Stay off mountain bike trails. If you are on a mnt bike trail always walk in opsite direction as riders. Oh and riders have the right of way.

Get out and do it. bring water and the right shoes

I’m in Tucson, AZ. I recommend only hiking in the early morning or late afternoon. It’s too damn hot, unless you’re on Mount Lemmon. Also, not a good idea to go off trail in AZ. Plants and wildlife are unforgiving.

The best investment you could make is in buying good shoes with good insoles (separately). Losing your footing can cause injuries and poor insoles will cause lasting pain and damage.

Start small and build up, get your footwear right (blisters are absolute nightmare), really plan what you're taking (including the people) and most of all, just enjoy the experience

Everyone has different shaped feet, so spend some time actually trying on and walking around the store in the boots you are thinking about purchasing. Pick whatever feels best on your foot, ignore what it looks like and just go by quality of build. I would also recommend a tall boot and I personally am a fan of a shank and nonmetallic safety toes (I'm a bit clumsy and this protects me from stubbing my toes).

I like camel packs, and the pro and con is that it gets me to drink more, since I don't have to; grab a water bottle, open it, drink, and properly stow it. That also means I drink more, so I run out faster, but that might not be a problem for you.

If you are just starting out, I would do short hikes with other people, it is more fun and you can explore a new area with someone who is more familiar with it. If you are going by yourself, let someone know where you are going, and let them know about when you plan on being back. Don't rely on your phone, scenic places usually don't have cell coverage, so have a GPS or (my favorite) an actual map and know how to use them.

Also, I would absolutely make yourself a survival pack of things you will need if something goes wrong. Store bought packs do have some good things in them, but if you put it together yourself you will have a complete pack that you know what everything is, how to use it and you don't just have gimmicky junk in there.

But most importantly, have a great time!!!

Since remission from Cancer hiking has been limited last five years. I was an avid mountain climber and white water canoer

Take plenty of bug spray and water.

I spent $150 on a pair of hiking boots and they are worth every penny. I broke them in by wearing them to work for a few hours a day.

I do carry a lot of water because it is Florida but recently bought a camel pack which is a backpack with a 2liter bladder that holds water.

I only go solo on well known local trails that will eventually end up where I started

Sunscreen, hat and hydration. break in your footwear well before your first long hike. Oh and pack extra socks.

I'm also in AZ.
Check before you go, there's a lot of forest closures right now because of the high fire danger.
Just spent last weekend in the high country. Beautiful during the day but still quite cold at night.
Don't depend on your phone.

Rule #1: Don't wear cheap shoes. Hiking is all about your feet. Even if you have to scrimp elsewhere to afford them, buy the best shoes meant for hiking that your budget will accommodate.

Plasters for the blisters , salted peanuts , and a decent iPod

First off, if you buy hiking poles, I will point and laugh at you. Other than that, don't go by brand names. What works for some won't work for others. If you are long distance hiking, forget the nalgene bottle and go with a bottle of water from the gas station. Nalgene is nice, but it's heavy. Only wear jeans if you are self loathing. Check out army surplus stores before you buy matching LL Bean everything.

Don't overdo it. Esp in AZ. As far as you go from home, you have to go back. If you go until you Are tired you might not walk out.

A real GPS, not your phone. Phone won't navigate after losing signal. And the biggest camelback you are able to carry comfortably.