For regular readers, you've probably noticed a lot of Arizona hiking posts lately. I can't help it. I love hiking in the desert. 

A I write this from a coffee shop in Austin, Texas, I'm still thinking back smiling at the myriad hikes I did recently while staying with family in North Scottsdale. The area is a local base for sojourns into the desert. Indeed, a common knock on North Scottsdale among Phoenix-ites is that it takes so long to drive to and from. But North Scottsdale's remoteness is its advantage when it comes to outdoor activities. 

I recently wrote about the best three of these North Scottsdale hikes -- Brown's Mountain, Tom's Thumb, and Pinnacle Peak. Each is different in its own way. Brown's Mountain boasts fewer crowds but requires some flat, straight hiking to get to the more interesting ascent; Tom's Thumb is the most strenuous with a lot of ups and downs; and although crowds flock to Pinnacle Peak, the trail can't be beat for a convenient, quick hike.

But the reason for this post tying the three hikes together is to highlight how close they are to one another. An aggressive hiker could tackle them all in a day. Albeit a grueling day. But one hike in the morning, lunch at nearby Rosati's, and then finishing with a second hike in the afternoon might be perfect.

Maybe I'm writing this post solely as a challenge to myself, thinking about a two-for-one the next time I visit North Scottsdale. Otherwise, consider this my public service announcement alerting all to the excellent cluster of desert hiking in North Scottsdale. 

Like this post? Want to read more about Travis and Nicole's travel adventures? Check out A Stunning Hike On The Los Lagos Trail In Huerquehue National Park Near Pucon, Chile.

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