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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.

This is by far my favorite camping spot in Arizona! Super popular, and since it’s dispersed camping, just know the spots may be full when you get there (have backup location in mind). Just make sure you practice LNT principles and check for fire restrictions before you go!

This is an easy, popular hike with great views of Sedona’s famous red rocks. Hiked it with my mom, just a few weeks after her hip surgery. She had no problem! Make sure to take the detour to the arch, it’s beautiful!

I’m lucky enough to live in Arizona and have been able to visit the Grand Canyon in all seasons. Winter is absolutely breathtaking! You’ll get some incredible photos, but make sure to watch the weather. It changes super fast and you don’t want to get caught in a major storm.

This is such an easy hike, ending at the beautiful falls. Depending on water level, you can climb down a bit and every into the middle of the flow, but be careful it’s easy to slip!

The La Jolla cliffs are some of the prettiest shoreline in California. If you’re lucky, you’ll see seals and dolphins! The restaurants on the cliff are great places to stop for dinner after exploring down on the beach. Parking can be chaos, due to it being such a popular place.

Absolutely iconic place to have your sack lunch! My husband and I were lucky enough to snag a spot while vacationing here, and it was easily one of our favorite memories. Great place to relax, people watch and take in the great views. But it’s really popular, so keep that in mind when visiting.

While we definitely did not run this trail, my husband and I did walk it to sightsee. Highly recommend, especially later in the day when the light is all pretty. We did see a ton of runners, and they all looked super happy :)

My hubby and I got a dinner to go and tricked yo the top of these steps (which are so beautiful). Great spot to have a meal and a view!

Coming from Arizona, I can’t begin to tell you how enthralled I was with everything about this trail! My husband and I stopped at General Sherman, but then happily kept on, and I’m so glad we did! I think the most magical part is how the moss and greenery muffle your footsteps. We could have spent all day here, but unfortunately had only a couple hours. Hoping to come back soon!

I drove this with my mom, and we were both left speechless. We saw a herd of elk, a bear, and sooo many buffalo. Truly incredible. Please note that when wildlife is near the road, there are typically lots of cars stopped for photos. If you're going to stop, make sure you pull over safely and do not impede traffic. Also... stay in the car... don't try to get the pic with the wildlife :) Highly recommend this drive!

Not much around, but this is definitely a fun stop if you're driving through. Make sure to get the iconic pic where you have each arm and leg in an different state :)

If you're in the area, you have to stop for one of the most photographed locations in Wyoming! My mom and I stopped for a quick photo, but didn't get to explore as much as we would have liked. Can't wait to get back! Note what other reviewers said about the gate.

If you're in Yellowstone, you simply cannot miss seeing Old Faithful! The visitor center is also top notch, I would highly recommend stopping in there to help plan your stops in the park. Super busy, but that's to be expected. Loved it!

This hike is easy, with it becoming a bit more difficult once you get off trail portion (but it's just a little bit of a scramble). Arch is a bit hard to spot from the main trail (it's on the right), but becomes easier the closer you get. Great spot to stop for a snack - next time I plan to find a way up on top of the arch!

Easy hike with beautiful vistas. Didn't exert a lot of energy, but always make sure you have enough water as that Arizona dehydration can sneak up on you...

This hike is flat and easy, with beautiful views of Horton Creek. At the end, there's a small waterfall. Lots of wonderful spots to hitch up a hammock and relax next to the water. Finding the trailhead is a little challenging, as it's located directly across from the parking lot area (where the bathrooms are). Walk back over the little bridge, then up the hill. You'll see the trailhead sign at the top.

Great place to watch the sunset! But as this is INCREDIBLY short, I wouldn't say it's much of a hike :) Very popular when the weather is nice and there's picnic spaces nearby. Last time I went there was a ton of trash, so please make sure to be respectful if you visit.

This is an easy hike, with great views of Saguaro Lake and the surrounding mountains. I like to combine it with a kayak trip (Butcher Jones is my favorite launch spot for the lake) - I've been hiking this trail since high school :) Last time I did this trail, I saw a pair of bald eagles. Amazing!

This is a beautiful hike in North Scottsdale. Well maintained and very very popular. Great place to watch the sunrise/sunset! Be wary of trail runners (there's a ton of them on this hike), and make sure to bring water/snacks. Very well kept trail, and the trailhead facilities are top notch.

Just as the title says, this is the best place to catch the famous Arizona sunsets. There's just something about this mountain range, it catches the light and is just magical. Not to miss! And if you're a photographer, you'll be very happy you went :) I was able to catch it at sunrise, when I was on my way to the Peralta Trailhead, and this mountain range is just stunning... Don't try and go out there after a good rain, though. It gets CRAZY muddy...

I couldn't get over how cool these rock formations were! I went with my mama, who was recovering from hip replacement surgery, so this trail is on the easy side of moderate. Make sure you bring enough water, and snacks for energy. And as always, follow LNT principals. Beautiful and peaceful, the trail is well kept. Highly recommend!

Busy on weekends and when the weather is nice. Great place to take a quick stroll, relax a bit and watch the sunset.

This is definitely a challenging hike, but worth the effort! Very popular, parking is a nightmare. Bring more water than you think you need. Great views!

We rented kayaks from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and launched from their site. Right in the beginning you get a little bit of adrenaline with very easy rapids, right at the base of the beautiful Bulldog Cliffs. This is, by far, the most scenic part of the trip, so take ALL the pics (but don't drop your phone in!). We brought lots of water and snacks, but I forgot my hat (will not make that mistake again) - so glad I had a full tube of sunscreen. Once you hit Water Users rec area, you're going to have a lot more company on the river. So, if possible, do the EARLIEST launch possible, which has you missing a good number of ppl... And if you're lucky, you might see the wild horses!