I once thought Sedona was home to the best hiking in Arizona. Not anymore. Tucson may not boast the red rock, but it lacks the crowds that require Sedona hikers and bikers to hit the trail early if they hope to secure parking. We pulled into this trail’s parking lot in late morning. Temperature? Low 70s. Parking? There were three cars in a large lot. The trail? Another gem. And, like so many trails here, just minutes from downtown.

In the Enchanted Hills, Sue and I walked the El Grupo and Tecolote loops, detouring up (with a rock scramble) Enchanted Peak for lunch and the view. Now, I have a confession. I love the saguaro cactus and the rest of its family, except for one irritating member: the jumping cholla. Watch out!