Did you know that the first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day?
In this day and age where we spend so much time insidoors and on our technology, it’s great to have a specific day to encourage us to get outside and play. Trail running or hiking is a great way to go do that! There are many benefits to spending time outside in nature. Here are just a few:
Mental Health and Increased Happiness. Spending time in nature and the natural light can improve your mood and reduce stress and depression. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can be eased by spending time outside.
Increased Self-Esteem. Outdoor exercise stimulates all five senses in a way that indoor activities cannot. Additionally, being out in nature impacts the brain in a positive way, making you feel better about yourself.
Getting a boost of vitamin D You can improve your health just by soaking up the sun. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and regulates your immune system
Better brain function. Spending more time outdoors is also linked to higher levels of concentration, creativity, and improved mental clarity.
I am borrowing this idea from Altra Running (my absolute favorite pair of shoes). Recently they asked us Ambassadors to share our favorite trails. They created a few different blog posts about our favorite trails across the country. I am featured in the Southwest one. You can find other ones for the rest of the country here.
I reached out to my TRU TRIBE Team and asked them about their favorite trails. If you have not used the All Trails app, I recommend it!
Here are some of our favorite AZ trails:
From Jan Rice:
No surprise here! Has to be the Prescott Circle Trail.
Why I love it? The views of Watson lake can’t be beaten. The variety of terrain makes for a super fun interesting day. And following the white dots feels like a treasure trail. Just epic trail fun.
Check out this trail on AllTrails.
From Barbara Brownlee:
While I love our low desert trails in AZ, I found the Rainbow Rim Trail at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon spectacular! It’s 38.5 runnable miles alternating between views of the canyon, pine forest, lush green ferns and wildflowers (in summer). There is dispersed camping along the route. It’s popular with bikers but I didn’t see many.
Check out this trail on AllTrails.
From Korrie:
My favorite place to hike is Spur Cross Ranch. There are sooooo many trails out there, you can go forever in various directions. The Maricopa Trail connects to portions of trails out there as well. The desert is more lush the higher you go, and parts of the year you will get to experience multiple creek crossings! Also, not too crowded! Here is one of my go-to hikes there:
Check out this trail on AllTrails.
Also highly recommend Elephant Mountain at Spur Cross as well: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/elephant-mountain?p=31301417
From Melissa:
Love this question. I love all the above although haven’t been to the north rim but that sounds perfect! My favorite is Soldier’s Trail in Flagstaff. I love the smell of pine trees. I love the rolling hills and I love that it isn’t crowded(early in the morning) so I can enjoy it with the dog on a long lead. It is also rejuvenating to get out of the hot desert and run in the cool temps.
Check out this trail on AllTrails.
From Meaghan:
Brown’s Ranch Perimeter Loop is my favorite trail because not only is it GORGEOUS it is easily accessible. The trial takes you about 15 miles around McDowell through various terrain. You can visit the amphitheater and balanced rock while on your journey. It’s very runnable, and has spectacular views!! Can’t wait to run it again!!
Check out this trail on AllTrails
From Barbie:
This Hieroglyphic Trail is the one I take people to when they visit me here in AZ as it is so spectacular with the views of the Superstition Mountains, lots of cactus, and it is breathtaking to see the creek when it has water. The trail is 2.8 miles and is a good one to run or hike with only 567 feet of elevation. There is a large parking lot so you can easily find a space as long as you go early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Check out this trail on AllTrails
P.S. I always make it a point to promote TRU TRIBE women owned businesses. You can find Barbie at www.respectrealty.com and on Instagram.
Here is mine:
We have so many beautiful trails all over Arizona so it’s hard to pick! I love McDowell Mountain Regional Park and one of my favorite trails to run there is the Escondido Trail.
This trail has fun switchbacks and what I call “roly-poly” hills. It’s fun to go up and down them like a roller coaster. It’s mainly single-track and the views are spectacular. It’s in the Arizona desert, so plenty of saguaros and cacti. Flowers will also appear in the spring. I’ve done this trail during a night race and it’s just as fun at night! Although it’s showing as an out and back trail, towards the end of the trail you can link up with others in the park.
It is closer to a road than I would normally like, but it’s never bothered me since that road is not heavily trafficked (at least not the early mornings or nights). There is no shade so be prepared to be in the sun as well.
Check out this trail on AllTrails
Whether you get out on National Play Outside Day or not, we recommend getting outside as often as you can, weather permitting. There is nothing like some spending some time outdoors with family and friends…or even alone (just be safe)!
