Friday, February 27 – We headed to Papago Park this morning in Phoenix, Arizona, to hike the West Park Loop Trail.
This trail is listed as easy with mostly smooth and wide paths. We decided to make it a little more challenging by hiking the trail higher up on the mountain. The views are nicer up there, and the trail is rougher and more strenuous. If you choose, you can even move further down the mountain and walk on a paved park path that circles the park.
There is even a large amphitheater. 
There are two buttes we hiked around.
It is recommended to hike counter clockwise around the buttes. Not exactly sure why that is recommended, but we chose that direction regardless. The easy trail is listed at 4 miles in length. The more difficult route we choose to hike ended up being about 5.5 miles in length.
We got some beautiful views of the city of Phoenix from the higher trail.
One unique vision was the never ending line of air planes taking off from the Phoenix airport. It was like a never ending train. One after another about 15 seconds apart lifting steeply off the runway and disappearing on the horizon. Where the heck are all those people going....ha ha!
We took a side trail up to the top of the smaller butte. Some very neat views of the surrounding area. If you are a more adventurous climber, you can ascend the bigger butte also. That takes some pretty steep rock climbing and of course you then have to figure how to get down. We chose to pass on that challenge. Old bones reportedly break easy. Actually, we didn't see anyone attempting that climb.
This is a more leisurely hike then some we've done recently, but we enjoyed it. You can take it easy or increase the challenge, if you wish. It is close by and does not require a long or tedious drive to reach the trailhead. if in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, We think you might enjoy it.
Thanks for stopping it by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
I did that! I love that park. There's so much to see and I loved the archway with Phoenix in the background.
ReplyDeleteGreat views, red rocks, and flowers...sounds like a super time on the trail. I love the beehive shape of those red buttes. I can't believe the two of you hike without water. I would be dying. I don't even go on a short hike out here without it, heck, we don't even go in the car without two bottles of water. It's nice to be able to hike without making a long drive. Sure was a beautiful day:) You've found some nice hiking.
ReplyDeleteLooks like another fun day fresh air, sunshine and exercise, glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteWe have done that hike before and it is lovely. Are the poppies out right now?
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are still out there getting lots of exercise. Great photos of the buttes and the AZ desert.
ReplyDeleteGreat hike and very nice colors!
ReplyDeleteThis will be on our getting longer list of to do while in AZ next winter! Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thank you for your suggestion to check out Jessica's in Mexico. We decided to cross the border on our last day in Mission just to get meds. We were in and out in a couple of hours.
A lot less than recent hikes you've been on lately except for the scenery.
ReplyDeletea well deserved easy (for you guys) hike. . .and beautiful views to boot. . .well done!
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