Adventure is Out There

by Wade Longworth

April is truly the season when spring begins for us in the desert. After a few months of relatively chilly winter weather things start to heat up. It means that we need to stop curling up on the couch with a blanket and go do some outdoor activities. With all of the ups and downs of the last year there is not a better time to get out of the house to go explore AZ! Everything from a half day hike, to an overnight excursion, there is plenty of things to discover in this great state.

If hiking is your thing then you are in the right place. There are over 180 moderate hiking trails in Phoenix alone and over 1500 in Arizona. With all of these options it might seem difficult to pick one but there is one around the area that I have traversed and recommend. The famous Camelback Mountain is right in the heart of Scottsdale; although this can be a challenging climb up to almost 2700’ the stunning views make the enduring ascent worth every step. From the top, the vistas of the phoenix basin are hard to match; you will be able to see all of the surrounding mountains and way out to State Farm Stadium. The best part is this hike only takes a few hours maximum which leaves plenty of time for anything else you might have on the calendar.

Of course these half day adventures are certainly not the only choices to get out and do something this month. One of the most unique spots in the country is Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. These two landmarks are truly remarkable and are exclusive to the southwest. This journey will take you through slot canyons which are long, narrow, deep and tortuous channels or drainage ways with sheer rock walls that you have to see to believe. It will also give you the chance to what they call the “ east rim of the Grand Canyon ” which is a horseshoe shaped meander in the Colorado River. To get to this majestic spot takes only a short 4.5 hour drive; which means you can sightsee and get back home in one day. However, if you are really feeling adventurous, stay overnight and visit the Grand Canyon the next day.

A relatively close to Phoenix overnight night backpacking trip to Charlebois Spring could be something of interest as well. Thanks to its convenient location in the western portion of the Superstition Wilderness, Charlebois Spring (locals often pronounce it “Charlie-boy ”) is the perfect basecamp for a multi-day backpacking trip. The Superstition Wilderness is packed with fascinating historical sites, such as the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, that are accessible from Charlebois Spring. For an especially scenic loop that measures about 9.5 miles, begin at the Peralta Trailhead and follow Dutchman ’ s Trail #104 around Miners Needle. From there, this moderate hike takes you down into Whiskey Spring Canyon, where you ’ll intersect with the Red Tanks Trail and proceed to Charlebois. Campsites abound near the spring, and when you ’ re ready to return to reality, Bluff Spring will deliver you back to the trailhead.

These are just three examples of half day, full day, and overnight explorations that only scratch the surface of the copious amount of outdoor activities in AZ. Hiking and camping is not for everyone but that doesn ’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Take a look at DukOut adventures on dukout.com for some spectacular ways to get out doors. They have a little of everything from Jeep tours to wine tastings, to bike and brew they will surely have something for you!