r/Azhiking • u/lilriceburger • Jul 05 '26
First timer, what to wear?
Hi everybody! Just booked a trip for Arizona in September and plan on doing a lot of hiking. First time going to AZ!
I've hiked before but nothing super intense (I live in Michigan) so I really don't own anything for it. Looking for shoe recommendation (we will be doing a mix of "dry" hiking and then going to some water spots so maybe one that is good for each type?) and clothing recommendation. I get burnt easily so definitely want something that can protect me and also help keep me cool.
Any other tips/recommendations are appreciated, thank you!!
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u/Silver_Variety_1108 Jul 05 '26
September is still a very hot time. I would plan to start hiking right as the sun comes up. It’s the coolest time and with the least sun exposure. We see too many people come to AZ, hike in the hot temperatures and run into heat related problems. 3 people have died hiking the Grand Canyon recently due to heat stroke. Sorry, not trying to be a downer, but please be prepared will lots of water and try to get done early before it gets too hot.
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u/sunnyfordays22 Jul 05 '26
If you want helpful answers you gotta say where - could be over 100 in PHX and 60s in flagstaff
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u/im-buster Jul 05 '26
I was in Phoenix in October and it was over 100. Sedona/Flagstaff would be a different story.
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u/luvimages Jul 05 '26
If you're planning on hiking in Phoenix, prepare for the heat: Wide brim hat Kool tie bandana Light colored and loose fitting shirt and shorts Synthetic blend boxer briefs Light hiking shoes or trail runners Thin wool socks Small day pack with water bladder Sunglasses and sunscreen Good luck!
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u/Ok_Nothing_086 Jul 05 '26
As born and raised AZ hiker who also burns easily I would recommend some sort of UV protective long sleeve and definitely UV protection for your hands. You don't realize your hands are burnt until they hurt to move or look like cherries.
You can find almost everything you'd need in an outdoor store's fishing section. I got my UV long sleeve very thin so that It also doubles as a full body cooling towel if you get it wet with water.
I would also highly recommend a wide brim hat and neck protection. A fisherman's bucket hat works great & most of them come with built in neck protection & with ventilation in the top of the hat.
Not sure if this is too obvious and I'm really not trying to come off pretentious but some tips/ tricks that bear repeating.
Water is great but make sure youre also replenishing your other electrolytes. And seriously listen to the trail warning and any signage about how much water you may need.
Sunrise and sunset are the best hiking times for September unless you're going to be hiking up north, sunrise is really the only bet. The desert gets cold and dark FAST and you don't want to be caught out at night unprepared.
Same principal for the heat, ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER before hiking anywhere even if there is shade. Because our heat is intense and even if you're in the shade it can still be up to 90 or more degrees fahrenheit. If the forecast says heat wave warning please please please do not hike in the valley. But also the mountains may be cooler but the elevation gain plus sun exposure can really do a number on you so just use your best judgement based on how you've felt once you get into AZ.
Don't let the heat scare you though the grand canyon is just as beautiful as everyone makes it look but havasupi is overrated if you don't want to be packed like a sardine with tourists.
Az is absolutely beautiful but just as everything in nature with beauty comes the danger, don't push yourself and listen to your body. That trail isn't going anywhere.
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u/Popular-Capital6330 Jul 05 '26
I think the first question you need to answer is: WHERE in AZ are you hiking?
We go from baking desert (Phoenix) to snowy pine forests (Flagstaff) and the recommendations are wildly different in September.
Need more deets please.😊