Recorded Books Inc. - 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Phoenix

When presented with the prospect of tackling this project, I felt justifiably elated for such an incredible opportunity and yet equally concerned about the monumental task at hand. Metropolitan Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the country, and there are hundreds of trails around it. To render adequate coverage and to choose the 60 best trails turned out to be more challenging than I had imagined. Thankfully, over the years I have developed an extensive network of avid hiking friends who are always willing to offer sage advice, trail companionship, and other assistance. Many have contributed to this book in a direct or subtle manner, and some have even done so unknowingly. For their help, Im sincerely grateful.

The following individuals have contributed in specific ways. I would like to acknowledge them here in alphabetical order. Please forgive any accidental omissions.

Lisa Cozzetti provided valuable guidance on South Mountain National Trail and the Boulder Canyon Trail to LaBarge Canyon.

John Daleiden suggested combining Mormon Trail with the Hidden Valley Loop as an alternative to the popular NationalMormon Loop. He also assisted in plotting an enjoyable route around Hayden Butte, also known as A-Mountain, and Tempe Town Lake.

Pat Donahue recommended Fish Creek for its superb scenery.

Amy Kemper assisted with fact checking and research for the second edition.

Skip and Zenda Treaster brought Circlestone to my attention and gave fascinating insights on this remote archaeological treasure.

The following groups of people also contributed significantly.

A special recognition goes to members of Take-A-Hike and CharlesHike for tagging along on my often torturous hiking excursions and for volunteering as photo subjects on these trips.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. David Pheanis, John Daleiden, and Jim Garvey for writing letters of recommendation.

Id like to thank Russell Helms and the Menasha Ridge Press staff for entrusting me with this book and for providing seasoned advice and guidance.

Many thanks go to Webmasters around the Phoenix area for publishing hike information, photos, and other related data. Some notable sources of valuable data include the Arizona Republic, HikeArizona.com, City of Phoenix, City of Tempe, City of Scottsdale, City of Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona State Parks, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, and the National Park Service.

Last but not least, Id like to acknowledge my family, Mary Liu, Shaung Liu, and Jana Langseth-Liu, for offering support in many ways during the yearlong effort.

This book is dedicated to Arizona hikers and to those who work tirelessly to maintain and improve trails in the vicinity.

CHARLES LIU