Laura Hill
Born and raised in Arizona, I have a deep love of my home state! When I'm not working, you'll find me on a hiking trail, swinging in a hammock or paddling a kayak. And I'm always on the search for the next perfect camping spot.
Hike Inner Basin Trail #29
Flagstaff, Arizona
5.0
3.2 mi
/ 757 ft gain
When the golden fall color is at its peak is when this trail (and Locket Meadow camping) is the most popular. I recommend getting there as early as possible, because parking goes FAST. And note that the drive up to the trailhead is a bit sketchy as well…
Beginning at Lockett Meadow, the start of this trail is flat and filled with aspen. As you begin the climb, you’ll encounter row after row ...
Hiking Kisva Trail in Red Rocks State Park
Sedona, Arizona
4.0
1.3 mi
/ 62 ft gain
This easy hike features a lovely creek and the beautiful red rocks of Sedona!
This is a flat, shady, 1.3 mi hike and follows Oak Creek for a portion. Beautiful spots to stop and have a picnic or just relax and watch the birds. Lots of signage, and great to do with kids of all ages.
If you’re looking for an easy way to experience Sedona’s beauty, this is a great place to start!
Fish Woods Canyon Lake
Coconino County, ArizonaYou can rent a charming metal fishing boat at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own boat, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law). Note that gas motors are NOT permitted on boats (only trolling motors). This makes it an incredibly quiet experience.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot any of the numerous bald eagles that nest in the trees high above ...
Get Active at the City Museum
St. Louis, MissouriIf you're in St. Louis, make sure to add the City Museum to your to-do list. This indoor-outdoor space features incredible slides, hidden stairways, and the craziest most random playgrounds.
Here's what their website has to say – “Expect the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles ...
Ride the Kuranda Scenic Train in Australia
Kuranda, QueenslandExperience beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery and explore the village of Kuranda at the end of the trip (so many cute shops and places for delicious food & snacks). Truly, a unique and beautiful experience.
When visiting the village, you can also stop at Tjapukai – the website shared that “Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is the most awarded Aboriginal cultural attraction in Australia an...
Hike to Praying Hands in Lost Dutchman State Park
Apache Junction, Arizona
4.0
4.3 mi
/ 954 ft gain
Begin your hike in the Cholla parking lot, and start Treasure Loop Trail (this is the north side of the loop, heading east). Once you get to the base of the main cliffs, and the trail starts to veer to the right, this is where you branch off. Instead of veering right, go straight and off to the left, heading towards Praying Hands (it’s a rock structure that actually looks like two praying han...
Kayak Saguaro Lake
Fort McDowell, Arizona
4.0
If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet.
If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide your PFD and paddle). Note that if you bring your own kayak, you need to bring a PFD (it's Arizona...
Explore Slide Rock State Park
6871 Arizona 89A, Arizona
4.6
This beautiful State Park, which is the original location of the Pendley Homestead, is a historic apple farm (the apple trees are still there!). This is a favorite stop for families in the summertime, so if you come then, make sure to arrive early. It’s common to find throngs of people in the creek, or at any of the many picnic areas (close to the parking lot).
There is a cute little store on...
Hike Echo Canyon Trail in Chiricahua National Monument
Willcox, Arizona
4.5
3.5 mi
This is a moderate trail, with a good amount of up and down. But you won’t mind one bit, because you’ll be so awestruck with the scenery. The distinct unique green coated rock formations of Chiricahua National Monument are on full display for this trail. Note that the parking fills very quickly, so arrive early. And make sure to call ahead to see what (if any) restrictions are in place.
...
Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert
Mesa, Arizona
5.0
This picturesque location is truly unique; featuring Saguaro Lake, the spectacular Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River winds through the Ranch property, and you’re able to experience it all on horseback.
What I loved most is that the horses were well cared for, the handlers obviously adored the animals, and they were very well behaved.
For more information, visit their website.
Hike the Oak Creek Trail
Sedona, Arizona
4.5
1.1 mi
/ 26 ft gain
Great, short hike in Red Rock Crossing. Make sure to check out the hundreds of cairns at Buddha Beach. Beautiful views of Cathedral Rock. Lots of places to relax and have lunch, with picnic tables near the parking lot. Lots of parking, good amount of shade down near the creek.
Good for all skill levels. Very busy, lots of families (especially on the weekends!).
As with all outdoor adventure...
Marcus Landslide Trail
Scottsdale, Arizona
5.0
3.77 mi
/ 561 ft gain
Named after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike. It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hike (if a bit more strenuous).
Featuring unique rock formations, this trail winds for 4 miles and ha...
