Thanksgiving is here and it is a time to reflect on the year and be grateful. It has been a journey at HikePhoenix and I am excited for what it has grown into and what we have planned for 2026.

Thank you for being here, have a wonderful holiday and best of luck if you have to travel this week.

In this week’s edition:

Thank you for being here, see you out there! 🙏

The danger from summer heat is behind us, but there are still plenty of risks when heading out on the trail Another rescue happened this weekend at South Mountain. (link)

Firefighters used the big wheel operation to bring her down the mountain successfully. She was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

Due to erosion from recent rain storms, the Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain REMAINS CLOSED. (link)

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has temporarily closed Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain until further notice due to safety concerns caused by recent storms. The closure is necessary to ensure public safety while the City of Phoenix assesses the damage and determines next steps.

Park rangers will remain on duty to educate visitors about the closure and ensure the public stays off the trail until it is deemed safe to reopen.

The Lost Dutchman State Park hosted an event in October, diving into the notion that the Superstition Mountains are haunted. What do you think, are these mountains really haunted? (link)

One of the most intense trails in North Peoria, but the rock formations and endless views make it worth the effort. (link)

If you’re like me, you have long list of hiking gear you have been wanting to pick up. Black Friday isn’t just for giant TV’s and big box store fist fights, there are some great deals to be had on the stuff you really want. (link)

Have a hiker on your shopping list? Keep an eye out for our holiday gift guide for hikers, coming next week!

Mountain views & minutes from the trails in Estrella Mountain Regional Park. This house in Goodyear is just a few years old and provides easy access to the hiking enthusiast.

See all the details and pics of this home with mountain views from the backyard.

The previous trivia question was ‘Which Phoenix-area trail leads to ancient petroglyphs carved by the Hohokam People?

✅ Answer: Holbert Trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve.

The Holbert Trail is one of the best-known spots in the Phoenix area to see ancient Hohokam petroglyphs, some estimated to be more than 800 years old. The carvings are found along the rocky slopes near the trailhead and as you climb toward Dobbins Lookout.

Fun fact: South Mountain contains hundreds of petroglyph panels, making it one of the largest concentrations of Hohokam rock art in central Arizona. The images often depict animals, spirals, humans, and abstract shapes, thought to represent stories, rituals, or astronomical observations.

The Arrowhead Hiking Club is here to help fight off the YUUUGEE calorie intake that is Thanksgiving. We’re heading out on Saturday, November 29th to stretch our legs and fight back against leftovers!

Get all the info this hike & all of our upcoming hikes at ArrowheadHikingClub.com

This group is for everyone of all skill levels, seasoned backpacker to beginner, we’d love to have you join us, no matter what part of the Valley you live in!!

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