Casa Grande, Arizona

This trail is a moderately-rated hike. It is used for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, running, and walking. To access the trail, it is important to note that there is a $7 cash parking fee, so be prepared! The beginning of the trail is the most challenging part as it ...

We recently hiked the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak State Park, and while it’s not as challenging as the Hunter Trail, it’s still a bit difficult, especially with rocky terrain. However, this trail was more manageable for our family, and all of our kids were able to complete it without needing t...

If you've ever done the drive on highway10 from Phoenix to Tucson, you've definitely noticed an intriguing looking mountain peak about an hour into the drive. It broadly rises from the earth and tapers off into a point at the top, appearing like an illustration straight out of a Dr. Seuss boo...

This is somewhat of a hidden gem in South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the United States, even though it's right there for all to see. The best way to take advantage of this trail is to attack the ridgeline with an intense hiking pace or trail run, connecting it to the National Tr...

Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...

From the rocks in Papago Park you can see all of Tempe and into Downtown Phoenix. During the summer it is a tremendous vantage point to watch the infamous haboobs (intense dust storm) roll through the valley. If they're at sunset or just before, the color experience is phenomenal. Of course, y...

This is the true beast hike of the Superstitions. If you think Flatiron is a toughy, give this a whirl! You will be poked, prodded, slapped, smacked, jolted, tripped and stabbed the entire way, but rewarded with arguably the finest sights the valley of the sun has to offer: the entire Superstitio...

If you live near or around Phoenix, you know that Camelback Mountain is pretty hard to miss. Due to the mountain's height, this hike isn't exactly what you would call easy. There are two sides of the mountain you can hike, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon is shorter, but still an extreme...

Quartz Ridge in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (also known as Trail 8A) is a great escape getaway trail that can be done as a single track or combined with many intersecting trails. It is a very popular trail for hikers, trail runners, pet walkers, sky gawkers and more! The trailhead sits in a sm...

A Tonto Day Pass is required for this hike as you will park your vehicle at the Blue Point Picnic Area. The trail starts North of the restrooms which are located at the backside of the parking lot. The trail takes you through a mesquite filled area alongside large rock faces. Be sure too look for...

The best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. At .4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summ...

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 ani...

The entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on t...

Sunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...