Clarkdale, Arizona

I started this hike at 7:00am. It was a perfect time of day. The sky was clear and the air was cool. I chose this section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail because I heard it passes through beautiful prairie and stands of Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. The trail did not disappoint! I started...

To get to the Nordic Village from Flagstaff, just take the 180 North until you see the signs for the Nordic Village (on your right).Once at the Nordic Village, go inside the entrance building to buy your day pass ($10 for a snowshoeing day pass) and rent your gear.  Feel free to bring your own sn...

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 ...

If you think you might only get one chance to hike Humphreys Peak in your life, I recommend this hike so that you can have a unique view experience of the east and west sides of the Peaks. This is a shuttle hike of Humphreys Peak which combines the Humphreys Peak Trail and the Humphreys via Inner...

From Flagstaff, take US-180 west towards the Grand Canyon. Take US-180 for 7 miles until you reach Snow Bowl Rd. Turn right/N onto Snow Bowl Rd and take this for 7 miles as it winds its way up the mountain. If it has recently snowed you will need chains for 2 wheel drive vehicles or 4 wheel drive...

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...

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...

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 ...

When the golden fall color is at its peak is when this trail (and Locket Meadow camping) is the most popular.  I recommend getting there as early as possible, because parking goes FAST.  And note that the drive up to the trailhead is a bit sketchy as well… Beginning at Lockett Meadow, the start o...

This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. Do it during the last week of September, when summer gives it’s last wave goodbye in a spectacle of electric yellow aspen groves. With the exception of occasion...

The free camping in the Coconino (as well as the many other national forests) is generally along the old Fire Roads, and old Forest Service Roads. You can tell if a road is one of these by a brown sign with an FS 123 or any other number, FS meaning Forest Service Road. There are many of these roa...