Meet Jason Cleghorn, Backpacker's Phoenix Trail Scout
Our southwest trail expert explains what makes Arizona's hiking scene so great.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Follow Jason’s adventures at the Arizona Day Hiker blog, on Instagram and Snapchat @hikingjason, and on Twitter @jasoncleghorn.
Age: 41
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Day job: Community development coordinator
All-time favorite local dayhike: Peak 3465- Hieroglyphic Mountains (Phoenix); Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop in Flagstaff, AZ
Favorite local overnight hike: Peralta to Charlebois Spring or Kendrick Peak in Flagstaff, AZ
Best pre-hike breakfast spot: Dunkin Donuts
Best post-hike dinner spot: In N Out Burger
Favorite thing about hiking around Phoenix: The diversity of the geology. Phoenix has so many different types of rock!
Top tip for Phoenix hikers: Carry more water than you need and if you have consumed more than half of your water with more than half of your hike left, turn around. Don’t rely on springs unless you are 100% that they have water.
