FollowBest Day Hikes in the Southwest
The Southwest part of the United States has some of the most beautiful day hikes around. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced hiker, the Southwest can make your experience unforgettable. From Arizona to New Mexico to Utah, the landscape is mostly desert in the lower parts of the states and forests in the northern sections. What makes the Southwest special is that in most areas you can hike year round. Be careful while out there as you can get dehydrated quickly and there are more poisonous critters than you might be used to. Here are some of the best day hikes in the Southwest.
Sedona, Arizona
Located just two hours north of Phoenix is Sedona, Arizona. You can hike over the red sand that is said to be magical or next to Oak Creek and see some amazingly beautiful scenery. Sedona is like no other place on earth with its red clay. Your eyes are feasting as you explore this area. Don’t forget to pick up a Red Rock Pass for parking at the trailheads. For an easy setting, take the Baldwin Trail hike, which gives a great view of Cathedral Rock – it is breathtaking there!
Moab, Utah
An epic place to do this sport is definitely in Moab, Utah. The scenery is the epitome of the Southwest. The Fishers Tower or Hunters Canyon trail is relatively easy to do. You might want to pack a camera as the views are amazing. There are two National Parks in Moab worth checking out – Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Silver City, New Mexico
For those that like to step back and see a little bit of history, head over to Silver City, New Mexico. North of Silver City by 45 miles is Cliff Dwellings National Monument. You can hike back and see the dwellings, relics, and imagine the way of life that existed over 700 years ago for the Pueblo Indians. It is an easy venture and one that would be great to take with one of the Rangers so you can learn a little history during your journey back into the past.
