Outbound Collective logo

Crystal Sibson

This trail is very steep but offers great views so many locals hike it as a part of their workout routine. The trail is often quite crowded . Expect there to be a line of people making their way up to the top.

Camelback is the perfect mountain to hike for a workout due to it's location and great views from the top. The trail gets extremely busy though which is a big deterrent for me. I'm not a fan of crowds when trying to navigate a trail. There are also many rescues from the mountain due to it's popularity and people not coming prepared for how steep the climb is and the hot Arizona sun.

If you're luck enough to win the lottery and grab a permit for the Wave, you're in for a real treat. There really isn't a trail to follow for much of the hike so you really need to pay attention to landmarks and your surrounding to find your way. The wave is spectacular to see and photograph, but don't just stop there. There are many incredible rock formations and places to photograph throughout the permit area. Take your time and explore as much as you can!

The La Fortuna waterfall is a major tourist attraction and for good reason. The waterfall is absolutely beautiful. However, if you're wanting more of a secluded jungle waterfall experience this place is not for you! The waterfall use to have more of a natural vibe before the stairs and pathway were constructed all the way to the bottom. Now there is even a bar and small restaurant/snack bar at the top of the stairs to the falls.

The waterfalls are just a short distance from a major highway so they can get quite crowded. With a high clearance vehicle you can make it down close to the falls but if not, you will need to park back closer to the bridge and walk the rest of the way. Be sure to watch where you step as you make your way down to the falls because there was a lot of broken glass scattered throughout the whole area. The falls are beautiful, but I'm not sure this place alone is worth the $15 permit.

Saguaro is a great place for a paddle, just watch out for boats! If you paddle out from Butcher Jones and go to your left, there are some nice coves to explore and even a small cave. Depending on water levels, you can kayak into the cave. Also keep an eye out for longhorn sheep, they can often be spotted around the lake.

Of the lakes near the valley, Canyon Lake is by far my favorite. Every time I kayak through the canyon, I always see herds of wild Bighorn Sheep.

This is a short hike in Zion Canyon close to the lodge. It's a popular hike among visitors and for good reason. It's a short hike but it's beautiful.

The hike to observation point is a must do when visiting Zion. The scenery changes quite drastically as you make your way up to the top. At one point you're hiking along a slot canyon then another you're looking down on Angels Landing. This trail however has been often closed due to rock falls. Be sure to check the National Park website for updates on trail conditions.

Backpacking through the Redwood forest to reach camp is simply amazing. The scenery is beautiful. Sunset camp is in close proximity to the waterfalls along Berry Creek making it an excellent place to camp.

This is one of my all time favorite hikes. Walking through the redwood trees makes you feel so small. The area is incredibly lush and green. There were banana slugs and salamanders everywhere. We chose to camp overnight at the campground above the falls. A truly incredible place.

Devil's Bridge is one of the most popular trails near Sedona. It's an easy hike but gets steep near the natural bridge. It's a great place to enjoy a beautiful Arizona sunset

Slide Rock has always been a great family friendly park. The water carved natural slides through the red rocks for hours of swimming and fun. The park can fill up quickly, especially on holidays and weekends

If you've ever visited Sedona, surely you've seen the pink Jeeps. They have a variety of tour options to chose from. We did the Broken Arrow tour when I went. It's a great off road adventure that takes you to some beautiful lookout points.

The fountain is absolutely beautiful but gets extremely crowded. Get there early to beat the crowds for a more enjoyable experience, and don't forget to toss a coin over your shoulder!!

The Colosseum is a must see for anyone visiting Rome. If you are able to book the underground tour, I would recommend it. The entire time I was there, I was imagining what it would be like with gladiators fighting. It's quite impressive.

The Natural Bridge is always a fun place to explore. The rocks are very slippery under the bridge so be sure to wear shoes with a good grip. I always like to hike the trail so that I end at the bridge.

I have been doing this hike for years. I remember the first time I went, there wasn't a trail. Just a few cairns here and there as you made your way through the wash and canyon. It has since become a very popular hike close to the valley. The trail is easy to follow. It gets steep towards the end heading up to the cave. Be sure to bring plenty of water and enjoy!

The hike to get to the waterfalls is short and easy making it a popular summer destination. There is a permit system in place which helps to control the crowds, but it is still quite busy. The waters that flow through the creek are crystal clear and run at 70 degrees year round

The hike on Bob's Bear Trail to Fossil Springs is easy going in, but difficult coming out. I would actually recommend more than 2-3 liters of water for this hike, especially in the summer months. To lighten your load, you can also bring a water filter to refill your bladder/bottles before hiking out. There are many rescues each year on this trail due to insufficient amounts of water or lack of proper footwear. I would also not recommend jumping into the popular toilet bowl. There is a way to swim out below the surface, but this can sometimes get blocked with debris or become difficult to swim out from. Unfortunately, on my last visit someone had drowned in there and a dive team was flown in to do a recovery. The area around the dam is absolutely beautiful and perfect for swimming on those summer days. The water flows into the creek from the spring at 70 degrees year round.

The hike up the Barnhart trail is absolutely beautiful. The views are fantastic and several waterfalls can be found during the cooler months. The best waterfall on this hike is tucked in a narrow canyon out of sight from the trail. Just listen for the water though as it is just feet away.

The hike to the waterfall along Ellison creek is short and beautiful. There are multiple waterfalls along this short stretch of creek. There are often crowds of people at the swimming holes, especially on the weekends.

The Hieroglyphic Trail is a popular hike within the Superstition Wilderness. The parking lot fills up quickly so be there early to grab a spot. Do not park along the road as you will be ticketed or towed. The canyon full of petroglyphs is quite impressive. During the cooler months there is often water flowing through the creek bed with a waterfall just below the petroglyphs. Always remember to look at the carvings but don't tough to preserve them for generations to come!!

This is a beautiful drive through the Mountains past the lakes. Unfortunately the road is closed just above Fish Creek due to a rock slide with no estimated date for reopening. You can access the other side by traveling south from Roosevelt lake. Be sure to make a stop in Tortilla Flat, it's a must when driving the Apache Trail!!!