, AZ.

In the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the Thunderbird Road exit. Turn right(East) and go 2.5 miles to Central Ave. Turn right (South) on Central Ave and go 0.25 miles to the parking area on the right. This parking area can get crowded at peak times so try to go early. There is no parking allowed in the neighborhood nearby so if you can&#039;t find a spot right away, you may have to wait until one opens up. There is water at the trailhead, but no toilets.     

There is an alternate trailhead at 12950 N. 7th street that you can use if this parking lot is full. It accesses the Shaw Butte trail from a different point and adds about 0.4 of a mile to the hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.1000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.1 miles for the loop hike described below.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The trail took about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[700]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 700 ft gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-15 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not on this hike. Due to it&#039;s proximity to the Phoenix area, this is a popular trail. Expect to share the trail with 25-50 other people.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This would be a good hike if you didn&#039;t want to travel far or work hard for a decent mountain peak view. This trail is Moderately difficult.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Some route finding]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=94:six-shooter-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Six Shooter Trail]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=94:six-shooter-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Six Shooter trail in the Pinal mountains near Globe, Arizona.       Driving through Globe on the way to other areas of the...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:46:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>94</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2016-09-17</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/3e/88/bf/P9170016-52-1474155813.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Globe, AZ.

To get to the Bell trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take US-60 East toward Globe. Once in Globe, turn right on Hill street, just past mile post 251. Please watch your speed in this area, as it is a residential area. Follow the Tonto Forest signs 1.2 miles and turn right onto Icehouse road. This soon becomes FR112. Drive 1.8 miles to a stop sign. Drive another 2 miles to the end of the pavement. Drive 0.5 more miles to the CCC picnic area and trailhead.  The dirt road is in very good shape and passenger cars are no problem. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[globe]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[12.7000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The out and back hike described is 12.7 miles round trip.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 5 and a half hours hiking to get to the top and back with a 20 minute lunch.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[You gain about 3300 ft.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[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:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2003-01-09 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Excellent. We only saw five other hikers during our hike... There were a few mountain bikers as well.      ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.3262708]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-110.8051506]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Difficult]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3000 ft of climbing and a 12+ mile hike is difficult, no way to sugar coat it!]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Watch for mountain bikers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=460:skyline-crest-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Skyline Crest trail (Skyline Regional Park)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=460:skyline-crest-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Loop hike on the Skyline crest trail in Skyline Regional park in Arizona.   Skyline Regional park is the latest in a wave of Phoenix area municipalities creating...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 2016 22:38:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>460</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2016-12-04</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/20/b5/ae/PC040009-69-1480891128.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Buckeye, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 West to the Watson Road exit. Turn right and take this road about 2 miles to the signed entrance to the Skyline Regional park. Park at the end of the road. There are restrooms here and in a pinch you could fill up your water bottles in the sinks in the restrooms.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Buckeye]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The loop hike described is 4.4 miles.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took us 2 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[700]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 700 ft elevation gain. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wild Flowers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[June]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a good hike to do when it&#039;s cold in the Phoenix area. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2016-12-04 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Pretty good on the Skyline Crest and Quartz mine sections. You&#039;ll run into more hikers on the Mountain wash trail. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.4816500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.5591670]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike with a smooth climb and well signed trail junctions.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Mountain bikers.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=523:st-clair-mt&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[St. Clair Mountain]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=523:st-clair-mt&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the St. Clair Mountain site close to Bartlett Reservoir near Phoenix, Arizona.   While there is a trail to this native american site, it can be difficult...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 19:10:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>523</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2025-05-02</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/fa/7f/e3/20250503-084846-35-1746299799.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Carefree, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, HWY-101 North to the Pima road exit and head North. Continue north on Pima until you reach the intersection of Pima Road and Cave creek Road. Make a right (East) onto Cave Creek Road. From Cave Creek Road, turn right onto Bartlett Dam Road and continue 6.3 miles to the turnoff to Horseshoe Dam road. Turn left here and drive 4.1 miles to the unsigned small parking area on your left. The last 2.5 miles of this road is well graded dirt. There is a small fence and no vehicles brown sign marking the hike start. ]]></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[0.8000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The out and back to the site is about 0.8 miles.