Hiking and Area Lingo (Phoenix, Scottsdale: inspect , suburbs, buying)

[foma]

Two questions:

#1: What are some good places to hike on the west side? We went to Estrella Mountain park the other day and we went a 2.8 mile hike. Although 2.8 isn't far, I thought the terrain was a little rough for a beginner. Husband thinks that their flat terrain has no view and is too short. Anyway, so if anybody knows of any hiking areas that's under 5 miles with a pretty view and a somewhat even terrain, please respond!

#2: So we've only lived here a few months and I'm trying to get the lingo around here. Is Paradise Valley and West Valley the same thing? I don't think they are but it always seems to be referring to the same area. Is there a Maricopa County and a towned called Maricopa? Buckeye is in Maricopa county, right? I get so confused! I can't think of anything else that usually confuses me but if anybody things of anything, you are more than welcome to enlighten.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by foma

Two questions:

#1: What are some good places to hike on the west side? We went to Estrella Mountain park the other day and we went a 2.8 mile hike. Although 2.8 isn't far, I thought the terrain was a little rough for a beginner. Husband thinks that their flat terrain has no view and is too short. Anyway, so if anybody knows of any hiking areas that's under 5 miles with a pretty view and a somewhat even terrain, please respond!

#2: So we've only lived here a few months and I'm trying to get the lingo around here. Is Paradise Valley and West Valley the same thing? I don't think they are but it always seems to be referring to the same area. Is there a Maricopa County and a towned called Maricopa? Buckeye is in Maricopa county, right? I get so confused! I can't think of anything else that usually confuses me but if anybody things of anything, you are more than welcome to enlighten.

Regarding #1, White Tanks Regional Park is another good west-side location for hiking. Unfortunately, most of the best routes are over 5 miles, but you could just hike in part of the way and then turn around. Shorter loops in the five-mile range are more common in the Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw area of North Central Phoenix.

Regarding #2, I suggest buying a street atlas (available at any bookstore) ASAP. In response to your questions:

- Paradise Valley and the West Side are quite different and many miles apart. Paradise Valley is a town nestled between Phoenix and Scottsdale. The West Side generally describes the portion of the metro area west of I-17.

-Most of the Phoenix Metro Area, including Buckeye, lies within Maricopa County, but the City of Maricopa is actually within Pinal County, where some of the newest Phoenix suburbs are located.

Again, buy yourself a street atlas of the Phoenix Metro Area and it will all begin to make sense.

[foma]

You know the funny thing is, a street map was the first thing I bought. I guess it does more than just tell you where the streets are, eh? I will definitely inspect my Phoenix street atlas a little more carefully!

And thanks for the advice on hiking!