Camp Verde, Arizona

This loop starts from Vultee Arch Rd. Important to note that doing this loop from here requires a high clearance 4x4. In this direction, the trail starts off flat and crosses a dry creek bed several times. The trail is relatively easy to follow. This section passes through junipers that offer som...

For this adventure you'll want to make your way to Oak Creek Canyon off highway 89 in Arizona. The GPS should get you there no problemo, my recommendation would be to look for a swimming hole upstream of Slide Rock State Park. Now this adventure is a little bit of a hunt, as you're driving the ca...

One of Sedona’s best and most scenic drives, that happens to also lead to Native American ruins, has to be Loy Butte Road (FR-525). This route also forms the eastern half of the famous Outlaw 4×4 Jeep Trail. The road is very rough in places, especially during the latter part of the drive. The roa...

The hike begins on the eastern side of the parking area. It is only a half mile hike but the views are amazing. Hike through the beautiful Sedona landscape of red rock and juniper before finding your way to this breathtaking cliff side view! Feel free to explore more of the mountain and find othe...

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 cr...

Badger Spring Wash is a dry stream bed most of the year. This trail starts from the Badger Spring Trailhead just off Route 17 north from Phoenix. The trail follows the stream bed, sometimes in or along side for 1.5 miles. At about one mile, you reach the spring and a good amount of water which is...

Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, and throughout the Red Rock District are several picnic and day-use areas. Popular sites include; West Fork, Red Rock Crossing, Banjo Bill and Grasshopper, which provide unique hiking, creek side picnicking, swimming and fishing opportunities. All Oak Creek Canyon cam...

There is a fee to enter this area $7 per adult as of 2025 (see AZStateParks.com for updates). There are 4 trails with many viewpoints from the parking lot, all of which are out and back. We followed the recommendation of the ranger working at the visitor's center and took the Gowan Trail down to ...

We love coming to this site in the Summer and Fall, but wanted to "test" our cold-weather gear before backpacking this Winter. So we went to our tried and true spot, with the comfort of our cars, so we could work out our layering and sleep system. Have a few cups of warm spiked cider and enjoy! T...

This campsite is definitely out there. You'll take a dirt road into what seems to be a thick forest. Tell your GPS to put you on Woody Mountain Road in Flagstaff, AZ. Once you are on this road set your speedometer and follow this road for about 23 miles. Do not make any turns off of this road, th...

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in Sedona, Arizona. It is a fairly easy hike, although it is 6 miles roundtrip. A lot of families come here, and children love to play in the water. There are various stream crossings, but for most of them, you should be able to keep dry. The canyon walls ...

Getting There About 18 miles south of Flagstaff on the 89A, turn into the Cave Springs parking lot and look for the trail just right of the first bridge. Hike up the chossy hill until you reach a giant sandstone slot canyon in the northwest. Climbing This canyon contained the crags, known as the ...

Starting at the parking lot, you will have to pay your dues prior to beginning your hike. You will immediately be met with fresh air and refreshing summer temperatures. A short decent down will lead you to the first trail marker, which the 55-acre lake becomes the centerpiece of your view. At thi...

The Mogollon Rim is part of the Colorado Plateau in eastern Arizona above Payson. The rim stretches across the Coconino National Forest and at some parts drops off nearly 2,000ft. This area is ideal for over-night car-camping. The expansive vistas above thousands of acres of national forest land ...

Pueblo La Plata is the largest ancient Indian ruin in Agua Fria National Monument and dates back to before 1200 A.D. The ruin at one time had 80 to 90 rooms for living quarters. Now the sight seems like just a pile of rubble. However there is significant research continuing on the mesa of Agua Fr...

Camping sites are only available in the summer months but the park is explorable year round! Watson Lake is a very unique place, in a state primarily made up of sandstone lies a lake surrounded by uniquely shaped Granite Boulders, excellent for hiking, rock climbing and photographing! Be sure to ...