Hike of the Week 2024Hike of the Week: Pole Knoll Trails
Mare CzinarOctober 16, 2024
Conveniently located off State Route 260 near Greer, the Pole Knoll Recreation Area is a year-round destination for outdoor sports.
Pick up the Joe’s Canyon Trail that climbs 1,400 feet up a sheer-walled gorge that tops out on the airy grasslands of Smuggler’s Ridge where you’ll head right and walk along the knife-edge saddle with see-forever views overlooking the Mexican State of Sonora.
The Payson Area Trails System (PATS) is a collection of routes weaving through the business districts and suburbs of this north-central Arizona town.
Hike of the Week 2024Hike of the Week: Sardine Trail near Forest Lakes
Mare CzinarSeptember 23, 2024
Sardine Trail #536 is an unsung hero within the Willow Springs Lake area trail system.
Aptly named, Summit Mountain delivers a quintessential peak-conquering experience—but without the pesky sore muscles and taxed lungs.
Trail HeadVets on the Arizona Trail
Mare CzinarSeptember 5, 2024
Tucson native Michael “Chappy” Chappell took the long way around finding his purpose as program director of Veteran Engagement & Trail Stewardship (VETS) with the Arizona Trail Association – a project that promotes outdoor therapy as an adjunct to traditional health interventions.
More popular with hang gliders than hikers, this volcanic peak northwest of Greer is a little gem of a trek.
If you’re looking for a mind-boggling, surreal experience, forget theme park attractions--Red Mountain is the real deal.
Over its 21-mile course, Railroad Grade Trail passes by five lakes, crosses three streams, and makes a creaky traverse of an old-style trestle bridge.
Hike of the Week 2024Hike of the Week: River Walk Trail in the Becker Lake Wildlife Area
Mare CzinarAugust 8, 2024
A short, meandering stretch of the Little Colorado River is a better place thanks to the introduction of coconut matting and recycled Christmas trees.
Trail HeadStories in the Bones
Mare CzinarAugust 5, 2024
Stacy Osegueda created Desert Nature Alliance with her husband, Jay, to get kids excited about the outdoors through nature-based education centered on interaction with native wildlife bones.
With numerous limestone caves, ancient sand dune rock formations and acres of alpine meadows, Arizona's other Fay Canyon is a joy to explore.
Hike of the Week 2024Hike of the Week: Kachina Wetlands via Highlands Trail
Mare CzinarJuly 30, 2024
Hidden on a high Flagstaff mesa just about a mile off Interstate 17 is a walk able, 70-acre waterfowl wonderland.
Remnants of pavement and stonework culverts conjure images from John Steinbeck’s depression-era novels and pre-digital days when folks cruised in Model Ts, Studebakers and souped-up Chevys.
Rubbing elbows with suburbia and a manicured golf course, this trail bundle is easy to access and-- believe it or not--actually provides some solitude and decent scenic views.