Exercising outdoors isn't just good for your physical health. It helps with your mental health as well. Spending time in nature and the natural light can improve your mood and reduce stress and depression. Engaging in physical activity produces similar benefits and often times relaxes and cheers people up. Whether you are a beginner or advanced when it comes to outdoor adventuring you are in the right place. We have 3 outdoor activities around Florence that will get your heart pumping and put you in a good mood!
We have linked each activity up with its corresponding page on AllTrails.com. It is a great tool to discover nature trails close to you and it is complete with a database of interactive trail maps, which we have included screenshots of below. The service also allows for user reviews and images which can be helpful in getting the most updated information.
Beginner: Hike Poston Butte
Head out on this 1.0-mile out-and-back trail near Florence, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 32 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. A great place to catch the sunset from and a fun little jaunt up the hill to the tomb of the "Father or Arizona".
"Poston is one of the most accomplished — and eccentric — characters in Arizona history"
Who was the Father or Arizona? Read all about Charles Poston here in this Arizona Explained article from AZ Central.
Length: 1.0 mile
Elevation Gain: 239 ft
Route type: Out and back
Intermediate: explore Box Canyon
Either on your own or with a tour group you can explore the beautiful Box Canyon area. There are two ATV rental places that you can just rent the vehicles or you can sign up for a tour.
AZ Rentals and More LLC
3110 N Pinal Pkwy Ave, Florence
Arizona ATV Adventures
3075 Arizona 89A, Sedona
Head out on this 32.8-km point-to-point trail near Florence, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 44 min to complete. This is a popular trail for off-road driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Length: 20.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 770 ft
Route type: Point to point
AllTrails: Box Canyon
Carry lots of water and sun protection. Travel with other vehicles. Don't go if heavy rains are predicted. Be sure you carry a State Trust Land Permit. Trail conditions can change without notice.
Advanced: Journey to the Coke Ovens
Get to know this 26.8-mile loop trail near Queen Valley, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 55 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road driving, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
The ovens were used in the early 1900s to make coke, a clean-burning fuel used in blast furnaces to produce iron ore. Coke was made by baking a mixture of different kinds of coal at high temperature without contact with air. Although the roads leading to the Florence Coke Ovens are public, the ovens are on private property. Visitors can legally see the ovens from a distance on public land. Although mountain bikers and hikers can use this area, it is mostly an off-road driving area. As for the public roads leading to this area: Open all year except a few weeks a year when military training exercises are in progress. Dates of closure are posted at the main entrance at Cottonwood Canyon Road and Mineral Mountain Road. The area is closed if red flags are flying. A State Trust Land permit is required to ride in this area. Call 602-364-2753 for details.
Length: 26.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 4,074 ft
Route type: Loop
"During the past ten years the ranch house has been destroyed and hauled off. The Coke Ovens are slowly being hauled away piece by piece. Also stones are being hauled away for souvenirs and to be cut up and used for bookends. My friends and readers—this is malicious and willful destruction of a historic landmark that appears on the National Registry of Historic Places as the Butte-Cochran Charcoal Ovens." - Tom Kollenborn
A good reminder to be respectful of the living history in our environment. Also we will add to be safe, plan ahead, bring lots of water, sun protection and tell someone where you are going. Happy trails my friends!