Few areas of the US or even the world encompass Arizona’s Rugged Outdoors with its eminent walkability. With that comes risk, however, and those risks are becoming more present as climate change takes hold; CNN highlights the death of hikers due to dehydration. Staying safe in this environment has always been a challenge, but there are clearly increased risks at play. Hydration aside, heading out into the wilderness is definitely something to be enjoyed, but first, it’s important to account for the increased popularity of Arizona and what that can mean out on the trail.
Establishing liability
Arizona is becoming increasingly popular among hikers from around the country. The Arizona Foothills Magazine notes how many popular trails are now considered among the best in the country, with many of them within touching distance of AZ cities. This does, however, bring up the risk of injury caused by overcrowding, the use of ATV vehicles in walking spots, and the liability that may be incurred where incorporated cities are not providing sufficient safeguards. Having access to the type of personal injury attorney Surprise, Phoenix, and Glendale can provide will give you good cover against such incidents in the best adventure routes. These are the cream of the crop in the state, and include the fantastic Siphon Draw Trail and Piestewa Peak, both of which offer a serious hiking challenge but also give huge rewards to those outdoors-oriented folk who make the effort to go up.
Siphon Draw Trail
At the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Visit Phoenix profiles Siphon Draw Trail (to Flatiron) as one of the most challenging but rewarding trails in the state. Starting in a flat open and airy desert, which presents good views in itself, it then offers a real scrambling experience – all fours likely required – in order to reach the summit. Even at the top, a barely marked trail requires rugged scrambling. However, once up, there are incredible views to be had westward, and likely not too much traffic – the trail is difficult, and experts are required to make it up.
Piestewa Peak
Shorter and less varied than Siphon, what Piestewa lacks in variety it makes up for in complexity – and danger. The Outdoor Project notes that there are huge drops at various points of the trail, making it important to be extremely cautious when clambering up. That aside, the trail, which is only one mile each way, is challenging athletically but relatively quick, and once at the top you get 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see a long way across the state. It’s also worth noting that Piestewa tends to be quite busy due to its reputation and huge summit – worth noting, but also helpful for safety.
Numbers on the trail can help or hinder safety, depending on how hectic it gets. Protecting yourself ahead of time is the key, and making sure the trail you pick is suitable to your skills.