AZ Utopia: Insider's Guide to Best Arizona Hiking Trails

February 13, 2015

Finding a Hike

Click here for the easy to use Hike Finder, including skill level markers, location map, and area listings.

Landscape view from top of Mount Union; from the Dandrea and Yankee Doodle Hiking Trails; Mountain tops; Prescott Mountains; Pine Trees; Prescott; Arizona; Moderate Hiking Trails; Central Arizona Hiking Trails. Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

Dandrea Hiking Trail to Mount Union

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Prescott Area Make a beeline to the top of the Bradshaw Mountains highest peak, on this shady, woodland trail. The Dandrea Hiking Trail cuts a straight path up the northern side of Mount Union. Near the top, a quick turn onto the Yankee Doodle Trail pays off with stunning southwards views over the…

February 16, 2016

The Truth about Rattlesnakes in Arizona

This easy-to-follow guide covers the myths and truths about rattlesnakes in Arizona. Including solid information about chances of running into them, what to do if you do come across one, dealing with a bite, and more. Myths & Truths about Rattlesnakes in Arizona MYTH: Arizona is covered in rattlesnakes. TRUTH: Rattlesnakes do live in Arizona. However, they are spread out over a wide…

Landscape view; Blue skies; Clouds; Dirt Road; Prickly Pear Cactus; Grassland; Prairie; Cattle Pen; Bradshaw Mountains . Black Canyon Hiking Trail; Mayer; Central Arizona; Drinking Snake Trail Segment; Easy Hiking Trails. Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

April 10, 2021

Drinking Snake Segment, Black Canyon Hiking Trail

★★★★★ Easy / Prescott Area Meander across flower filled meadows and open grassland on this very pretty hike. The Drinking Snake Segment of the Black Canyon Hiking Trail winds through gently undulating hills, expansive ranch land and along the edge of a deep mountain valley. Arizona’s big skies keep company along the way.

February 6, 2016

What to Take on a Hike

Whether you’re heading out on a short 1-mile, or long 20-mile day hike, here’s a list of essential items to bring: What to Take on a Hike WATER – Your absolute “Must have!” on any hike! Use a system that keeps your hands free and body balanced. Hydration backpacks (from companies like CamelBak or Osprey) are fantastic. Their insulation helps keep liquids cool (a big…

Landscape, Teens, Fossil Creek, Waterfall, Arizona, Coconino Forest, Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail

April 18, 2015

Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail (from Camp Verde)

★★★☆☆ Easy / Payson Area: Blink your eyes (on this crazy short hike) and you’ll have already arrived in paradise! The gushing waterfall and turquoise blue pools on Fossil Creek’s Waterfall Trail are truly feasts for the senses. And frolicking in these deliciously refreshing waters, after such little hiking (although there is a lot of driving), is almost junk-food-like in its nearly instant gratification – kinda’ like being given the…

March 19, 2016

Choosing the Perfect Hiking Shoe or Boot

Besides having enough water, your hiking footwear has the most radical impact on whether you reminisce about your hike in “Whoo Hoo!” or “*!%*!#*%!” terms. Having your feet feel impervious to the trail is pretty sweet. While getting bumped up toes, blisters or twisted ankles, due underperforming footwear, is less than cool! So what should you look for when choosing a hiking shoe or boot?…

June 20, 2015

Horton Creek Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Easy / Payson Area: Like Mother Nature’s “water cooler”, Horton Spring gushes cold, crystal-clear water and chilly air year-round. The easy Horton Creek Hiking Trail follows the banks of beautiful, spring-fed Horton Creek (to its fresh water source). It is a touch of bliss – especially in the midst of Arizona’s hot Summers.

Grup of Hikers with Backpacks; Haulapai Canyon; Boulders; Arroyo; Cliffs; Trees; Canyon; Havasu; Arizona; Grand Canyon. Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

February 23, 2019

Havasu Falls Backpacking Supply Guide

Congratulations! You’ve scored a permit to visit Havasu Falls. And now you’re in serious planning mode. To help out, we’ve put together a recommended supply list (below) and downloadable checklist (with recommended weights, etc.) on what to tuck into your backpack. Plus, the camping descriptions below provide a good heads-up on the ins-and-outs of Havasu Falls camping.…

Havasu Falls; Northern Arizona; Arizona; Havasu River; Havasu Canyon; Turquoise Water; Waterfall; River; View; Canyon; Havasupai; Supai; Arizona; Northern Arizona Hikes; Difficult Hikes; Copyright azutopi.com; No use without permission

January 13, 2018

Havasu Falls Hiking Trail

★★★★★ Difficult / North of Seligman Turquoise blue water and a thundering 100′ waterfall make Havasu Falls one of Arizona’s most spectacular places. Winding through a remote desert canyon, the Havasu Falls Hiking Trail descends into a magical land – almost surreal in its beauty. Deep in the canyon, a treelined, icy blue creek, and roaring falls,…

Let’s Hike!

YES! Keep me updated with awesome AZ hikes each month.