The Echo Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the valley and also is one of the most difficult. It is closed now. The anticipated reopening after renovations is scheduled for late fall/early 2013. Additional parking spots will be added along with other improvements. Keep in close touch with our offices for ongoing progress.
For your pleasure, education and exercise, keep in mind possible overflow onto Camelback's nearby Cholla Trail that may cause overcrowding.
Our hats are off as we congratulate the Town of Gilbert & City of Chandler here in Arizona for being proactive in providing safety education classes about hiking. The officials there are first in the area to recognize the necessity of educating their residents about safe hiking. Residents and non-residents need to be familiar with what's in the park preserves and on the mountain trails in the Valley of The Sun. The mission of the class isf to keep them safe while enjoying our natural resources to the fullest. We hope other municipalities will follow their leadership.
The 2 hour class is called The Nuts & Bolts of Hiking. A self evaluation period at the conclusion of class is where participants are shown how to rate their own abillity and to intelligently select specific hiking trails that fit them. Actual guided hikes are scheduled within 5 weeks once the class is completed.
Trail guides Andrew Nemecek, Marlene Miles & Pat Tully are the instructors (subject to change.)
Dates are:
Gilbert, AZ:
Sat. Feb. 23, 2013, 10AM-12PM
Sat. Mar. 23, 2013, 10AM-12PM
Sat. Apr. 20, 2013, 1-3PM
Chandler, AZ:
Thurs., June 3, 2013, 5:30-7:30PM
Sat., June 8, 2013, 8-10AM
Sat., July 20, 2013, 8-10AM
Mon. Aug 19, 5:30-7:30PM
Sat., Jun 8, 2013 6-10AM
Sat., July 20, 2013 8-10AM
Mon. Aug. 19, 2013 5:30-7:30PM
For class information, see the Town of Gilbert’s website at www.GilbertRecreation.com. (Go to Online Registration or Guide).
City of Chandler residents can see the class schedule online at www.ChandlerAZ.gov/registration.
Telephone numbers to reach the parks & recreation departments are: for Gilbert call 480 503-6244, and for Chandler 480 782-2727. There are specific dates when the classes will show up on the above websites. If you don't see the dates you want to resgister for, please call the respective phone numbers shown in this paragraph.
Our “Hikes & Wakes in the Lake” tour rate’s can't be beat. $199 p/p! Click here to see our flyer for details!
Recently launched guided hikes: MOONLIT/SUNSET & PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON GUIDED HIKES.
Our new and improved reservation system is online and very easy for YOU to use. Try it to make your booking.
Take our shortest and Moderately Challenging Guided Hike called Climb to the Peak in the morning OR afternoon. Or our standard half day guided hike in the morning OR afternoon. Our Climb to the Peak guided hike is a really fun 2-hour experience. There’s a 3-person minimum on this specific hike. Or, reserve our standard half day guided hike in the morning OR afternoon. Rates vary by the number of people in your reservation. (See Service & Rates page.)
Up and back along the summit trail is strongly recommended for a moderate hike for folks with good physical balance. There’s continuous climbing along scenic trails. When we finally reach the top you’ll be proud that you’ve achieved your goal and you’ll be in awe of the view presented right before you! We’ll pass rugged sandstone cliffs and panoramic views. The desert trivia game your trail guide play while hiking will be a lot of fun for everyone! Refreshments-water and snacks are provided on your hike as well as loaner back packs. Take home a souvenir cap or a bandanna-OR you may elect to donate $5 per person to help to preserve our beautiful Sonoran Desert Mountains. Discounts are not applicable on this plan. You may use any valid Hike In Phoenix gift certificates should you have any.
Remember that you can book online (Go back to our Reservations Page) to make your reservation for most of our hikes, or call.
WHAT TO WEAR & WHAT TO BRING FOR THE HIKE:
Favorite sunscreen, bright colored clothing, long sleeve, lightweight shirts/blouses, appropriate hiking footwear with good tread and non-flexible bottoms. Add your favorite wide brim cap/hat recommended for hikers with fair skin. Of course bringing along a camera would be ideal.
