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Hike #3: Willow Canyon - Mesquite Loop Trail @ White Tanks Mountain Regional Park
White Tanks Mountain Regional Park, at the far western edge of Metro Phoenix, is a playground for Valley hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Willow Canyon - Mesquite Loop Trail is perfect for exploring the park's white granite "tanks" (rock depressions) and lush desert flora, and makes for a scenic and somewhat rigorous summer morning hike. The trail is about 7 miles round-trip and moderately challenging, but can be tailored to most levels. There are a few good shady lookout points to catch your breath, gaze in wonder at the surrounding desert, or to easily turn around if you hear breakfast calling.
Breakfast #3: Bobbie's Café
What better way to refuel after a challenging morning hike than with a scrumptious homemade breakfast, dished out in a friendly all-American diner? Bobbie's Café in Sun City, family-owned and operated for more than 20 years, serves classic breakfast platters, omelettes, French toast, pancakes, and other mouth-watering morning delights, without the fuss or muss of overcrowded brunch spots. Whether you're game for biscuits and gravy, buttermilk pancakes made from scratch, or a fresh, healthy Greek omelette, come here for fast, friendly service-and great food.
Hike #4: Summit Trail @ Lookout Mountain
It's a shame that Lookout Mountain is one of the least visited spots around the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The summit, rising gently out of residential north Phoenix, affords excellent, 360-degree views of the north Valley. But you'll have to earn the view by trekking up the short, steep Summit Trail on the north side of the mountain. Although only a one-mile hike round-trip, the slope can be rather precipitous at times (the mountain is called "lookout" for a reason). Hit the Summit Trail in early morning, before the midday mercury climbs past the triple digits, and enjoy the view from the top. From north Phoenix, take Loop 101 to Seventh Street, go south two miles to Bell Road, east on 16th Street for one mile, then turn south and follow the signs to the Lookout Park parking area.
Breakfast #4: Scramble
Don't be fooled by the modern design and bright stainless steel interiors. Scramble specializes in down-home breakfast favorites as satisfying as anything your grandmother might have cooked for Sunday brunch. But chances are your grandmother didn't whip up a vegan French toast like the one you'll find at Scramble, which features French baguette bread hand-cut and dipped in a vegan vanilla custard with fresh fruit on the side. Meat lovers will also find plenty to celebrate on the eclectic menu of this casual, quick service breakfast and lunch joint, including the meat lover's scramble, featuring Cherrywood bacon, cured ham, sausage, with Monterey jack cheese, rosemary potatoes, and toast. Strong coffee, friendly service, and an expansive menu make this the perfect post-hike breakfast spot.
Hike #5: Circumference Trail @ Piestewa Peak
Second in height only to Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak is an indelible part of the Phoenix skyline and one of the Valley's most popular hiking destinations. Avoid the steady stream of early morning hikers climbing to the summit, and take a leisurely hike around Phoenix's famously craggy peak instead. The Circumference Trail is 3.75 miles long with a gradual ascent that is perfect for less experienced hikers or families with younger children. Interpretive displays offer good points to stop and take in the view. To get here, take Squaw Peak Drive road, take Trail #302 to the Circumference Trail loop.
Breakfast #5: Bertha's Café
This neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot, tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, is popular with regulars who know that this is the place to go for creative, always-delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Here you'll find comfort food classics like made-from-scratch buttermilk waffles served with strawberries, bananas, candied almonds and whipped cream, along with specialty items such as the brioche egg sandwich, made with bacon, arugula, pesto, parmesan cheese on brioche bread with oven baked eggs. A counter full of delectable, fresh-made pastries makes Bertha's Café a good spot to linger over the breakfast table and contemplate dessert.
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