Central Arizona’s most popular forest area houses six separate ecosystems, and much of it can only be seen on foot. Hikers have long known about the natural wonders that exist here, and this guide corrals all of the best hikes — no small task, since there are over 900 miles of trails in the park. Offering detailed descriptions of each hike, along with practical, need-to-know logistical information, this guide demystifies a truly enormous and beautiful stretch of wilderness.
Tony Padegimas is, among many other things, a free-lance writer who spends as much time as possible in his hammock slung in some random part of a national forest. His wife, two children, and two dogs join him on occasion, but report mixed feelings about whether these endeavors are really worthwhile. The cats have no doubts: they prefer to remain at home in Phoenix.
In addition to wanderings in the wilderness, he also chronicles sports, fitness, historical curiosities, technical theatre (which is also his day job), the inside guts of buildings and other random topics by assignment. His work has appeared in numerous local and regional magazines and a handful of national publications. His book, Day and Overnight Hikes in the Tonto National Forest, is available from Menasha Ridge Press.
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