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took us 1.25 hours with generous time to explore the site.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[300 ft of gain to the site.]]></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:ratingdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Winter is a nice time of year for this hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:ratingdetails>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2025-05-02 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 had the trail all to ourselves on a lovely Saturday morning.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.9194498]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.7246056]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an moderate difficulty hike due to the lack of clear trail, some possible scrambling, and overgrown trail. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Route finding and bushy sections (wear long pants). ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=275:stoney-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Stoney Mountain]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=275:stoney-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Stoney Mountain near Phoenix, Arizona.   While recovering from a flu, I was looking for a short and easily accessed hike that would allow me to...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>275</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/17/73/fb/275_stoneymountain1-1327631824.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take state route 51 North to the Shea Boulevard exit. Take Shea Blvd West (left), turning left (South) onto 26th street. Take 26th street South, turning right (West) onto Mountain View Road. Take Mountain View Road until it ends in a cul-de-sac. Park in this area. This is a residential area, so be respectful. Alternate access points to this trail could be the Dreamy Draw park via trail 100 and taking Shea Blvd West until it ends, then parking there.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[3.2 miles for the total out and back to the peak]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 1 hour and 30 minutes. ]]></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[2008-01-12 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Trail 100 is very popular, but once you&#039;re off trail 100, you&#039;ll have the peak all to yourself.   ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.5700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It&#039;s not a tough climb, but there is a bit of route finding and scrambling to be done. The views of the surrounding area are pretty impressive. This is a Moderate difficulty hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Scrambling, minor bushwhacking, route finding, mountain bikers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=325:sunrise-mountain-peoria&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Sunrise Mountain (Peoria)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=325:sunrise-mountain-peoria&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike Sunrise mountain in Peoria, Arizona.   We were looking for a lazy Saturday hike in the winter and really enjoyed the two hours it took to hike...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>325</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/68/6d/d7/325_sunrisemountain1-1326858483.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the HWY-101 loop. Take the HWY-101 loop West to the 75th avenue exit. Go right (North) on 75th Avenue to Deer Valley Road. Turn left onto Deer Valley Road and then make a right onto 83rd Avenue. Take 83rd Avenue North and drive until the street changes names to Westwing Parkway. Continue until you see the Westwing Elementary school on your left at the intersection of Westwing Parkway and High Desert Drive. Just so you don&#039;t get confused, High Desert Drive crosses Westwing Parkway at two locations, so you want the intersection that has the elementary school on the corner. Park at the West end of the school. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[peoria]]></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 loop hike described is 4.0 miles.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us two hours of hiking.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[600]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationgain>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationgain>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 300 ft gain with a good bit of up and down]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Lollypop Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <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:worstseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[All year. Recommended after a rain in the spring for the wildflowers. (hike only during the cooler parts of the day in Summer)]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2011-01-02 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not here. Expect to share the trails with 20-30 other hikers.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It was a pleasant enough walk with a unique mixture of desert and urban feeling. This hike is rated Easy.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:permitinfo>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[none.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:permitinfo>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Access to this area from the Elementary school only on weekends. Access the trail on weekdays from the nearby Westwing park.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=187:sunrise-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Sunrise Peak]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=187:sunrise-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to Sunrise peak near Scottsdale, Arizona.   Sometimes even hikes you think will be rather ordinary can hold wonderful surprises. This hike had a fantastic shocker one...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>187</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/1d/5d/d4/187_sunrisepeak1-1327632054.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 Shea Boulevard exit. Take Shea Blvd East (right) until you reach the intersection of Via Linda. Turn left onto Via Linda. Take Via Linda to 128th street, which is a residential street with no traffic signal. Turn left onto 128th street and drive 0.6 miles to the trailhead on your left. There is parking along the left side of the road. ]]></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[5.6000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[5.6 miles for the total out and back to Sunrise Peak]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 2 hours and 20 minutes. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1300]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1300 ft gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2008-01-04 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Good, but we went on a Friday afternoon. On a weekend, I&#039;d guess you&#039;ll be sharing the trail with between 10 and 20 other hikers.