Hiking

Comments on hiking by Kato D. Haws Jr.

Hiking as recreation and exercise

Hiking is a really good exercise and a lot of fun.

Cautions

When hiking, especially in Arizona, you need to observe the following:

• Get in shape (by walking AND* climbing stairs or biking)
• Take plenty of water (not distilled)
• Consider a source of electrolytes, like salted dates or raisins, or a sports drink
• Take adequate food
• Use sturdy footwear for bushwacking, and up talus slopes
• Hike at a pace you are comfortable with
• Don't bite off more than you can chew
• Hike with compatible companions
• Don't hike alone in backcountry

.*Remember that you must use the muscles in essentially the same way they will be used on the hike, or you will not be preparing for it.

Arizona Hikes

I have been on numerous hikes in Arizona, including the following:

• First Water to Canyon Lake (two times)
• First Water to Peralta (two different ways)
• Peralta to First Water
• Garden Valley Loop
• Miner's Needle loop
• Reevis Ranch (several times)
• Reevis Falls (several times)
• Horton Springs (from both directions)
• Mount Wrightson (lost my transmission on '63 Rambler on this trip)
• North Rim to South Rim of Grand Canyon
• Down Bright Angel and up Tanner (or something like that)
• Paria Canyon (quick-sand hazards and all)
• White Mountains Whiting High Adventure Trek
• Oak Flat to Buckhorn Ridge to Cottonwood Ranch
• Barnhart trail to Verde River
• Flatiron (several times)
• Aravaipa Canyon (a few times - inc. with wife and family)
• Various ruins in the Cherry Creek area, see Cooper Forks

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