Arizona

First off, there is a lot of paddling involved...nothing too crazy, but just consistent. Most people start from the Hoover Dam and just float/ paddle down to the Arizona Hot Springs/ Camp and then finish at Willow Beach. But that also involves permits and you need to book it at least 6 months in ...

This is a great hike that has amazing views at all times of the year. This trail might be closed for skiing season, but I am not sure. I went in October, just before Halloween and the weather was perfect. The leaves were changing and there was a nice brisk breeze. The short loop makes it accessib...

Timp Point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon lies just on the boundary of the National Park and within the Kaibab National Forest, well away from the (already smaller) crowds of the North Rim. Even in the heart of summer often you'll have a campsite on the rim all to yourself, with easy access...

Note: A guide is recommended to take you on a tour of Hunts Mesa. Guide information can be found on NavajoNationParks.Org.  Though there are many unique viewpoints from within and around Monument Valley, none is as grand as the view from Hunts Mesa! Not easily accessible, the only way to get to ...

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 earl...

Get on E Speedway Blvd, and follow it West until it turns into W Gates Pass rd. Follow this for 3 miles and the parking lot will be at the top of the pass. There are a few viewing platforms that offer shade from the desert heat. There are numerous trails that you can follow to get whatever view y...

Crescent Moon Ranch was established in the 1880's, and now serves as a day use facility for the U.S. Forest Service. It lies on Oak Creek directly below Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic towering monuments in Sedona. The ranch is beautiful, and is popular for picnic's, swimming, hiking, and ...

This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...

Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...

Munds Mt. is the highpoint due east of the town of Sedona, but due to its forested summit and trailhead accessibility limited to 4WD vehicles, it gets far less interest than hikes like Cathedral Rock, Wilson Mountain, or Fay Canyon yet has fantastic views of the town of Sedona and the surrounding...

The West Baldy Trail is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes in Arizona. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. The trail follows the Little Colorado River most of the way and the sound of trickling water complements the gorgeous mountains and gr...

Last year I went to Phoenix for a few days for work.  I googled lots of places to shoot pictures around Phoenix, but the majority of them were in neighboring areas, and I only had an hour or two after work and couldn't drive an hour to a better photography spot.  One place that kept coming up was...

Oak Creek is spring fed from the upper reaches of Oak Creek Canyon. It flows into the Verde River and the upper sections provide for some excellent trout fishing. The trout is stocked from Page Springs Hatchery, below this area the water becomes to warm for trout to survive. While in the area, yo...

To get to the trail head, drive past Lost Dutchman State Park on the 88 and then take the dirt road (on your right) with arrows leading you to First Water Trail Head.  There is an outhouse at the trailhead, so I suggest visiting it before you begin this hike.  I also started this hike about an ho...

Start at the Sabino Canyon trailhead - you can either walk up the dirt road (which adds about 4 miles) or take the $10 tram from the Visitor Center and hop off at the last stop #9. From there you hike 2.5 miles into Sabino Canyon into the basin (beautiful views of the canyon all the way there). ...

Right off Arizona Highway 260 at Porter Mountain Rd., you'll find this easy out-and-back hike that will wind you past Scott Reservoir to an ancient lava tube cave. To access the trailhead, take Porter Mountain Rd. for one mile off Highway 260, the parking area is easily visible about 0.1 mi past...