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6000000]]></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>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=176:table-top-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Table Top Mountain]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=176:table-top-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Table Top Mountain near Phoenix, Arizona.   After parking at the day area, walk through the small camping area to the trailhead at the back. This...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>176</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-29</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/9d/6f/a0/176_p4290009-1367277716.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Casa Grande, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 South to HWY-347 (Maricopa Road Exit #164). From HWY-347, turn right on HWY-84 to I-8. Turn right on I-8 (West) and go to the Vekol Road exit (exit 144). Take the graded dirt Vekol Road south for 2.2 miles. From this point, keep your eyes out for brown trailhead signs on the right side of the road to help you navigate this area. The road is also signed as FR8024 to help you navigate. Bear right at the stop sign, driving 5.8 miles to a junction. Bear right once again and continue 3.1 miles. From this point, a high clearance vehicle is highly recommended. There is an old corral here where you will turn left (East). The road gets a bit sandy here as you continue another 0.8 miles to the next junction. Stay right here and go another 1.6 miles. Stay right once again and go 1.1 miles, where you will pass the trailhead to the South Lava trail. Continue 0.8 more miles to the Table Top camping area and trailhead. This road is not recommended after a rain. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[casa grande]]></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[7.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike described is 7.4 miles to the top and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took us 4 hours, with a 20 minute stop at the top for pictures and a snack.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 2000 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[2013-04-29 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Surprisingly good. We saw about 10 other hikers here, even though the Southern Arizona hiking club decided to have an outing at this same location on this day. On another occasion, we hiked on a Monday and didn&#039;t see any other car or hiker all day.    ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[32.7200000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.1600000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderately Strenuous]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This was a good heart pumping climb and the views of the surrounding area were a nice reward. The out and back described here is a Moderately-strenuous hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Rattlesnakes. Remote area]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=389:telegraph-pass-trail-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Telegraph Pass Trail (South Mountain)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=389:telegraph-pass-trail-south-mountain&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike Telegraph pass trail in South Mountain park in Phoenix, Arizona.   The Telegraph Pass trail is a good hike if you're looking for a short but enjoyable...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>389</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2012-10-13</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/83/b8/6d/389_pa130006-1350155867.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 south to Chandler Blvd. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. Turn left here at the stop sign to stay on Chandler Boulevard and drive 1.7 miles to the signed intersection with Desert Foothills Parkway. Turn right here and drive 1.3 miles to the unsigned parking area and trailhead on your right. There is water here and a porta-potty. This is a popular area and even though there is a generous amount of parking spaces they may still be full. Please do not park in the neighborhoods, but wait for a spot to open up at the trailhead parking area. Since the hike is a short one, it shouldn&#039;t take long for a parking spot to open up.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[phoenix]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.3000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hike is 2.3 miles to the top and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took about 1 hour. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 500 ft elevation gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wild Flowers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:ratingdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March is also nice for wildflower season.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:ratingdetails>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2012-10-13 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 experience any solitude on this hike. Expect to share this trail with 100-200 other hikers.      ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.3200000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.0700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a short, easy hike to some nice views. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[crowds, mountain bikers]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=302:thompson-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Thompson Peak]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=302:thompson-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the top of Thompson peak near Scottsdale, Arizona.   From the parking area, you need to walk about 10 minutes through a subdivision under construction to...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>302</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2011-12-03</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/4b/86/c5/302_thompsonpk1-1327632563.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take state HWY-87 towards Payson. Turn left onto Shea Blvd into Fountain Hills. From Shea Blvd turn right onto Palisades Blvd. Then take a left onto Golden Eagle Blvd. Take Golden Eagle Blvd to the end of the road and a parking area.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[fountain hills]]></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[9.4000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 9.4 miles for the out and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us 4.5 hours to complete the hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[To the top of Thompson Peak is 2000 ft of 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[2009-01-12 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Medium]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Not bad. Expect to see about 10-30 other hikers on the Dixie Mine trail and just a handful hiking up to Thompson Peak.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-111.7700000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Great climb and it&#039;s very close to the Phoenix area. This trail is Moderate in difficulty.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[$2 fee to enter McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Steep climbing.