Phoenix

With more than 4 million people, the Phoenix metropolitan area is one of the country's largest. Surprisingly, it's also one of the most diverse and dramatic for hikers, with scenic destinations ranging from area parks, greenbelts, and preserves to high and low deserts and breathtaking mountains. This easy-to-use guide features the best scenic day hikes, determined by author Charles Liu using state-of-the-art GPS technology. These hikes are geared to every skill level, whether it's a comfortable stroll for the family or a tricky trek for the more fearless hiker. Stretching from Hidden Valley to the south to the Superstition Wilderness to the north, the book contains clear trail maps and profiles complemented by detailed descriptions and useful at-a-glance information. All roughly within an hour's drive of the Valley of the Sun, the trails highlighted in this updated edition begin right inside the city limits with popular Camelback Mountain.