3 Post Halloween Hikes to Burn Off The Candy Calories – Arizona Hikers Guide
Year after year on Halloween I replay the same sad scene. I eat what feels like 18,000 calories of candy. I know I’m not supposed to. I know I’m going to get sick and probably get a cavity. I know that I should listen to my wife when she says “remember what happened last year”. But what am I supposed to do with a bunch of left over fun-sized Snickers and Reese’s? Let them go to waste? I don’t think so.
So every year I end up regretting all my Halloween diet decisions and spend the next few days planning ways to shed the unwanted and unneeded calories. Since this year’s Halloween falls on a Saturday it is only natural that I will be spending the weekend outdoors hiking. I put together 3 post Halloween hikes to burn off that unwanted fat.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Length: 2.4 miles round trip
- Time: 2 hrs.
- Elevation Change: + 1280 ft.
Although this hike is just over a mile to the summit it is one butt-kicker of a hike. The entire 1.2 mile ascent is a steep uphill battle of climbing, hiking, and boulder hopping. The trail is well maintained, however, and is one of the most hiked trails in the Valley of the Sun.
Tip: If you decide to go the day after Halloween, make sure to get there EARLY to claim a parking spot at the Echo Canyon TH.
- Location: Flagstaff, AZ
- Length: 10.5 miles round trip
- Time: 5 – 6 hours
- Elevation change: +3,320 ft.
You should expect a challenge when you hike the tallest peak in the state and that is exactly what you get when you hike Humphreys Trail #51. Right from the start the trail begins it’s 5 mile and over 3,000 ft. ascent upwards towards the impressive San Francisco Peaks. During Halloween season there is more than a good chance that there will be snow at the summit which will add to the beauty and challenge of the hike.
Tip: This hike takes you to the tallest peak in Arizona topping off at 12,637 ft. which is above the timber line. Hikers should be aware that the elevation levels can make you sick if you are not accustomed to it and the weather can change in a moment’s notice. Please use caution when hiking to this summit and bring cold weather gear as there will most likely be snow at the top!
- Location: Superior, AZ
- Length: 4 miles round trip
- Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Elevation change: +2,400 ft.
This short, yet grueling hike is located just outside Superior, AZ and is a great hike to shed some pounds. The trail begins at the Picketpost TH and shares the first portion of the trail with the Arizona Trail. After the trail junctions, you will begin the 1.5 mile long sweaty yet scenic path to the summit. Much like it’s cousin The Flatiron, the Picketpost Mountain trail follows a draw that siphons water from the top of the mountain to the valley floor. You will hike (climb with all fours in spots) to the top where a red metal mailbox marks the summit. Inside you will letters, notes, and little trinkets that people have left. The views from the top are worth every drop of sweat it takes to make it.
Tip: This is a great hike for this time of year. Be sure to read inside the mailbox to find out how it made it’s way up to the top!
Let me know what you think about these hikes in the comments below. What hikes are your favorite for burning calories?