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Lately, I've been hiking a lot, and my mother (in her late 50s and not super active) is always asking to go with me. The problem? I tend to do hikes that are 15-19 miles, and I don't know of too many good ones that are in her range, which I'd put at 5-7 moderate to difficult miles. I would really appreciate suggestions of interesting 5-7 mile trails or loops in the greater Phoenix area, so I figured I'd ask the experts.

Thanks so much for any help!

Rachel

South Mountain: Park at the 24th St. parking lot. Walk 1/2 mile on the streets to Geronimo Trail. Head up Geronimo, east on National, through Hidden Valley (visiting Fat Man's Pass and the natural tunnel), and then down Mormon. About 7 miles. Its my new favorite local hike.

McDowell Mt. Park has alot of loops in that range and it's all mostly flat in case the elevation gain is an issue. You can at least start out with that and then move up to western Supes. Lots of good views of the Supes, 4Peaks, McDowell Mts, etc.

Hidden Valley via Buena Vista is pretty popular with families, moms and such. Since you drive to the top then hike over ;)

If she's a non-hiker, and "not super active", I'd suggest starting her with something less that 5-7 miles.

The Gateway Loop in the McDowell's is right around 4 miles, and would be good for a beginner.

Assess her abilities there before scarring her on something longer. When I first started, I thought anyone who wanted to hike more than a few miles, was out of their mind.

Thanks for all the advice! I will definitely start in those areas. In terms of her abilities, I suppose I should clarify - she has done Camelback via Echo Canyon (albeit slowly) and was recently fine on the Brins Mesa Trail up in Sedona.

Thanks again, and happy trails.

RachelT wrote:Thanks for all the advice! I will definitely start in those areas. In terms of her abilities, I suppose I should clarify - she has done Camelback via Echo Canyon (albeit slowly) and was recently fine on the Brins Mesa Trail up in Sedona.

Your address is listed as Tempe so the suggestions so far are great. We don't know where she lives. If she lives in Tempe, you are perfectly situated. The South Mountain suggestions and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve suggestions are great. You could also consider some Superstition Wilderness hikes. First Water TH out on the Dutchman 104 trail is interesting. If she can hike Camelback she could also hike Peralta. You will be on very popular trails with lots of other hikers so that if you have a problem (twisted ankle, fatigue etc) you will have lots of help. I would also add Pinnacle Peak.