Laura Hill

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 of this trail is flat and filled with aspen.  As you begin the climb, you’ll encounter row after row ...

This easy hike features a lovely creek and the beautiful red rocks of Sedona! This is a flat, shady, 1.3 mi hike and follows Oak Creek for a portion.  Beautiful spots to stop and have a picnic or just relax and watch the birds.  Lots of signage, and great to do with kids of all ages. If you’re looking for an easy way to experience Sedona’s beauty, this is a great place to start!

This picturesque location is truly unique; featuring Saguaro Lake, the spectacular Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River winds through the Ranch property, and you’re able to experience it all on horseback. What I loved most is that the horses were well cared for, the handlers obviously adored the animals, and they were very well behaved.  For more information, visit their website.

Great spot for photos, and is at the beginning of one of the best trails in Sedona.  The parking lot can get full easily, since this is a very popular trail.  The sinkhole is close to the trailhead, but I encourage you to continue on down the Soldier’s Pass trail. As with all outdoor adventures, make sure to follow Leave No Trace principals. Trailhead location: Forest Service 9904 Rd...

You can rent a charming metal fishing boat at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own boat, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  Note that gas motors are NOT permitted on boats (only trolling motors).  This makes it an incredibly quiet experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot any of the numerous bald eagles that nest in the trees high above ...

Great, short hike in Red Rock Crossing. Make sure to check out the hundreds of cairns at Buddha Beach. Beautiful views of Cathedral Rock.  Lots of places to relax and have lunch, with picnic tables near the parking lot.  Lots of parking, good amount of shade down near the creek.   Good for all skill levels. Very busy, lots of families (especially on the weekends!). As with all outdoor adventu...

Experience beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery and explore the village of Kuranda at the end of the trip (so many cute shops and places for delicious food & snacks).  Truly, a unique and beautiful experience. When visiting the village, you can also stop at Tjapukai – the website shared that “Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is the most awarded Aboriginal cultural attraction in Australia an...

And there is no better place to experience this beautiful display than at Lost Dutchman State Park. The State Park website shares that visitors can find "chuparosas, poppies, fiddle necks, globe mallow, chuparosa, brittle bush, desert evening primrose, lupine, ocotillo, chicory, scorpion weed, skeleton weed, jojoba, Mormon tea, phacelia, bluebell, and more!" But I go for one flower the prickly ...

The Cactus Forest scenic drive is one of two scenic drives in Saguaro National Park (the other is in the West district location).  The drive in Saguaro National Park East is a paved eight-mile one way loop that runs through the heart of an extensive saguaro forest.  If you’re lucky enough to visit during the blooming season, you’re in for a treat!  Wildflower season is also spectacular.  Not to...

Perfect for getting steps in or spreading out a blanket and having a picnic.  The grounds are beautifully manicured, with lots of vibrant flowers and greenery.  The park boasts multiple water features which are lovely to sit out and relax by. This is a very busy park, with lots of runners, people having picnics on the green lawns and dogs on their daily walk.   For more information and to view ...

The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!  Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 1400 years old.  I think one of the best things about this place is how...

Dispersed camping with a view! With no site fees and no reservations, this camping spot is incredibly popular.  Note that several campsites are bordered by a 200' vertical drop. This area is not recommended for families with young children or people who are uneasy with heights.   All campsites have fire pits with grill tops, however please adhere to all fire restrictions.   Make sure to check o...

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 hike (if a bit more strenuous). Featuring unique rock formations, this trail winds for 4 miles and ha...

If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history.   This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies.  The Painted Ladies are row of 6 Victorian homes, and are a frequent stop on San Francisco tour bus routes.   They’re colorfully ...

If you're in St. Louis, make sure to add the City Museum to your to-do list.  This indoor-outdoor space features incredible slides, hidden stairways, and the craziest most random playgrounds. Here's what their website has to say – “Expect the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles ...

Geyers and hot springs and silica formations, oh my! Te Puia is the site where you can see these amazing wonders up close (but not too close!), while learning about the location history, Maori culture and scientific details.  Great experience for the adults and kids alike, and the nature walks are top notch! But be warned, it does smell a bit like sulfur :) Address: Hemo Road, Tihiotong...

The building was built in the early 1900’s by the first settlers of Pine, the farm was turned into a lavender farm.  There’s a little shop, and the owner also does cooking classes!  Wonderful way to spend some time in the northern Arizona sunshine. For more information and a calendar of events, please visit their website. 4223 Pine Creek Canyon Road Pine, Arizona 85544 Phone: (6...

Is there any better way to spend a Saturday, then paddling on a glassy, peaceful lake?  You can rent kayaks at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own kayak, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  One of the best parts of this lake is that while it’s a popular fishing spot, no gas motors are permitted on boats (only trolling motors).  This...

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 early in the morning, as the trailhead parking fills quickly.   A half mile in, you’ll reach a fork in ...

A day at the Silver Strand State Beach is a must, playing in the surf and searching for seashells. Parking can be challenging, as all beaches on Coronado Island are very busy.  I recommend coming early in the morning and planning to stay all day.  Lots of food options are close to every beach, as well as restrooms. For more information, visit the San Diego website.

If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet.  If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide your PFD and paddle).  Note that if you bring your own kayak, you need to bring a PFD (it's Arizona...

These beautiful caves are located mid-way through a short 0.5 mile hike, rated moderate.  And if you weren’t looking, you would never know they were there…  note that they are before the end of the trail, on the right as you hike. The caves are well trafficked, so if you go, make sure to go early (parking only has room for 3 or 4 cars, and is right off a main road.  The trail is quite flat, an...

This is a moderate trail, with a good amount of up and down.  But you won’t mind one bit, because you’ll be so awestruck with the scenery.  The distinct unique green coated rock formations of Chiricahua National Monument are on full display for this trail.  Note that the parking fills very quickly, so arrive early.  And make sure to call ahead to see what (if any) restrictions are in place. ...

If Arizona is lucky enough to have a rainy winter, we will most certainly have a beautiful bloom come spring.  One of the best places to see the beautiful golden blooms is on a hike in Picacho Peak State Park. Blooming season typically begins in mid/late February.  Length depends on temperature – if it’s a hot spring, many of the blooms fade quickly.  There are 5 different hiking trails, al...