Arizona

[steelfrog]

Yo. I am heading to Phoenix for a conference in a week or so. Should have partial days and at least one full day to play around. I was thinking of the full day in Sedona? or possibly the Superstitions. I've been to Grand Canyon a bunch and done Humphreys.

So, questions: Would the full day be better spent in Superstitions doing Flatiron or Superstition Peak? or going to Sedona and doing something like Wilson Mountain or Cockscomb and Cathedral, or what?

Also, in Phoenix, suggestions for evening hikes--maybe Camelback or something?

I know nothing but what I've found on SP and such so any suggestions would be helpful.

Many thanks!

[Mark A Steiner]

Recommend the trails in Cave Creek State Park in the NE Valley - north of 32nd Street and Carefree Highway. Some good trails in a rocky, volcanic desert terrain. Good views of the Valley from there. Also nearby Black Mountain from the town of Cave Creek - highest point in the immediate area, and higher than either Piestewa or Camelback. Watch for snakes & have a good time.

[Mountainspirit]

Sedona is a great option. Cathedral Rock is a quick but fun ascent. Devil's Bridge is also a fast and interesting hike. Finish up with a soak at Oak Creek State Park. There are a ton of other amazing options in the area

[steelfrog]

Thanks. I will look into those

More specifically, in Sedona what are best places for sunrise and sunset shots?

[Scott P]

So, questions: Would the full day be better spent in Superstitions doing Flatiron or Superstition Peak? or going to Sedona and doing something like Wilson Mountain or Cockscomb and Cathedral, or what?

Check the weather forecast and then make the decision. The Superstitions can already start to get hot this time of year.

Personally, I think the best part of Sedona is the canyons. I'd recommend West Fork Oak Creek, but the water might be chilly.

[Tortoise1]

Agree, watch the weather. You get to pick your temperature if you're willing to drive a bit north. Or Flatiron with an early start would be a good choice. Snakes are out.

[Mountainspirit]

In Sedona, Airport Vortex is a crowded but beautiful spot to watch sunset (from up on the rocks, not the giant concrete pad). But we really enjoed just picking a spot in the dessert (plenty of spots, we preferred ones en route to Boynton Canyon).

[robby40]

if you mountain bike, South Mountain Phoenix: up National Trail, then down Corona de Loma to Desert Classic is certainly one of the most fun and most diverse loops I have ever ridden.

[nyker]

Sedona is a nice place, you can find tons of short-medium hikes to do with some nice scrambling. I was here on this day in 2012 (see link) unknowingly. Was a bit crazy. 1000's of people were amassed to watch.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/20407 ... ec-21-2012" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[steelfrog]

Looks like I'm going to try and get there well before sunrise one day, and stay for sunset; I don't know orientation of things. Is the Little Park Heights Saddle looking west or east toward Bell Rock and Courthouse Mesa?

Any other suggestions for best sunrise and sunset spots to go?

Many thanks.