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=479:thunderbird-conservation-area&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Thunderbird Conservation Area]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=479:thunderbird-conservation-area&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike in the Thunderbird Conservation Park near Phoenix, Arizona.   The city of Glendale has preserved some pristine desert for the enjoyment of the folks living in this...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2019 09:14:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>479</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2019-11-20</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/e5/5b/10/PB070006-96-1574241270.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in Peoria, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the HWY-101 loop. Take the HWY-101 loop West to the 59th avenue exit. Turn right (North) and take 59th ave about 1.7 miles to the Thunderbird Parking area on the left.  There are restrooms and water at this park.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[N 61ST Dr]]></c:value>
                                          </c:addressone>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Glendale]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:zip>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[85310]]></c:value>
                                          </c:zip>                                    <c:country>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[United States]]></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[The loop hike described is 4 miles. ]]></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 of hiking to complete the loop.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[500]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 500 ft gain ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[April]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2019-11-14 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Better than expected. We had this hike mostly to ourselves, although we were there on a weekday.    ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6906206]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.1889281]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It was a pleasant enough walk with a unique mixture of desert and urban feeling. This hike is rated Easy. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=188:toms-thumb&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Tom's Thumb]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=188:toms-thumb&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to the base of Tom's Thumb near Scottsdale, Arizona.   Tom's thumb is a prominent granite bump in the McDowell Mountain preserve, easily visible from the Scottsdale...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 10:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>188</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-05-10</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/12/c2/ce/188_tomsthumb1-1327633276.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:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Scottsdale]]></c:value>
                                          </c:city>                                    <c:state>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[az]]></c:value>
                                          </c:state>                                    <c:region>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></c:value>
                                          </c:region>                                    <c:distance>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2 miles for the round trip]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us just under 2 hours.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 1000 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[2013-05-10 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[With the birth of the McDowell Mountain Sonoran preserve, this has become a very popular hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.6900000]]></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[minor scrambling near Tom&#039;s Thumb]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=420:union-peak-hike-phoenix-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Union Peak hike (Phoenix Sonoran Preserve)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=420:union-peak-hike-phoenix-sonoran-preserve&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike up Union Peak in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona.   The cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale should be applauded for making a sincere effort to...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>420</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2014-02-20</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/f7/f5/e1/420_p2150007-1392863384.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located in Phoenix, AZ.

From the Phoenix Area, take I-17 North to the Jomax road exit. Take the exit and turn right onto Jomax road. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Norterra Parkway. Drive 1.3 miles and turn right onto North Valley Parkway. Go 0.3 miles and turn left onto Copperhead trail. After 0.1 miles, turn left onto Melvern trail. After 0.2 miles, turn right onto Desert Vista trail. After 0.3 miles, you&#039;ll see the signs for Desert Vista trailhead and the parking area. There is no water or facilities at this trailhead. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:addressone>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1900 West Desert Vista trail]]></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[7.8000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[7.8 miles for Lollypop loop hike described.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about two hours and 30 minutes to hike the loop]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[650]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 650 ft gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[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[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2014-02-16 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is a popular place on weekends. Expect to meet 15-30 other hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.7400000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.1000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Well marked and easy to follow, the length and climb up to Union peak make this a Moderate difficulty hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Mountain bikers and horseback riders. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=170:vulture-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Vulture Peak]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=170:vulture-peak&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike to Vulture peak near Wickenburg, Arizona   Vulture peak is the obvious peak overlooking the town of Wickenburg, Arizona. When viewing the peak from US-60, you would...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>170</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-04-20</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/b0/98/e6/170_vulturepk-1327633519.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Wickenburg, Arizona.

