It’s been a long, long time since my wife and I did a desert hike, so today was a cross training today as we did the new Sunrise Trail on the east end of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale. This is part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a refreshingly outgoing effort by the city to keep tens of thousands of acres of beautiful desert free from development and asphalt.
This trail is no flat desert wander– it climbs 1200 feet in 2 miles to Sunrise Peak, which offers a commanding, sweeiping view of all of Phoenix, Mesa, out tot he Superstitions (the top of Weaver’s Needle), 4 Peaks, Fountain Hills, and the rugged wilderness to the north.
It was a great workout for the calves, and for the spirit as well- the desert is just life giving to me just by being there.
Any info on hiking marathons ion or near southern california??
Sorry, I would really have anything to suggest from here in Arizona. There are periodic times there are events where folks do a Rim to Riam and bacl in the Grand Canyon, 24 hour events.
That’s a bit beyond my level.. I take the canyon at a slow pace to sip the experience.