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.

Young Woman with backpack; Hiker; Sitting inside cave; in front of opening; Redrocks; Cliffs; Crevice; Bright light; Soldiers Pass Hiking Trail; Soldiers Pass Caves; Sedona; Arizona; Northern Arizona Hiking Trails; Difficult Hiking Trails; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

Soldiers Pass Caves Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Moderate / Sedona A two-story, red rock cave, sporting excellent Sedona views, sits at the top of this trail. Although unofficial, the Soldiers Pass Caves Hiking Trail is well worn and a cinch to follow. Inside the cave, a short, steep, rock scramble leads to a hidden upper chamber.

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?…

Landscape, View, King Canyon Hiking Trail, Tucson, Arizona, Hikers, Ridgeline, Peak, Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountains, Wasson Peak

January 29, 2016

King Canyon Hiking Trail to Wasson Peak

★★★★★ Moderate / Tucson Area: A radical ridge line ramble, and optimum views, are the crown jewels of the King Canyon Hiking Trail. Ascending to the summit of Wasson Peak (the highest in the Tucson Mountain Range), the King Canyon Hiking Trail zig-zags up the gorgeous slopes of this Saguaro National Park Mountain. At the peak, views of Tucson and southern Arizona reign…

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December 4, 2015

Easy Trick to Measure Daylight Left while Hiking

Ah! Arizona’s wonderfully cooler hiking weather has arrived. And with it cursedly shorter days. As the daylight hours wane, it’s important to be aware of how much hiking time is left ’til sunset. It’s no fun fumbling back to the trailhead in the dark – as the result of squeezing in “Just one more mile!” Yes. If the coyotes are joining you on the trail, you’ve probably stayed out too long.…

Landscape, View, Kids, Hikers, Boulders, Pond, Jewel of the Creek Hiking Trail, Jewel of the Creek Preserve, Cave Creek, Arizona, Phoenix Area, Family Hikes

March 11, 2016

Jewel of the Creek & Dragonfly Hiking Trail Loop

★★★★☆ Easy / Phoenix Area: Dragonflies by a pond, wood-plank creek crossings and a kid-sized cave are some of the fun features to be found on the easy, Jewel of the Creek & Dragonfly Hiking Trail loop. Kids of every age will have a blast exploring this shady, tree lined loop – that circles the lush green banks of Cave Creek.

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 7, 2017

Badger Springs Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Easy / North of Phoenix: Have a blast exploring hieroglyphs and a trove of creekside boulders on this family friendly hike. Badger Springs Hiking Trail follows a short, sandy ravine to a bend in the Aqua Fria River. Here shimmering pools of water and an endless jumble of boulders are tons of fun to explore.

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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.…

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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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