The weather is perfect and school is getting stressful. What better way to get out of the daily grind and de-stress than to go for a hike at one of the Valley's many prime hiking areas?
With the decrease in temperature comes an increase in outdoor activities, and hiking is one of the Valley's main outdoor attractions.
Tempe Butte, better known as "A" Mountain, is a popular hike for Tempe residents, but in just a short drive one can reach Camelback Mountain, South Mountain and Papago Park.
These local hiking hot spots provide an array of free hikes. They range in difficulty so the person who just wants to go for a stroll can have as much fun as the person who is an avid hiker. Also, the hikes offer a variety of scenery in their plants, animals and panoramic views.
Tempe resident Sue Arnett, 56, is an avid Valley hiker.
"I go to Camelback and South Mountain for different reasons," she said. "Camelback is good for a hard workout, but it is beautiful. It has gorgeous flowers and a great view because it is in the middle of the city."
She goes to South Mountain because of the variety of trails.
"South Mountain is the largest city park in America," Arnett said. "On some of the trails you can't see the city."
Picnic areas and ramadas can be reserved at South Mountain and Papago Park, making it even more fun for a large group picnic.
At South Mountain the two available ramadas are free to reserve and they each have a restroom. The Big Ramada will accommodate 150 people while the Little Ramada has a capacity of 60 people. There are several free picnic areas in the park. Additionally, beer and music permits are available for $12.50.
The smaller ramadas at Papago Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The larger ones need to be reserved at least two business days beforehand and fees range from $25 to $60. They all have water and are lighted. Some ramadas even have electricity.
Sometimes hiking isn't all fun and games, though.
Retired fire captain and paramedic Terry Self said that the fire department gets called all the time to go and help somebody on the trail.
"People won't take enough water or they'll underestimate the hike," Self said. "It happens especially in the cooler months - late spring and early fall."
He added that they usually give the hiker some water and maybe an energy bar so he can make it to the end of the trail.
Other times a hiker will fall because he is dehydrated, Self said. This can result in head injuries and the hiker will either have to be carried or flown out.
These situations can be easily prevented. The most important safety tip is to let somebody know where you will be and when you will be back, Self said. "Let them know when they should call for help. Preferably, take at least one other person hiking with you."
Other tips include bringing snacks, plenty of water, wearing sunscreen and pre-hydrating. Also, bringing a cell phone can sometimes be helpful, Self added.
Beyond Tempe
'Hiking trails around the Valley'
Where: Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, Papago Park
What to bring: Snacks, water, sunscreen, cell phone, and a buddy
More info: http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikemain.html
Reach the reporter at: jennifer.oconnor.1@asu.edu.