Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Up the Mountain I Go

Last Updated
October 3, 2000

Here are the hikes that I have done. I have started out fairly simple and I am working to some major hikes next summer in the mountains north of Phoenix.

But for now:

Muir Woods
North of San Francisco, CA
I went on hikes twice in the redwoods north of San Francisco. I had business in California and managed to get an extra day before each trip. On my first trip I took a small hike with several hundred (thousand) other people. It is the standard walk in the redwoods most tourists get.

The second time, I decided to go off the beaten path of the common tourist and did The Ocean View trail for some time and then came back on the Fern Creek trail. It was much nicer being pretty much alone for the hike and away from the crowds.

Squaw Peak Summit Trail
Phoenix, AZ
First Hike Date: 9/2/2000
Length: 1.2 miles

This is probably the most hiked trail in the country. On the weekend, there can be several thousand people, so I've been told. I've hiked to the top (2608 feet elevation) many times. It has always been packed at the top. You can't get lost on this one, follow all the others. It has been called the boardwalk of Phoenix hiking.

The view from the top is great. There are peaks, one to the west and one to the east on the top. The west peak is lower and easier to get to. You may have trouble finding a place to sit. The east peak is higher and tougher to get to. Usually only a few people on this side. The view from either is spectacular (should have photos on next trip). You can see the entire valley and most of the major landmarks.

Squaw Peak Circumference Trail
Phoenix, AZ
First Hike Date: 10/1/2000
Length: 3.5 miles
This trail starts out as the Squaw Peak Summit Trail and takes its own route at the 0.6 mile marker. The trail slopes down quickly from the climb and rambles on through the washes on the back side of Squaw Peak. You can get away from the city here. Most of the freeway noise is cut off by the mountains and the only things you see are the cacti and rocks.

The trail is not as busy as the Summit Trail, but the people are very friendly. Everyone says "hello" or "good morning". I enjoy this trail as a way to relax and get away from the crowds.

Bridle Trail
North Rim Grand Canyon, AZ
First Hike Date: 5/24/2003
Length: 1.1 miles

This is a nice short hike with little change in elevation. It starts at the North Rim Lodge and ends at the trail head for the North Kaibab Trail. We hiked this starting at 5:30 AM for the big rim to rim hike. Not too much else to say.

North Kaibab Trail
North Rim Grand Canyon, AZ
First Hike Date: 5/24/2003
Length: 14.4 miles

This is a grueling hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. It took us about 6 hours to get to Phantom Ranch at the bottom. That was my resting place until Sunday. I stayed at the Bright Angel Campground for the night. The views of the canyon are spectacular.

Ribbon Falls Trail
North Rim Grand Canyon, AZ
First Hike Date: 5/24/2003
Length: 0.3 miles

This is a nice short side hike off of the North Kaibab Trail. The falls are spectacular. A great place to rest for a while and forget the rest of the world exists.

Bright Angel Trail
South Rim Grand Canyon, AZ
First Hike Date: 5/25/2003
Length: 9.6 miles

OK, this trail kicked my ass. The ranger at the campground suggested I break camp as early as possible. After sleeping on the picnic table until midnight due to the heat, I broke camp at 7AM and started out. I got to the top (4800 feet up) a little past 1:30 PM. It was tough. Next time I'm starting earlier.

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