What are your Favorite Summer Escapes?



These boots are made for hiking...I'm ready to go!

ExploreBeyondYourDoor is a spot to

 talk travel, share hiking adventures and 

experiences about places far from home, in the
greater Southwest or right in our own backyards.

It's summer in Phoenix, AZ and it's hot. Right now, I'm spending a good amount of time dreaming about being somewhere else. I'm dreaming about putting on my hiking boots, jumping in the car and just driving...somewhere cooler.
 

This summer I've been home more than usual and this might be one of the reasons I'm doing more dreaming than actual hiking or traveling.

 

Luckily, I'll be making my great escape over the next few months to several of my favorite places for hiking and road tripping:

• Sedona, Flagstaff and Jerome, AZ
• Santa Fe, NM
• Pagosa Springs, CO

These are some of my favorite summer escapes and I'll be writing about my favorite spots in the coming months. What are your favorite summer escapes?

 

This summer, have you been able to travel around the beautiful state of Arizona? Or did you visit another part of the U.S. for the first time? Maybe you traveled abroad? Would love to hear about your summer adventures!

My planning is done and my boots are ready and waiting to Explore Beyond My Door. I hope yours are too.

 

Happy Trails,

Christie   

Hiking Mt. Lemmon: A Cool Summer Escape

The sky's the limit on Mt. Lemmon! (Photo by Carole)



ExploreBeyondYourDoor is spot to

 talk travel, share hiking adventures and 

experiences about places far from home, in the
greater Southwest or right in our own backyards.

After a spring season filled with party planning, a Celebration of Marriage reception and hosting guests, I finally dusted off my hiking boots and my travel blog. Now that it’s June, I find myself wanting to fly the coop and head south to escape the heat...wait, what?

 

Heading south goes against my summer migratory reflex, which usually has our hiking group heading up to Flagstaff. When looking for a great summer escape, Tucson, AZ, offers surprisingly cool weather up at the top of Mt. Lemmon.

 

Amazingly, it can be up to 30 degrees cooler at the top, compared to Tucson. In about an hour you ascend 6,000 ft. from the desert floor to alpine forests. The scenic drive, along the Catalina Highway, makes it worth the trip!

Click here to learn about Mt. Lemmon

Hoodoo along Catalina Highway



Earlier this month, our ladies hiking group decided to try the Incinerator Ridge Trail. It had excellent views and felt quite secluded. It's a short 1.3-mile out-and-back, providing time to add on additional side hikes. 

We started the trail at a very small parking area near the Palisade Visitors Center. Another option is to start from the other direction at San Pedro Vista.

 

Click here for info on Incinerator Ridge Trail

The trail to the ridgeline marked by log-lined path

Before we headed to the right toward the ridgeline, we went left and did a side hike up to the radio towers. Once along the ridgeline, the view opened up to some incredible views.

Breathtaking view along the ridgeline

Carole, Stormy and I were determined to make it to Leopold Point. Off the main trail, there's an unofficial trail leading to a grouping of big boulders. We did a light rock scramble that offered amazing views in all directions! 

Amazing view from the top of Leopold Point

 

Stormy among the boulders at Leopold Point

Desert still in bloom in June 
 

This area offers many fun hikes and is a great place to beat the heat. This summer, be sure to Explore Beyond Your Door...and take a trip up to Mt. Lemmon!

Happy Hiking,

Christie



Got my head in the clouds at the top of Mt. Lemmon

 

 

 

Reaching New Heights: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail!

Celebrating that "summit" moment!

EBYD is a blog spot to talk travel and share experiences about places far from home, in the greater Southwest or right in our own backyards. 

Spring is a great time to hike in Phoenix! 
This time of year is ideal to get outdoors before the high temps of summer arrive. My goal this past month was to be outside and hike as much as possible (and is why I'm finally getting around to another blog post.)

I've been trying to challenge myself and step up the pace and difficulty level. One goal was to hike Piestewa Peak Summit Trail  (formerly Squaw Peak) at +Piestewa Peak Park. In late March, a few ladies from our "Hike United" (hiking group at work) set out to reach new heights and finish the summit trail.

Piestewa Peak is located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and is named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, a Hopi Indian who was the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. Military. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piestewa_Peak  This peak sits at approximately 2,610 feet and has a total elevation gain of just under 1,200 feet to the summit (sources differ on these numbers). It's the second highest peak in Phoenix, behind Camelback Mountain.

The trail (#300) is only 1.2 miles to the summit but you feel it! It's considered a moderate to difficult hike due to the constant "step ups" required to get to the top...it's an outdoor StairMaster! The trail is rocky and as you ascend, the trail becomes steeper.  




Our adventurous Hike United group stops for a pic



We kept a good pace, made it to the top and joined the "summit party" (this is one popular hike so if you want a "road less traveled" this is not for you!) We spent some time taking photos sitting in an area that is just shy of the actual tallest peak. The view is stunning!

 

Fellow hiker, Kiana, with an amazing view of the city behind her



Not long after we arrived, we met a very friendly squirrel who had joined the summit party. You could tell he's there a lot, along with a few other "items." (We wished we had brought a trash bag to do a quick clean up.) We were up and back down in about two hours.

 



It took you THAT long to get to the top?!
 



Um, did you forget something...your water bottle? Please, don't be a litter bug!

 

It felt good to challenge myself, make it to the top, take in the view and check this one off my list. Do you have your hiking and adventure plans for this spring? If not, we invite you to make that list, get outside and Explore Beyond Your Door!

Happy Travels! 

~ Chris