Travel Health and Fitness - Great fitness hikes

I was going to post a couple under scenic runs but while I have seen some folks running these trails they are really great hikes.

And hiking is one of the best ways I've found to stay fit on the road particularly, as is the case with my first recommendation, when the hike is so close to downtown areas.

Camelback (http://www.phoenixasap.com/camelback-mountain.html) in Phoenix.

Old Rag (http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=2&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=4237) in the Shenedoah National Park. Not near the city, but worth the trip!

Camelback (http://www.phoenixasap.com/camelback-mountain.html) in Phoenix.



I've done Camelback in Phoenix, and it was pretty tough. I'd say the down part was nearly as challenging as going up, maybe even more so. Of course I did it with a guy about 10 years younger, who still has no fear of hurting himself... So I was going down some parts backwards, holding onto cables, while he was almost sliding down. We did that on a Friday before work, somehow I still made it to swim workout after work that day. But that Sunday's long run turned into a fun run, I really couldn't do anything quality by then.


If you are ever in the Tokyo and have the time, of course climbing Fuji is an experience that you'll never forget. I did a semester over there in grad school, and we did the Fuji climb. But as they say, "Climb once, you are wise. Twice, you're a fool."

Angel's Landing in Zion NP, Utah - not really downtown - but for those that go to Vegas, it's a great day trip away & it's quite scenic!

In Philadelphia (within city limits), Wissahickon Park:

http://www.fow.org/maptrails.php

Old Rag (http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=2&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=4237) in the Shenedoah National Park. Not near the city, but worth the trip!

We got engaged on top of Old Rag. Married 26 years now. Great hike :-).

In addition to Camelback, there is the Circumference Trail at Piestewa Peak. If you combine it with the summit trail, it is a little over 5 miles and is quite pleasant and peaceful until you meet the summit trail.

There is also Pinnacle Peak, 4 miles RT(to the gate).

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve has many miles of trails for every taste and fitness level.
This website gives all the info you could ever need.
http://hikearizona.com/

The northern part of Central Park. The tourists don't go up there and there are all kinds of trail networks hidden in the woods. Very cool stuff.

For a city hike, just about anywhere on the north side of Chicago - lots of pretty neighborhoods with huge trees and old brownstones, along with the lakefront, of course, and a couple parks - Welles and Horner are two I used to live near. I actually had a view OVER Welles Park that I really enjoyed having. :)

Anyway, another nice hike is Bear Mountain, not that far north of NYC on I-87, IIRC. There are several golden eagles that nest near the summit. On a really nice day, you may catch a glimpse of them searching for prey. ^

In Boise, Table Rock is a great hike. It isn't long, but it is fairly steep and has a great view of town. It is easy to get to from downtown also. Or, the Greenbelt is long and great for running and biking.

Great thread, OP!

+1 for Camelback in Phoenix, AX. Challenge, scenery, variety - one of my all-time favorites.

The La Luz Trail in the foothills outside Albuquerque, NM. In the eastern foothills of the city, super trail.

The 'Grouse Grind', Vancouver BC -beautiful, challenging, lots of fun.

The Walker Ranch Trail outside Boulder, CO. Another absolute classic, also a terrific mountain bike ride (unless you take the switchbacks uphill on a damaged chain stuck in a big gear!)