>>2000794I lived in AZ for two years and hike around a lot. In my opinion most of the best hiking is on the Arizona Trail. It is just so well maintained. It is difficult to really get way out there in the wilderness and still be on a decent trail. I recommend doing some sections in the Catalina mountains near Tucson, Four Peaks Wilderness and The Mazatzals. There is also very good and reliable water resources on the AZT. Download the AZT trail on Guthooks and you can read where water caches are and the status of collection tanks.
Other great options off the AZT are in the San Francisco peaks (hike up Humphrey's Peak, the Kachina trail is very nice), Sedona area (Sycamore Canyon is nice and very remote, but no well maintained trails), then of course there is the Grand Canyon (be sure to research permits regarding the National Park before going, it is nearly impossible to camp in the canyon without applying a year in advance).
Good day hikes around Phoenix are Weavers Needle, South Mountain, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. I have hiked up and down Piestewa and Camelback to many times to count, such amazing exercise right in the city.
Also, Flagstaff is going to be probably the best place to park your van. Lots of likeminded people up there and amazing weather.
