Arizona, well known for its deserts and rapidly expanding population, is also home to some of the country’s most incredible hiking. There are over a hundred miles of trails within Phoenix’s city limits alone.

Literally in our back yard is South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the country. It would take almost all day to hike the 15 miles end to end. There are numerous shorter side trails that offer a variety of scenery, views and level of difficulty. There’s something for everybody.

For the last ten years I’ve hiked in South Mountain one to five times a week, mostly Telegraph Pass. I considered writing a description that would compel you to try it out for yourself but the truth is I’m just not all that sure I want all of you out there.

Suffice it to say, within just a few hundred steps, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the desert with only occasional glimpses of pink tiled roofs to remind you that you’re so close to home. Ok, ok. If you want more details and maps, you can look them up yourself. 

What you won’t find on that website is a description of the other hikers that have discovered this treasure. It isn’t a parade like some of the trails in the middle of Phoenix, but unless you’re the first one in or the last one out, you’re bound to cross paths with some of them. Many are regulars and though I don’t know their actual names, they are a familiar and welcome part of my hike.

First Timers: They carefully gaze at the map at the base of the trail. You’ll overhear them saying something like, “A mile and a half one way doesn’t sound too bad.” And it’s really not. The first mile is mostly flat - and the first half mile is even paved. It’s that last half mile that gets you. Skip it the first few times if you want.

Alone But Not Lonely: These hikers fall into two subtypes – those who appear deep in thought and those who scale the mountain to whatever beat their i-Pod is pumping out. Either way, they seem to be enjoying what may be the only hour to themselves all day.

Coffee Klatch: These women travel in twos and threes and hike early before work or after their kids are safely on the school bus. You’ll hear just snippets of their conversations as you pass, like “My boss was caught…”, “The entire cheer squad…”, and “…goes great with Sauvignon Blanc.” Beats spending four dollars at Starbucks.

Couples Connecting: Steeling away to plan the day or catch up when it is over, these pairs have found a great way to keep their bodies and their relationship in shape.  

Fitness Buffs: Easy to spot wearing sports bras and expensive heart rate monitors, these are runners rather than hikers. You’ll spot them gracefully flying down the mountain, barely skimming the rocks as they rush to make it to their 7 a.m. spin class.   

Melting Woman: It isn’t the heat. This woman seems to weigh another pound less every time I see her. I just had to tell her how much I admired her as we passed. She gave me a broad smile and tossed back, “Only another 30 to go!”   

Senior Warriors: These gray-haired marvels in wide-brimmed hats ward off advancing age with their weekly, and in some cases daily, treks up the mountain. They put most 30- and 40-somethings to shame. They always say hi and something about what a beautiful day it is. I silently promise myself that I’ll still hike when I’m their age too.

Doggy Bag Lady: This one is very rare. She doesn’t own a dog but takes ten or so doggie doo-doo bags from the stand and picks up other people’s dog poop as she walks. I thanked her one day and she simply said, “I’m just doing my little part to make the world a better place.” And a better place it is, indeed.

You’ll also pass photographers hoping for a smog-free view of the Valley from the top, backpackers training for a Grand Canyon rim to rim and mountain bikers that have to carry rather than ride their bikes up the steepest parts (I still haven’t figured that one out). You’ll see lots of dogs, a home-schooled child out for P.E. and an occasional cross country team. You probably won’t see a rattlesnake; I’ve only seen four in my hundreds of hikes - but I’m always on the lookout.

And you’ll probably see me. I’ll be the one with the dog, gabbing with my girlfriend, connecting with my husband, or by hiking myself deep in thought. If you say hi, I’ll say hi back.

Michelle

http://www.michellemaymd.com/meet-michelle.shtml

Posted in: Active Lifestyle • Healthy Attitudes • Healthy Travel Tips • Hiking in Arizona • hiking in Phoenix • South Mountain Park • Telegraph Pass |

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