From Phoenix, take US-60 North West towards Wickenburg. Stay on US-60 as you go through Wickenburg. While in Wickenburg (after the junction of US-93), turn left on Vulture Mine Road. Take this paved road 6.7 miles to the turn off for the Vulture Peak trail (well signed). Turn left and drive 0.4 miles on this gentle dirt road to the parking area. Four wheel drive vehicles can continue an additional 1.4 miles to a higher trailhead, but the walk is nice from this point too.     ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Wickenburg]]></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[4.0 miles round trip to the peak and back.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2.5000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took us about 2.0 hours. It was late in the day so we didn&#039;t spend much time at the peak. I would recommend spending some time relaxing at the top... the views are great.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1180]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[940 ft elevation gain to the saddle and 240 more feet to the peak. Total: 1180 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[October]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-04-19 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Surprisingly good. We only saw 3 other hikers on a Sunday afternoon.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.8800000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.8200000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Difficult]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is Moderately Strenuous to the saddle and Strenuous for the last 250 ft to the top. This would be a great hike to take in the Winter season that isn&#039;t too far from Phoenix. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[To the top is some aggressive scrambling]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=396:walkin-jim-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Walkin' Jim Trail]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=396:walkin-jim-trail&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike the Walkin' Jim trail near Lake Pleasant, Arizona.   From the pullout, head to the right side of the parking area. There is an informal trail marker...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>396</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2012-12-28</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/7d/2b/ac/396_pc280020-1356736934.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Peoria, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take I-17 north to the exit for the Carefree highway. Take the Carefree highway (SR-74) West (left) to Castle Hot Springs Road (Lake Pleasant exit). Turn right and drive 5.3 miles where you will see a wide pullout on the left side. Park here. The trail start is on the far right side of the parking area. Castle Hot Springs road is a popular place for ATVs and dirt bikes, so keep vigilant while driving here.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[peoria]]></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[8.9000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:distance>                                    <c:hikedistancedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[The hiking for this loop was 8.9 miles.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[4.2500000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[It took us about 4.25 hours to complete this hike.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[450]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[about 450 ft elevation gain.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[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[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:worstseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[July]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[August]]></c:value>
                                          </c:worstseason>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2012-12-28 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[High]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Outstanding. Our only companions on this hike were the wild animals.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.9000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.3300000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Moderate]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[I was really thrilled to see all the wild burros. The solitude was also a pleasant surprise. This is a Moderate difficulty hike. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[ATVs, route finding]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						<item>
				
				<guid>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=412:waterfall-trail-white-tanks&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</guid>
				<title><![CDATA[Waterfall trail (White Tanks)]]></title>
				<link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/?view=article&amp;id=412:waterfall-trail-white-tanks&amp;catid=83:phoenix-area-and-central-arizona</link>
				<description><![CDATA[
								 Hike along the Waterfall trail in the White Tanks regional park near Phoenix, Arizona.   Rain in the desert is a special time. The scent of the Creosote...				]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[Phoenix Area and Central Arizona]]></category>
				<pubDate>Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:42:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<g:id>412</g:id>
                <g:publish_date>2013-11-23</g:publish_date>
                                					<g:image_link>https://www.arizonahiking.org/media/reviews/photos/original/6e/0e/43/412_pb230008-1385235898.jpg</g:image_link>
                                
				                   <c:howtogetthere>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike is located near Waddell, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 West to HWY-303. Take HWY-303 North (Right) to Olive Road. Turn left on Olive Road (West) and go five miles to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. From the park entrance, follow Mountain Road North to the Waterfall Canyon Rd. Make a left here and park at the signed trailhead for the Waterfall trail on your left. There are restrooms at the trailhead.  ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:howtogetthere>                                    <c:city>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[waddell]]></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[The out and back hike is 2.0 miles]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hikedistancedetails>                                    <c:time>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[1.0000000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:time>                                    <c:timedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This hike took us an hour.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:timedetails>                                    <c:elevationchange>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[200]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationchange>                                    <c:elevationdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[About 200 ft elevation gain. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:elevationdetails>                                    <c:hiketype>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Out and Back]]></c:value>
                                          </c:hiketype>                                    <c:specialfeatures>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water]]></c:value>
                                          </c:specialfeatures>                                    <c:ratingdetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Water (and waterfall) only present after a good rainstorm.]]></c:value>
                                          </c:ratingdetails>                                    <c:bestseason>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[January]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[February]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[March]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[November]]></c:value>
                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[December]]></c:value>
                                          </c:bestseason>                                    <c:seasondetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an excellent hike just after a winter rainstorm. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:seasondetails>                                    <c:datehikecompleted>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[2013-11-23 00:00:00]]></c:value>
                                          </c:datehikecompleted>                                    <c:solitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Low]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitude>                                    <c:solitudedetails>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is the only problem with this hike. Expect to share this hike with about 35 other people on a typical winter weekend.   ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:solitudedetails>                                    <c:latitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[33.5900000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:latitude>                                    <c:longitude>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[-112.5100000]]></c:value>
                                          </c:longitude>                                    <c:difficultyrating>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Easy]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultyrating>                                    <c:difficultydetail>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[This is an easy hike only worth doing if there as been a recent rainstorm in the Phoenix area, so the waterfall is flowing. ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:difficultydetail>                                    <c:beawareof>                                                  <c:value><![CDATA[Fee Area ($6 per car as of 2013). ]]></c:value>
                                          </c:beawareof>                 			</item>
						</channel>
</rss>