Lace your boots tight, settle your daypack comfortably on your shoulders, sling on the waterpack and join up with one of the dozens of different hiking groups in Phoenix, Arizona. It seems that any three people who like to hike have formed a group. This reflects the dozens of hiking options in Phoenix from graded walking trails along canals to the lung-busting challenge of climbing Camelback Mountain in less than 30 minutes. South Mountain, the largest city park in the United States, is covered with hiking trails for all skill levels. Then there's Piestewa, the challenging mid-town icon of red rock that's a hiker's neighborhood trek.
Meetups
Browse through the list of more than two dozen pure hiking groups at Phoenix Meetup.com, and if it's not enough, more than 50 groups include hiking with other outdoor doings. Meetup groups are normally free or have nominal membership charges. The groups range from those who rocket up Camelback Mountain in less than 25 minutes and several other fast-paced groups to beginner and moderate-speed hiking groups. There are groups restricting members by age groups, sex, ability, out-of-area hikes, and there is even one for housewives.
The Deans of Hiking Clubs
Join one of the hiking groups that have left soleprints on Valley trails for more than a decade. There are four Phoenix hiking groups with longevity. The oldest hiking group, Desert Adventurers, started in 1982 for the gay and lesbian community. Two more groups date from the 1980s: the Arizona Adventurers for Jewish singles; and Arizona Outdoors and Travel Club for adults older than 31. Wandering Soles, founded in 1997, varies its hikes and camp-outs to match the various skills of its members.
Mixed Activity Hiking Groups
Mixing outdoor recreation activities, several Phoenix hiking clubs include camp-outs, out-of-state trips and kayak/camp/hike travel. Friends Outdoor Hiking and Camping Club does what its name says, mixing camping trips around hikes and also offering regular area hikes for members. The club is a hybrid of both a Meetup group and a formally organized independent group. Arizona Trailblazers trek up to eight miles in the Superstitions during the winter and on the Mogollon Rim in the summer.
Specialty Hiking Groups
Look for plants with the Arizona Natural Plant Society or take a hike for the birds with the Audubon Society. The Arizona Trail Association combines its regular hikes with work on completing the Mexico-to-Utah hiking trail. The Phoenix branch of the Sierra Club sponsors regular hikes, usually combined with volunteer docents adding learning to the exerting. The Phoenix Ski Club uses the off-season to schedule member hikes throughout the state.
Fun for the Family
Bring the family on a hike with the The Active AZ Families Meetup Group, add the dog and join with the Paw Placement Trail Trek, or keep pace with the The Phoenix 2-hour Beginner and Casual Hikers Group. These hiking clubs keep the pace easy, the hikes doable, and welcome children and pets. The clubs center their hikes at various locations in Phoenix and environs. These groups serve those who like to hike and need to get in shape to do it as well.
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