Arizona in December – trip suggestions?

Grand Canyon…. it's warm down inside in the winter… and a much cooler hike out than in the summer. And a lot fewer tourists.

Billy

Yeah, I enjoyed the canyon last December, so +1 on that.

My only experience in the greater Phoenix area itself is the Superstitions specifically Reavis ranch, doing my two backpacks over 2 3-day MLK holidays (liked it so much I returned and would again). Reavis ranch was pretty nice as the trail takes you up from desert into the forest (make sure you pack for at least 3 seasons – my last time there, our overnight at the ranch site was just below 20F. We then took the informal trail to the base of the falls. May want to check out water conditions though.

The only other overnights I've done in the area are the west side of the Mazatzal wilderness and the Agua Fria natl monument, with west side driving or hiking (bouldering?), respectively, being pretty tough. May not be the best intro to AZ but ymmv. Check hunting seasons to check how much company at the THs – Reavis is such a prominent trail I wouldn't worry (and of course GC doesn't allow hunting)
Ed:add

Thanks for the tips! I thought the GC was too far away from Phoenix, but googlemaps reveals that it's only about three hours. Not too bad. Any specific trail suggestions? Thank you!!

Hike Arizona is the best resource for hiking in the state: http://hikearizona.com

For a uniquely Arizona hike, what about Aravaipa Canyon? See here for details:

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2

It'll be coldish in the canyon and you won't hit your mileage goal, but I'm sure you would enjoy it.