Arizona Hiking

Hiking Arizona's Geology
Ivo Lucchitta

Another book of a favorite series of mine, the Hiking Geology series from The Mountaineers Books. After describing rock types, geologic time, and the various geologic forces, the book goes on to describe the geology of 41 popular trails throughout Arizona in easy-to-understand language. Hiking Arizona's Geology includes the South Kaibab and Tanner trails. For a book completely on Grand Canyon's trails, check out Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology.

 

The Ultimate Desert Handbook: A Manual for Desert Hikers, Campers and Travelers
Mark Johnson

There is a book I really enjoy and feel is a great resource for hiking or traveling in the desert, which of course the Grand Canyon's Inner Gorge is! I'm very excited about it because it is a manual for desert adventurers—a topic dismally ignored by most books on the subject of outdoor adventure. There are plenty of books covering oceans, mountains, and prairies, but you'd almost think the desert didn't exist judging by how few books cover it. And I guarantee that hiking in the mountains and the desert are completely different from one another. This is an invaluable book for those hiking in Canyon Country.

 

Arizona Atlas & Gazetteer
Delorme

This isn't something for your backpack but actually for your home and vehicle. I use this when planning the larger strategy on where to hike and laying out the trip. This atlas includes topo maps of the entire state and shows the back roads and differentiates between public lands, shows trails and jeep roads, fishing areas and launch sites. It highlights Grand Canyon's South Rim Scenic Route and includes a lot more useful information on Arizona recreational and historical sites. A great resource!

 

Canyoneering Arizona: Revised Edition
Tyler Williams and Lisa Gelczis

What a fun and amazing book. Arizona offers so much for the avid outdoors person-gorgeous slot canyons, peaceful riparian areas, and weather somewhere in the state that is perfect for being outdoors all year long! This book offers something for everyone from beginners to "gonzo" hikers.

All the necessary information is here. You'll find descriptions of the trails, terrain, distances, difficulty, and time needed to complete your hike. There are maps and directions to help you get to the trailhead and follow the route.

Not only is this a great guide, but also there are some wonderful photographs to entice you to explore Arizona's wild canyons. During times that I can't get out and play, I often pick this book up to read and dream about the trips described. So much to do, so little time!

 

Hiking Arizona's Cactus Country
Erik Molvar

I believe that Falcon Guides publishes some of the finest trail guides. This excellent book takes you through more than 85 trails in the Sonoran Desert. All trails are encompassed within the southern third of Arizona. This comprehensive guide includes hikes in Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe National Monument, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, Chiricahua National Monument and Mountains, and the border ranges.

You'll find hikes that take you into canyons or over the tops of mountains, and trips ranging from easy day hikes to strenuous, multi-day backpacks. One thing I really find helpful are the trail profiles shown for each hike. With each description you find information on trailheads, maximum elevation, elevation loss and gain, mileage, water sources, seasons, maps needed, managing agencies, and backcountry information. There is some very useful information at the beginning of the book that helps you plan your trip and gives you tips on dealing with the desert's special, and often harsh, features.

 

Sedona Hikes: 130 Day Hikes and 5 Vortex Sites around Sedona
Richard & Sherry Mangum

This is THE book for Sedona hikers! The Sedona area offers many spectacular places to explore. Richard and Sherry Mangum have detailed descriptions and maps for 135 day hikes of the area in this guide. And for those of you interested in the metaphysical, you'll even find the directions to five of Sedona's famous vortex sites. The Mangums consistently publish new editions which supply up-to-date information on hiking in this magical area.

 

Sedona's Top 10 Hikes
Dennis Andres

This is a good choice for those visiting Sedona—especially first timers. It allows you to check out some very nice hikes without getting into anything extremely strenuous or too remote. There are trails for various abilities which are very well described and easy to follow. Beautiful photos will help you decide which trails you wish to take.

 

Favorite Hikes: Flagstaff & Sedona
Cosmic Ray

Cosmic Ray has lived and played in the Flagstaff and Sedona area for over 25 years and has been writing trail guides for many of those years. His books are easy to read and follow, and his sense of humor infuses his descriptions. His trail maps are both useful and amusing. Also included in the book are tidbits of information on the area's wildlife and Sedona's vortex sites. Not a fancy book but a lot of great information!