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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.

The views are unique on this hike - you can definitely tell that you're scaling the side of a volcano. The lava flows are super cool - recommend if you're looking for a varied landscape!

But suuuper scary if you turn off your headlamp. And as a note, make sure you pack extra batteries - the LAST thing you would want would be for your headlamp or flashlight to run out of power.

I’ve been here twice, once with school and once with my family. It’s an impressive example of cliff dwellings, but I think it’s a one and done type of experience. Very educational, though!

Beautiful hike among the many saguaro and other cacti. I unfortunately didn’t make it to the peak due to time, but what I did see was wonderful. Watch for snakes :) Would be lovely in spring with the wildflowers, but be cautious of the heat.

My mom and I stopped and did a portion of this hike on our way to Castle Hot Springs, and it was a hot day, so we didn’t complete. Zero shade, make sure to bring lots of water!

These are well preserved dwelling, so if you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture here, it’s worth a visit. I went when I was much younger and it’s great for families.

I love this trail in the winter, but I’ve heard that spring is remarkable with wildflowers everywhere. Because it’s so popular, parking can be a bit of a challenge so arrive early to ensure you get a spot. Even if you go in the winter, make sure you bring enough water!

Really cool spot, and it’s honestly just a short walk from the road. I’d recommend you don’t climb and stand directly on top of the arch - better safe than sorry!

By the time I arrived at Fremont saddle, I knew I wasn’t going to make it much further and still make it back to the trailhead by dark. I went about two miles into the loop and turned around. It was sooo beautiful! Highly recommend, but be more prepared than I was :)

If you haven’t trained in the heat, only go in the cooler months (AZ summers are brutal). But when it’s nice out, this trail his super popular. Really beautiful!

The trail is an easy one, with very little elevation gain. But it’s really only worth going if there’s been a recent rain. The waterfall doesn’t run otherwise...

If you’re looking to see the “old west,” this is a pretty good option. And it is a wonderful spot for the sunset - but if you REALLY want a lovely location - head down the road five minutes and visit Lost Dutchman State Park. Muuuch better place :)

Views are lovely, and it’s a great way to spend an Arizona day (when it’s cool out), but there was SO much trash. Really spoils it...

Did this drive with my mama, in a convertible - honestly, consider renting on for your trip! You’re able to take in SO much more :) Beautiful drive, highly recommend!

Love this lake - mostly go for fishing with my dad. This hike is easy and a great one to do if you’re trying to escape the Phoenix heat. Well maintained facilities.

Close to Lynx Lake (great fishing) and just a short drive from Prescott. Well maintained, love it!

We wanted to see this spot, and found it super easy to get to. Views are wonderful - bring your camera!

Such an amazing destination and my mom, grandma and I loved visiting this island. We all rented bikes from a cute little shop and cruised around for a few hours. Great way to spend a day!

We saw a pod of dolphins here! Didn't spend too much time, but I saw lots of families and sandcastles. Would make for a great sunset spot!

First time we went here, we couldn't find parking - next time we came a bit earlier and lucked out. Great spot to watch the sunset and the surfers.

Honestly, this may be one of my favorite places to watch a beach sunset in California. Tons of food options really close to the beach and it's also dog friendly!

I spent a few hours with my father, wandering around all the museums and touristy spots. It was fun way to spend an afternoon. Had dinner at an old timey saloon, and the food was surprisingly good! Lots of other options in the area too.

Caught a sunset here with my papa, and ate the to-go we picked up from from a sandwich shop a couple blocks from where we found parking. Made for a great end to the day! Wasn't too busy at the time, but I know there are more people here on the weekends (we went on a Wednesday).

My dad loooves Willow Springs Lake, so this is where we stay when we go fishing there. Well maintained, basic site.