An easy course with many points of interest including a wildlife water hole that attracts birds, elk and myriad little critters.
hiking Archives
The keynote feature of this hike in Prescott’s Granite Mountain Recreation area is a lopsided stone perched precariously atop a massive granite boulder.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Heifer Pasture in the Prescott National Forest
Mare CzinarApril 14, 2023
As might be expected, cows are the headliners on this hike that follows Forest Road 9650R north of Cordes Junction.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Bluff Spring Loop in the Superstition Wilderness Area
Mare CzinarApril 7, 2023
Using bits of the Dutchman’s and Bluff Springs trails, this loop swings by several of the Supe’s most iconic volcanic landforms including Miner’s Needle, Weavers Needle and the hoodoo-lined gorge of Bark’s Canyon.
The Black Canyon National Recreation Trail is quietly expanding its northern reach.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Spence Basin Trail System, Prescott National Forest
Mare CzinarMarch 21, 2023
Populating the space between the Thumb Butte and Granite Basin Recreation areas in Prescott National Forest, the Spence Basin Trail System adds nearly 30 miles of hiking options to the area’s already packed menu.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Red Cliff at Hassayampa River in Wickenburg
Mare CzinarMarch 16, 2023
Following the usually dry course of the Hassayampa River, this wonky walk culminates at a prominent russet-colored rock outcropping and favorite roosting site for turkey vultures.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Panther Peak Wash at Saguaro National Park
Mare CzinarMarch 10, 2023
This easy loop hike in the northwest sector of Saguaro National Park unpacks a geologically diverse landscape rife with the eponymous giant cactus and a full menu of desert plants.
Valley NewsWhat’s Up March/April 2023
Editorial StaffMarch 3, 2023
A glimpse of the goings on in the Valley this spring.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Deer Flat in the Tonto National Forest
Mare CzinarMarch 3, 2023
An under-the-radar dirt road north of Carefree ascends 900 feet to mountain saddle overlooking the Verde River Valley and peeks at the distant Superstition Wilderness.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Boulders Loop in the Payson Area Trails System
Mare CzinarFebruary 24, 2023
True to its name, this iconic Payson trail wanders among a bizarre wilderness of rock.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Brown’s Mountain in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Mare CzinarFebruary 17, 2023
Distinctive Brown’s Mountain is a centerpiece of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Ranger Trail, South Mountain Park & Preserve in Phoenix
Mare CzinarFebruary 10, 2023
As one of the largest municipal parks in the nation, SOMO boasts an enviable menu of hiking trails.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Spring Valley Trail, Hells Canyon Wilderness Area
Mare CzinarFebruary 3, 2023
Spanning 9,951 acres of wild space a few miles west of Lake Pleasant, Hells Canyon Wilderness Area offers a quick way to escape into an untamed swath of desert that’s more paradise than purgatory.
Hike of the Week 2023Hike of the Week: Foothills & Guindani Trails at Kartchner Caverns State Park
Mare CzinarJanuary 27, 2023
Two above ground trails explore the Chihuahuan semi-desert grasslands and oak-juniper forests that surround Kartchner Caverns in Southern Arizona.