Arizona

Cathedral Canyon is located just south of Page, Arizona and west of Coppermine Road and is entirely on Navajo Land, so access is possible only by permission from a local or with a permit from one of the licensed tour companies, of which Chief Tsosi is currently the only one permitted to give perm...

The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top.  Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good...

Wanting a short and sweet sunset or sunrise spot in Sedona away from some of the crowds? This easily accessible trail is great for people wanting picnics, a quick photography spot (we saw a couple from their wedding doing a photo shoot here), and a cool spot to watch the sun rise or set with the ...

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...

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...

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 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...

The hike will begin at Washington Park in Payson, Arizona. To reach Washington Park, take AZ87 to Forest Road 199 (Houston Mesa Road) and turn east. Continue for 10 miles until you reach Forest Road 64 and turn west. Traveling less than a mile you will turn north on Forest Road 32 and in 3 miles ...

The Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...

Waterline Road is a closed service road that follows along the southern and eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ. You will pass through several miles of charred ponderosa pine as well as expansive groves of aspen trees as you make your way to the Inner Basin.The road follows...

Enjoy the beautiful Baldwin Trail Loop in red rock country as you take in the majestic views of Cathedral Rock! As with most areas in Sedona, you will need to have purchased a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead, which is located just south of Verde Valley Road. The trailhead, starting at an ...

This run is an extreme adventure and requires lots of planning and training. The risk for injury or heat related illness is high, so take precautions and don't run alone. Group sizes of 12-30 require a $175 permit from the NPS. These trails are popular with runners, hikers, and backpackers; pl...

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 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...

Beginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area.  Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top.   Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...

As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...