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.

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.

Visible from most of Scottsdale, the curious rock knob known as Tom's Thumb stands out among the pinnacles of the McDowell Mountains.

"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.