Why Hiking In Arizona Is Best Before Summer Heat Hits

Staying inside when the weather’s this good feels like a crime against nature. Right now we have beautiful, cool Arizona mornings and warm, but not yet melt-your-face-off, afternoons. They’re practically begging us to get outside and soak it up before the scorching summer days make it impossible.

In a hot minute (see what I did there?), we’ll be plotting our hikes like tactical missions, dodging the midday sun. For now, though, it’s prime time for a goo old-fashioned hike.

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Hiking Doesn’t Need a Trust Fund

Here’s the thing about hiking: you don’t need fancy gear or a pile of money to get out and hike. Grab some sturdy shoes (yes, those sneakers work), toss in some snacks and a water bottle, slap on a hat and sunscreen, and boom! You’re an adventurer.

If you’re planning to go somewhere with a lot of underbrush, be sure to wear jeans or at least long pants to keep the critters and poking plants at bay.

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Don’t Be a Trail Outlaw

Hiking in Arizona is great, but the climate can be brutal. No matter when or where you go, always tell someone where you’re going and approximately when you’ll be back.

Always have at least a rough plan for your route. We’ve got a lot of choices: public land, state and national parks, you name it. But be aware that there’s a lot of private land too, and accidentally trespassing could lead to some awkward conversations, or worse.

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Quick Tips to Stay Safe—And Legal

Quick legal tip: hiking on private property in Arizona without permission is a big no-no under Arizona’s trespassing laws. Depending on the situation, you could be looking at anything from a slap on the wrist to a full-blown felony.

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Getting caught hiking on private land is one thing, but staying overnight could be even worse. Camping on private land or poking around abandoned buildings is off-limits, too.

Play it safe: stick to well-marked, public trails, hydrate like a cactus, and take care of your feet. Arizona’s outdoors are waiting, and they’re way more fun when you’re not running from the law.

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