desert life

Valley hiking spots get hot as weather cools

645 miles of Maricopa trails connected across metro

People hike on Elephant Mountain Trail at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation, Jan. 20, 2019.

(Courtesy Maricopa County Parks and Recreation)

A biker rides in the Prickly Pedal Race on the Maricopa Trail.

(Courtesy Maricopa County Parks and Recreation)

Mule deer are seen at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

(Courtesy Karen Martin

Hiking characterizes life in the Sonoran Desert and Paradise Valley residents have some trails right near their backyard that are easily accessible.

There are over 200 mountain ranges in Arizona, 20 of which are in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation manages about 645 miles of trails, with the 315-mile-long Maricopa Trail encircling the Valley of the Sun and connecting it all.

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