Phoenix, Arizona
“Winter” is a loose concept in Phoenix—The Valley of the Sun—where the average February temperature is 70 degrees. Maybe that’s why the city has swelled into the nation’s fifth largest. Despite the population boom, the sprawling metropolis includes the world’s largest municipal park and has a population density more on par with Portland, Maine, than Manhattan. That’s all the more reason to get outdoors, and there are plenty of options within a short drive of downtown.
Hike & Bike
Flanking the city’s south side is South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the world (17,000 acres). More than 58 miles of hiking and biking trails range from easy one-milers to white-knuckle downhills. Short, steep, and scenic, the Javelina Canyon Trail starts at the Beverly Canyon parking lot at 46th Street, south of Baseline Road. Local mountain bikers also love the Desert Classic Trail that starts at the Pima Canyon Trailhead and affords some of the best Sonoran Desert views within the city limits. The intermediate-level 18-mile out-and-back is packed with rolling singletrack, some short climbs and rocky sections, and a few sandy washes. If you want to up the ante, link up with the Mormon/National Trail for some nail-biting downhills and dropoffs. www.phoenix.gov/parks
Backpack & Climb
East of the city, the Superstition Mountains offer hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Climbs range from short, bolted sport routes to multi-pitch spires. The trad routes require route finding skills and the ability to scout adequate protection in soft rock, but those challenges are what attract climbers here. Note: There’s a bolting ban within the wilderness boundaries, but some routes have fixed anchors from the 1960s. www.arizona-leisure.com/superstition-mountain.html
Paddle & Fish
Tempe Town Lake is a 2-mile-long reservoir of the Salt River squeezed between Arizona State University’s campus and the 2,000-acre Papago Park, just north of downtown. Kayaks, sailboats, and competitive rowers are all welcome, and the lake is also stocked with rainbow trout monthly between November and February. Pick up a boating permit and inquire about rentals at the marina just south of the 202 Freeway at College Avenue. www.tempe.gov/boating
—Gina DeMillo Wagner
Category: US
