As summer and triple-digit temperatures set into the Valley, don't surrender your energy to the heat. Resist the temptation of laying by the pool and spend some time being active, especially in the cool mornings and evenings. Get out and enjoy some of the outdoor activities the East Valley has to offer.

Take a hike
Hiking gives you the opportunity to enjoy the weather and a good aerobic workout at the same time. The East Valley has numerous hiking areas, state parks and nature preserves that are good for breaking in a new pair of athletic shoes. If you don't know where to start, here are a few suggestions:

South Mountain Park: One of the largest city parks in the world, South Mountain has 58 miles of trails that vary in difficulty and length. There are numerous entrances, but we recommend going to Pima Canyon, located at 48th Street and Guadalupe Road, from which you can access a number of trails. For more information, visit www.phoenix.gov

Peralta Trail: A very popular hike in the Superstition Wilderness east of Mesa, this 6.2-mile trail is only moderately difficult. To get there, take U.S. 60 and AZ 77 east to the Peralta Road. It'll be another 8 miles north to the trail head. There's a fee for parking. Info: or www.fs.fed.us/ r3/tonto/indexy.html

West Park Accessible Trail, Papago Park: About 1.2 miles of easy walking. The trail head is on Papago Park Road, just north of Van Buren Street. Info: www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/hike papa.html.

Flume Trail, Cave Creek Regional Park: This park has 11 miles of trails in varying degrees of difficulty. Flume Trail is 1.5 miles (one-way) of moderate hiking. You'll have to pay a fee of $5 per vehicle ($1 if you're on foot, horse or bike). Take I-17, Cave Creek Road or Scottsdale Road north to Carefree Highway. Follow Carefree Highway to 32nd Street, then go north for 1.5 miles. Info: or www.maricopa. gov/parks/.

Take a ride
If hiking isn't your thing and you would rather hop on a bike, the East Valley has great mountain-biking trails and paths for cycling.
All Maricopa County parks host multi-use trails, where bikers and horseback riders are welcome to join the hikers. South Mountain and Papago Park also offer rides of varying difficulty.

Here are some mountain biking suggestions:

Dynamite Loop: A little more than 12 miles round trip, this moderate ride in north Scottsdale is free. Take the 101 north to Princess Drive/Pima Road exit. Turn right on Pima and drive 6.5 miles. The loop starts on the southeast corner of Pima Road and Dynamite Road.

Blevins Trail, Usery Mountain Recreation Area: North and east of Mesa, this 2.9-mile (one way) ride is considered easy. Entrance is $5 per vehicle, $1 if on foot, horse or bike. Take U.S. 60 east to Ellsworth Road exit, head north to Usery Pass Road. Info: or www.maricopa. gov/parks.

Indian Bend Wash: If you're in the mood for a leisurely municipal ride, Scottsdale has paved paths that extend approximately 10 miles from Tempe Town Lake north to Shea Boulevard. The route runs along Hayden Road.

Take a horse
Arizona was — and, in some areas, still is — a land of cowboys. If you're looking for a horse-back adventure, the East Valley offers many trail rides. Here are a few suggestions:

Richardson's D-Spur Ranch: This stable on the edge of the Superstition Mountains requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance with a credit card. Rates are $26 for an hour, $50 for two hours, $90 for a half-day and $150 for a full day (four-person minimum). Cookouts and overnight excursions are also offered. Call for directions

Dewitt Stables: This east Mesa stable offers rides by appointment only. Rates are $25 for the first hour and $20 for each additional hour. All riders are escorted by a wrangler. Call for driving directions

Take a climb
Rock climbing, one of the fastest- growing sports in the country, strengthens and tones almost every muscle in your body. The East Valley boasts two rock gyms to prepare climbers for the region's numerous natural rocks.

Phoenix Rock Gym, 1355 E. University, Tempe, charges $10 per day or $40 per month. Info: or www.phoenixrockgym.com
Arizona on the Rocks, 16447 N. 91st St., Scottsdale, charges $15 per day or $60 per month. Info: or www.azontherocks.com

Praying Monk: For outdoor climbing, head to the north side of Camelback Mountain. You can access this area from the Echo Canyon parking lot just east of Tatum Boulevard and McDonald Road.

Take a spin
Skateboarding and in-line skating are sports usually enjoyed by the young, but both activities are good forms of exercise for all ages.

Chandler Skatepark: Open 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, this Chandler park draws some of Arizona's top skateboarders. But the 35,000-square- foot venue, 4800 S. Basha Road, is designed for all skill levels. Info:

Freestone Skate Park: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (from 7 a.m. on school breaks and weekends), this Gilbert park also is free. Located off Lindsay Road, about one-third mile south of Guadalupe Road. The skatepark is located at the back of the park. Info: .

Reed Park Skate Court: Open 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily, this Mesa park has 31,000 square feet of pyramids, boxes, ramps and grinding areas, as well as a separate beginner's area. The park is located on Broadway Road, between Stapley and Gilbert Roads. Info: