Arizona is a beautiful state with stunning, often stark, scenery. Whether visitors enjoy the desert or high mountain regions, the state has something that appeals to everyone. If you are eager to test the soles of your boots while exploring this southwestern state, consider the book, Arizona Trails for Children. Arizona Trails for Children is a hiking guide for families, describing over 135 trails throughout Arizona, suitable for both young and mature hikers. Each trail features a specific destination or a unique ecological zone. Families will enjoy exploring the ruins of ancient Native Americans, swimming in natural water holes with sparkling waterfalls, gazing out from high peaks or investigating sheltered canyons. This book has been well received by both children and adults as it provides unique information in exploring the geology, the history and the natural environment of our state.

Many parents are eager to introduce their children to the outdoors but staring at a Forest Service map offers few clues to the hundreds of trails in Arizona. Arizona Trails for Children divides the state into eleven regions, with each chapter describing between ten and fifteen hikes in a particular region that are suitable for day hikers. Don’t be deceived by the title. The book has been well received by both adults and children. However, unlike many other hiking books, the trails we have chosen are within the capabilities of most children, five years and older. There are also some shorter hikes meant for younger hikers just learning to explore the outdoors. Whether hiking with children or grandchildren, Arizona Trails for Children is an excellent guide for teaching the younger generation about the outdoors.

Each hike is given two pages with a brief description and a fact summary allowing adult hikers to quickly assess whether the trail is appropriate for their children. A map shows the access to the trailhead with general topographical markers to guide hikers as they move along the trail. Each hike has at least one feature such as a stream or historical ruin that will give families an interesting destination and encourage hikers to consider the history, geology and ecological features of our state.

If you enjoy long, multi-day hikes that take you to the ragged edge, this book may not be for you. If you are looking for hikes averaging one to five miles in length to interesting destinations, we encourage you to check out Arizona Trails for Children. ISBN 0-9672576-0-3 355 pages, 93 photos $14.99