Cottonwood, Arizona

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

This hike starts at the Kelsey Spring Trailhead. Park at the end of Forest Service Road 538G. There is parking for about 6-7 cars. Just past the signage for the trail, which is also called Kelsey Winter Trail, there is a trail registration box. Be sure to sign in. The trail descends steeply for t...

5.8, 80ft trad climb at the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout.  To get there, take the 89A North from Sedona, or South from Flagstaff. Then you will see signs for the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout. Take the turn off and park in the lot. If you think you will stay beyond closing, park across the street so you d...

5.8+, 80ft trad climb at the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout.  To get there, take the 89A North from Sedona, or South from Flagstaff. Then you will see signs for the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout. Take the turn off and park in the lot. If you think you will stay beyond closing, park across the street so you ...

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 ...

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...

This loop trail has two different starting points. You can start at the south end of Rogers Lake (which is what I did) or the north end. I hike in a clockwise direction. This is recommended if you are hiking in the late afternoon as I did. The sun will be at your back during the section that has ...

Starting from Downtown Flagstaff we headed west. After making a left turn on Woody Mountain Road, we continued for 22 miles. Woody Mountain Road then becomes Forest Road 231. Continue on FS 231 until you find a killer spot to pitch it! Make sure to be wary of elk herds crossing the roads.We made ...

The journey is definitely worth it! Don't let the description discourage you from visiting here. This is simply to help you be prepared so that you can enjoy this wonderful place as safely as possible! Fossil Creek Rd can only be accessed from Camp Verde via FH 9 (Hwy 260) and FR 708 due to road...

The pools at the Verde Hot springs are the remnants from an old resort built in the 1920's.  The resort was a once thriving tourist attraction and also rumored to be one of Al Capone's hideouts.  In the 1960's a fire destroyed the resort only leaving behind the foundation and the thermal pools al...

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...