Travel Your Backyard ~ Day Trips (Part1)

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Who says you have to take a flight somewhere for it to be called "traveling" or a "trip"?

Not me! In my humble opinion, it is far from the truth. Some of our most memorable "travels" have been basically right in our own backyard so to speak. Day trips or even weekend getaways are fun and affordable. Plus not to mention less stressful than trips that take months to plan and save up for!

Last spring while our son and his family were visiting from Oregon we decided to do some hiking close to home in Phoenix, Arizona. Winter, spring and late fall are the best times for hiking around Phoenix. Because as you can imagine with temps above 100 degrees in the summer it is not too much fun hiking and dripping sweat from every pore of your body. Always remember to carry plenty of drinking water and apply lots of sunblock, even in the winter. Sunglasses and a hat are a good idea also. Here is a link to an awesome hiking book for the Phoenix area: 60 Hikes within 60 miles: Phoenix



Our two favorite hikes in Phoenix are Camelback Trail and Squaw Peak Trail. While hiking these trails I have seen people jogging up to the top and back down. This amazes me as I can barely make the trek at a leisurely pace. My 3 year old grandson who has been raised to be a man and do it on his own steam, actually did hike Squaw Peak mostly on his own until Grandpa felt sorry for him and gave him a piggy back ride. The views are spectacular once you get to the top and make you glad you pushed on through to the other side. Just make sure to stay on the trails so you don't get stuck by cactus needles!

We love Phoenix. We have only lived here a year so it is exciting for us to get out and explore the area where we live. We want to encourage you to get out and explore your own neighborhood. Think of it this way; someone on the other side of the world would love to come and see where you live! So get out there and enjoy your own backyard!

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Photos

Squaw Peak
Let's jog to the top!

Squaw Peak Trail
View of Phoenix below

Lori, Zephyn and Alan
Grandpa gives the little hiker a piggyback ride!