Gaping canyons, amazing rock formations and miles of untainted natural beauty are the payoff for the grueling trek.
Citizen Hiker
Hiking December 2022Hiking in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve
Matthew JohnsonJuly 1, 2021
After decades of planning and construction, the roughly 1,000-acre preserve now occupies a mountainous sliver of space between manicured golf communities and the hiking hubs of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Hiking December 2022Hike LaBarge Narrows in the Superstition Wilderness Area
Matthew JohnsonJuly 1, 2021
Not for the novice hiker, this combination hike/cross-country exploration leads to a breathtaking secluded box canyon with a tiny, riparian ecosystem.
Hiking December 2022Peoria Mountain Trails Offer Outstanding Views of the Valley
Matthew JohnsonJuly 1, 2021
With a combined length of more than 11 miles, Peoria's mountain trails combine outstanding North Valley views with customizable lengths and difficulty levels. Here are two to try.
Hiking December 2022Wild Mustang Trail in the Tortolita Mountains in Marana
Matthew JohnsonJuly 1, 2021
Snuggled up to the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain property, this trail takes you past groomed gardens before the scenery changes from fancy to fierce.
Visible from most of Scottsdale, the curious rock knob known as Tom's Thumb stands out among the pinnacles of the McDowell Mountains.
From mid-October through early November, the sycamores and cottonwoods surrounding Oak Creek put on a delicious display of autumn color along Sedona's favorite stream.
Hiking November 2022Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park in Yarnell
Matthew JohnsonJune 30, 2021
In June 2013, the Yarnell Hill Fire blazed through this rugged territory, taking the lives of 19 firefighters. These brave men are memorialized with plaques placed roughly every 600 feet along the Hotshots trail.
Hiking November 2022Hiking Box Canyon of the Hassayampa River in Wickenburg
Matthew JohnsonJune 30, 2021
"The Box" is an outdoor recreation free-for-all. Hikers and equestrians share the waterway with motorized traffic, gold panners and raucous families with kids and dogs.
Hiking October 2022See Spring & See Canyon Hikes in the Tonto National Forest
Matthew JohnsonJune 30, 2021
There's a local hiker adage that when you trek See Canyon, all you see is the canyon. This is mostly true, but, oh, what a canyon it is to behold.
Hiking October 2022Hike the Pole Knoll Trails in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Matthew JohnsonJune 30, 2021
Conveniently located off State Route 260 near Greer, the Pole Knoll Recreation Area is a year-round destination for outdoor sports.
One of the most scenic segments of the state-traversing Arizona Trail, the route goes through shady fir forests and alpine meadows.
Hiking October 2022Barbershop Trail Hike in the Coconino National Forest
Matthew JohnsonJune 30, 2021
In autumn, the Barbershop Trail portion of the Cabin Loop System is famous for its awesome display of colorful foliage.
Known for its carousel of changing views and ecosystems, the Abineau-Bear Jaw loop is among the most popular hikes in the Flagstaff area.
Hiking September 2022Whitehorse Lake Trails in the Kaibab National Forest
Matthew JohnsonJune 30, 2021
Located adjacent to several classic hiking destinations it's no wonder these lakeside gems live in unheralded obscurity.