Time to go take a hike in Scottsdale area

3 BEST TRAILS IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE

GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL

How to reach it: Access from the Granite Mountain Trailhead,136th Street and Lone Mountain Parkway.

What to expect: There is parking and easy access to the Granite Mountain Loop Trail, though the site has no water or restrooms.

The Granite Mountain Loop "is definitely one of the most scenic in the north area of the preserve," said Scott Hamilton, Scottsdale senior trails planner. "It has lots of granite boulders, huge saguaros and great views of the surrounding desert and distant mountains."

From Loop 101, take the Pima Road exit north to Dynamite Boulevard. Head east on Dynamite, then north on 136th Street.

BROWN'S MOUNTAIN TRAIL

How to reach it: Brown's Ranch Trailhead, a little more than a mile north of the intersection of Alma School Parkway and Dynamite Boulevard.

What to expect: Reach the top of scenic Brown's Mountain via this trail.

It is a 3-mile round-trip hike to the top and back, Hamilton said.

"You also have the option of hiking to the top and then going down the north side of the mountain and returning to the trailhead via either the Upper Ranch Trail or Brown's Ranch Road," he said. "You can make a loop out of it."

It is one of the most popular hikes from the Brown's Ranch Trailhead, which opened in 2013.

CHOLLA MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL

How to reach it: Brown's Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Parkway.

What to expect: This trail is a little farther to reach, but worth it, Hamilton said.  "It lives up to its name, with lots of teddy bear cholla, especially on the east and south sides of Cholla Mountain," he said.

The path passes by a spot known as Cathedral Rock. The boulder formation has bedrock metates, where Native Americans would grind food such as mesquite pods, Hamilton said. Hikers also will pass another interesting rock formation called the Amphitheater, he said.

To reach the trail, take the Brown's Ranch Road Trail to the Corral Trail.

Arizona State Fair 2014 deal guide: Rides, food and more

You can save more and make the most of your fair day by choosing deals according to your personality:

Details:Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 2. Noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; noon-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Arizona state fairgrounds, 19th Ave. and McDowell Road, Phoenix. $10; $5 ages 5-13 and 55 or older. (Purchase online by Thursday, Oct. 9, and pay $6, $3 children and seniors.) 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.

• Thrill seeker

Can't wait to ride the Mach 1 or experience the Insanity? Or is the Ferris wheel more your speed? If you love rides, the best days to visit are Thursdays and Sundays, when you can purchase unlimited-ride wristbands: $30 on Thursdays and $35 on Sundays. Wristbands are sold until 9 p.m. (Buy these online by Thursday, Oct. 9, and pay $25 for Thursday wristbands and $30 for Sunday wristbands.)

• Freebie-lover

Saving money is great, but getting something for free is even better. Visit noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, when you can get in for free. That's as much as a $10 savings.

• Must-have-everything-right-now-or-else-er

By all means, go on opening day and arrive when the doors open at noon. Admission is $2. Be sure to arrive before 5 p.m. if you want the discount.

• Dairy lover

If you're fond of milk, yogurt and cheese, the fair has a deal just for you. Any day of the fair, bring in a receipt documenting the purchase of three dairy items: one milk product, one cheese product and one yogurt product. All products must be purchased during the same transaction. In return, you'll save $3 off a regularly priced adult, child or senior admission. Not valid online or with other offers. Other restrictions apply.

• Foodie

Do you go to the fair for the food? If you want the best dining deals, visit from noon to 6 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 17-31. That's when you can get select food items for $2.

• Philanthropist

If you like to make charitable contributions, visit Wednesdays for the "We Care Wednesdays" promotion.

Get free admission until 6 p.m. Wednesdays with a specific charitable donation. On Oct. 15, bring three cans of non-perishable food to benefit St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. On Oct. 22, bring gently used jeans, backpacks or tennis shoes to aid St. Vincent de Paul. On Oct. 29, help homeless veterans through Arizona Stand Down when you donate an all-day Valley Metro pass.

• Happy-hour frequenter

The fair offers happy-hour prices noon to 6 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 17, 24 and 31. Sample a variety of foods for $2 each at numerous vendors, plus play select games for $2 and go on select rides for $2.

• Stay-cationer

Start out early on weekends. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, admission is $2. That's a savings of up to $8 per person that you can spend on rides, food and entertainment.

• Young reader

Get kids ages 5-14 reading with this deal: Read three books and get three carnival rides for free. To take advantage of the deal, print a form at azstatefair.com (search for "Read & Ride").

Kids 7-14 must summarize the books; those age 5 or 6 may draw pictures. Forms must be signed by an adult. Students must be present to redeem the form for ride passes. Other restrictions and rules apply.

• Carpooler

If you want to save on parking, park in the half-price lot. You'll have to walk a little farther — the lot is on the southwestern corner of 19th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard — but you'll save $5. Parking in the main lot is $10. The half-price lot is open each day of the fair. Park for free on weekends at the State Capitol parking lot at 17th Avenue and Washington Street, and ride a shuttle to the fair. Free parking is available starting 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

• Grocery shopper

When you spend $40 or more at any Fry's Food Stores location, check the bottom of your receipt to find two free adult admissions. Bring the receipt to the admissions desk between noon and 6 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 17, 24 or 31, to get in for free. There's a limit of two admissions. You must have the original receipt to get the discount. Other restrictions apply.

• Mixer-and-matcher

The fair offers so many deals that you probably can combine several types of bargains, especially if you get the Passbook to Savings. Take advantage of as many deals as you can.