Dispersed Camping on Mogollon Rim (FR 9350)
Payson, Arizona
4.7
Dispersed camping with a view!
With no site fees and no reservations, this camping spot is incredibly popular. Note that several campsites are bordered by a 200' vertical drop. This area is not recommended for families with young children or people who are uneasy with heights.
All campsites have fire pits with grill tops, however please adhere to all fire restrictions.
Make sure to check o...
Experience the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua
Rotorua, New ZealandGeyers and hot springs and silica formations, oh my!
Te Puia is the site where you can see these amazing wonders up close (but not too close!), while learning about the location history, Maori culture and scientific details.
Great experience for the adults and kids alike, and the nature walks are top notch!
But be warned, it does smell a bit like sulfur :)
Address: Hemo Road, Tihiotong...
Hike Woods Canyon Lake Loop Trail
Coconino County, Arizona
5.0
3.7 mi
/ 154 ft gain
This hike is a ~4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that circles Woods Canyon Lake, on the beautiful Mogollon Rim. Peaceful and easy, this trail is suitable for all skill levels, and is great for families looking to spend a bit of time in nature. The trail follows the shoreline closely, and for the little bit in which it moves farther into the forest, it is very well marked.
There’s a parkin...
Kayak Woods Canyon Lake
Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona
5.0
Is there any better way to spend a Saturday, then paddling on a glassy, peaceful lake?
You can rent kayaks at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own kayak, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).
One of the best parts of this lake is that while it’s a popular fishing spot, no gas motors are permitted on boats (only trolling motors). This...
Explore the Ruins of the Coliseum
Roma, Italy
4.8
Incredibly impressive, no trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to this amazing structure.
There are lots of tours that take you around the inside, and down into the depths of the ruin. Wonderful spot for photography, and great for adults and families alike.
If you have time, I would also recommend visiting the Roman Forum, which is just a short ways away.
Fun fact: Did you know th...
Hike on Rim Lakes Vista Trail #622
Payson, Arizona
3.5 mi
This heavily trafficked, easy trail leads along the edge of the Mogollon Rim, with spectacular views. There are lots of places for photos, but make sure to be very careful, as it’s more than a 200 ft drop!
The first ½ mile of the trail is paved, making it easy for all ages to enjoy. But again, make sure to watch kiddos closely.
There are multiple pullouts with parking along the trail, but ...
Walk Forrest Park in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
4.0
Perfect for getting steps in or spreading out a blanket and having a picnic. The grounds are beautifully manicured, with lots of vibrant flowers and greenery. The park boasts multiple water features which are lovely to sit out and relax by.
This is a very busy park, with lots of runners, people having picnics on the green lawns and dogs on their daily walk.
For more information and to view ...
Devils Kitchen
Sedona, Arizona
5.0
0.35 mi
/ 23 ft gain
Great spot for photos, and is at the beginning of one of the best trails in Sedona.
The parking lot can get full easily, since this is a very popular trail. The sinkhole is close to the trailhead, but I encourage you to continue on down the Soldier’s Pass trail.
As with all outdoor adventures, make sure to follow Leave No Trace principals.
Trailhead location: Forest Service 9904 Rd...
Hike to the Birthing Cave
Sedona, Arizona
5.0
2 mi
/ 291 ft gain
The hike is an easy one, flat and not too long. In the spring you'll see lots of flowers. Note, the popularity of this Sedona cave has grown in the past year, so you will most likely encounter other hikers and mountain bikers.
You start from the Long Canyon Trailhead, and I recommend going early in the morning, as the trailhead parking fills quickly.
A half mile in, you’ll reach a fork in t...
Sedona Wind Caves
Sedona, Arizona
0.52 mi
/ 89 ft gain
These beautiful caves are located mid-way through a short 0.5 mile hike, rated moderate. And if you weren’t looking, you would never know they were there… note that they are before the end of the trail, on the right as you hike.
The caves are well trafficked, so if you go, make sure to go early (parking only has room for 3 or 4 cars, and is right off a main road. The trail is quite flat, an...
Photograph the Wildflowers at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho, Arizona
4.0
If Arizona is lucky enough to have a rainy winter, we will most certainly have a beautiful bloom come spring. One of the best places to see the beautiful golden blooms is on a hike in Picacho Peak State Park.
Blooming season typically begins in mid/late February. Length depends on temperature – if it’s a hot spring, many of the blooms fade quickly.
There are 5 different hiking trails, al...
Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees
Guerneville, California
5.0
The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!
Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 1400 years old.
I think one of the best things about this place is how...
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