Southern Arizona offers unlimited opportunities for backcountry exploration. This third edition of Hiking Arizona's Cactus Country explores a broad swath of the Sonoran Desert that extends northward across the Mexican border and encompasses the southern third of Arizona.

Includes 13 new hikes for total of 98 hikes in Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe National Monument, the Chiricahua Mountains, and Sky Islands of Coronado National Forest, .

* More than 60 short Arizona hikes (ranging from a fraction of a mile to just over 7 miles round trip) * A mix of popular hikes and little-known gems showcasing scenic Arizona hiking * Many hikes in or accessible from major metro areas plus destination parks and landmarks Don and Barbara Laine present the best of the best of Arizona's short hikes-with an emphasis on "user-friendly." To make selection easy, a "Hikes at a Glance" chart lists trails by distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and location. Other charts list hikes by best places to admire rock formations, see desert plant life, enjoy scenic views, explore historic and prehistoric sites, relax along a shady stream or lake, take the kids, or see wildlife. Important details such as entry fees, restrooms, drinking water, and campground information are listed up front; there's a map and elevation profile for each hike. That's to say nothing of the breadth of experiences (from sandy desert floor to steep mountainside and riparian environment) awaiting you; or the detailed trail descriptions with tips on where Hollywood movies were filmed and background on old cabins and mines. Most hikes are rated easy or moderate-making them perfect for families-plus a selection of more strenuous hikes. Regions include the Phoenix, Sedona, Tucson/southern Arizona, and Flagstaff/northeastern Arizona areas; the Grand Canyon (north and south rims) and Petrified Forest National Parks; and Organ Pipe and Chiracahua National Monuments.

CLICK HERE to download a free hike along "Little Spring" from Best Hikes with Dogs Arizona * Guidebook to 75 dog-suitable trails throughout the Arizona -- many accessible from urban areas * How to keep your dog safe, healthy, and hydrated in Arizona's arid climate * What to pack for your dog: the Ten Canine Essentials and the doggy first aid kit Renée Guillory and her canine companion, Artemis, have hiked more than 700 miles together in Arizona. Now they share their favorite trails, presented through dog-centric eyes. On most trails, you'll encounter few people to dodge. Most hikes offer shade, if not water, to help keep your dog cool in extreme Arizona conditions. The trails in Best Hiikes with Dogs Arizona emphasize terrain that's easy on the paws and give advance warning, trail by trail, on canine hazards to watch for. There are also tips on dealing with dog emergencies and for hiking with minimum dog-impact on the environment. Ranging from short day hikes to extended backpacking trips, many trails included are clustered around urban areas including Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona/Prescott, and other communities in Mogollon Rim country. There are hikes as far-flung as the Mexican border and in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona.

-- All necessary geologic terms are defined -- Written at a level easy for readers to understand Arizona's geology is complex and its landscape varied. Yet, with Hiking Arizona's Geology as a companion, curious hikers with little or no background in g

"Circuit Hikes of Southern Arizona" is an easy-to-use guidebook, describing the many circuit hikes hidden in the mountains surrounding Tucson and throughout southern Arizona. The guide includes 32 specific hikes with an additional two dozen options, with hikes ranging from so easy you can take your toddlers to so strenuous you will want to train for weeks beforehand. Each hike comes with an easy-to-read topo map, as well as detailed instructions for route-finding. The guide also provides information about the best seasons to do each hike as well as general information about the history and geology of the surrounding mountains. The guide not only includes some of the best known circuit hikes of southern Arizona, it also includes a number of previously unpublished trails that take you to places rarely seen by most hikers. The author, Robert Zimmerman, is an award-winning science journalist and space historian who likes to spend his weekends hiking, caving, and in general exploring the hidden outdoor gems of the American southwest.