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; 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.

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 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…

February 6, 2021

Black Mesa Hiking Trail Loop

★★★★★ Moderate / Superstition Mountains Weavers Needle plays hide and seek on this long, languid, stunningly beautiful loop trail. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman’s, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. And there is nary a crowd to be found.

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…

January 10, 2021

Gateway Hiking Trail Loop

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Phoenix Area Hikers flock to this scenic foothill loop trail, like kids to an ice cream truck, whenever good weather calls. The McDowell Mountain Preserve’s Gateway Hiking Trail Loop offers up a delectable serving of location, length, elevation gain and scenery. It’s also the gateway to many of the preserve’s other fantastic trails.

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?…

Hikers; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; Sunburst; Cliffs; Rock Formations. Brush; Saguaros; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

February 23, 2020

Treasure Loop Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Moderate / Phoenix Area This short, family-friendly loop winds around the huge rock formations at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail heads up a scenic foothill. At the top, there are ginormous boulders to explore and excellent valley views.

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,…

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