Payson, Arizona

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...

You will park off I-17 at Forest Road 9006, which is approximately 1 mile from Sunset Point Rest Area. To find Forest Road 9006, you will spot an old ranching structure and a tall windmill. Park at the gate and get ready to explore the Richinbar Mine! The forest road will continue and bend s...

The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline.   The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...

The Big Park to Bell Rock Pathway Loop offers an iconic Sedona hiking experience, featuring up-close views of the famous Bell Rock formation and expansive vistas of the surrounding red rock landscape. This well-maintained trail system provides multiple interconnected paths allowing hikers to cu...

Named after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike.  It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hi...

Pinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...

Butcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat! The trailhead is located righ...

At roughly a 1 mile loop, the Bell hike is a short but very sweet hike with high reward, it's an amazing spot to sit an watch the sun dip below the horizon and if you're lucky, may even have the view to yourself. Accessing the hike is best started at the Bell Rock Parking lot, if you're heading ...

The Bell Rock Trail in Sedona is a relatively easy hike with a majestic reward. It is a well maintained trail that with plenty of views to keep your eyes happy. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself turning around every 5 minutes and saying, "wow, this is gorgeous!" The trail itself is only ~...

While most people stop to hike the Bell Rock Trail, you can get away from the congestion and madness by tackling the nearby Courthouse Butte trail. This moderate hike is 4.5 miles roundtrip over relatively flat ground on a well maintained trail. To get to the trailhead, park in the Courthouse V...

Start this incredible hike by parking at the Yavapai Point parking lot. Start the short hike (0.13 miles) on the Kaibab Trail which will run into Yavapai Vista Trail (0.27 miles) towards the Slim Shady Trail. Here you will have an incredible view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Vista an excellent pla...

Yavapai Vista Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sedona, Arizona.

Zig Zag Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Canyon City, Arizona.

Government Springs Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mayer, Arizona.

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...

Castle Creek Road to Cleator is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Black Canyon City, Arizona.