Any gratuities should be on a voluntary basis based on the experience and superior service from your trail tour guide, the staff at HIke In Phoenix the hotel concierge and/or front desk, bell & travel & tour professionals.
GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD:
Be at the trailhead 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Each person on your guided hike depends upon everyone else to be there at the specified time, so please be punctual. Directions are available by phone at Hike In Phoenix reservations at 602 492-6867. They'll be given to you on the phone or sent via email of fax.
Our new division, Hike In Tucson, celebrates its one year anniversary! Special hotel, hike, underground cave tour, a bite for lunch and a horseback ride...all with one click of your mouse.
Our local Tucson office telephone number is 520 477-MTNS (6867) or toll free 877 HIKE-TUC! Website www.HikeInTucson.com Check us out.
Our Hike’N'Eat Lunch Menu has been improved. It now includes even more delicious items.
New things & programs being developed for your enjoyment.
You can reserve most of our guided hikes online. You’re just a click away from a great adventure!
Reservations are now being accepted for up to 6 months in advance. Every trail on the Phoenix Mountains brings our guests a totally different prospective on the wildlife, desert flora and breathtaking views. Take a hike on one trail and book another in a different area on the same reservation and receive a big discount, and maybe a pair of movie tickets too. Watch or call for our special themed hikes, too.
A great package, if you love horseback riding, or even if you’ve never ridden on a horse, you’re sure to enjoy our double activity plan Hike’N'Horse Ride with optional lunch with our Hike’N'Eat plan. Take in your 1/2 day (3-4 hour) guided hike in the morning, stay for a delicious lunch under a ramada or at the stables, and mount one of the best trained horses in Arizona for an hour’s scenic ride after you relax a bit.
What of the photographer in you? Don Burns is one of our expert trail guides. He's also a photographer in his “other life!” Don will teach you how to take million dollar shots from any lower cost camera to those costing way more. The Sonoran Desert lands and mountains make for a perfect back drop, not to mention the plants, trees and critters you’ll come across. The animals won’t smile for the shot, but you will once you get the hang of it from Don. Our PHOTOGRAPHY GIUDED HIKES are now open for reservations by phone.
Erica will lead guests on DESERT SURVIVAL HIKES on weekends. Learn how to get water and survive in the unforgiving desert. She will demonstrate how to get red dye used by native Americans from small, white seeds found on plants along several trails. She's truly amazing to watch.
Our new HIP caps and bandannas.
We have new, colorful apparel as free souvenirs for our guests: embrodered caps and cool bandannas, each in a choice of two colors: light blue or natural (desert tan) with our company logo. Each guest has a choice of a bandanna, cap or may elect to donate $5 toward the preservation of our area’s beautiful desert mountains.
Our Special Combo Tour!
A hiking PLUS package: “Hikes & Wakes In The Lake in the Sonoran Desert” Click here for more details!
When it's summer time it's Escape from the heat!
Yes, folks still want to go up on the mountain trails during the summer. However we strongly recommend hiking just at sunrise for you early birds and after sunset for the night owls among us. You’ll enjoy exploring the trails with flashlights and black lights. With nature’s luck we’ll come across some of the nocturnal creatures in the evenings. No promises! Remember all of our guides are First Aid & CPR certified & we’re fully insured. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! So, all you have to do is know when you want to go and call us and book your time and day. 877 HIKE-PHX (877 445-3749) or 602 492-MTNS (6867).
FREE hike for kids!!!
Through age 12 years old, kids hike free! with an adult fare. Teens ages 13 through 17 can still enjoy a great experience at a 20% discount. For you who are neither a kid or senior citizen, ask for a coupon from our brochure from your a local hotel/resort concierge or front desk staff. They should have an ample supply.
A hiking treasure
We were browsing for hiking blogs and found a nice one called: Arizona Hiking. We really like this photo on their blog of a butterfly. Check out more of their photos and learn about their hiking trips. They sound like a bunch of super, fun people!
Copyright of photo respectively owned by Arizona Hiking.