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. Search by skill level, area (with map) or distance.

Landscape image of waterfall at the end of the Blue Wash Hiking Trail, near Carefree, Arizona. Water falling over large granite rocks with Grasses and Saguaro Cactus in the background, Easy Hiking Trails, Central Arizona, Northern Phoenix Area, Family and Dog Friendly Hiking Trails, Copyright azutopia.com.

Blue Wash Hiking Trail to Camp Creek Falls

★★★★☆ Easy / Carefree Area Follow a soft, sandy wash to a surprise waterfall, tucked between gently rolling hills. The Blue Wash Hiking Trail is a perfect family outing during early spring, when northern snow melt sends water southward, or after an ample monsoon. This easy trail serves up lots of small delights.

November 26, 2021

The Best Hiking Gifts Ever!

We’ve put together a curated list of the best hiking gifts! From small, stocking stuffer like gifts to high-end technical gear, we’ve tested and researched to find the gifts worth giving. Additionally, if you purchase these (or any other gift) by clicking a purple link below, a very small part of your purchase will go…

View from top of Cholla Mountain Hiking Trail; Rocky Ridgeline; Hikers; Saguaros; Central Arizona Hiking Trails; Phoenix Area Hiking Trails; Difficult Hiking Trails

February 20, 2023

Cholla Hiking Trail

★★★★★ Difficult / Phoenix Hike to Camelback’s breathtaking summit on this challenging trail up the mountain’s eastern slope. The Cholla Hiking Trail differs greatly from Camelback’s western Echo Canyon Trail ascent. An extra 0.3 mile length lends some ease to the beginning of this popular central Phoenix hike. But the Cholla Trail ultimately morphs into a…

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, 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 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, Weaver's Needle, Arizona, Superstition Mountains, Freemont Saddle, Peralta Hiking Trail.

December 20, 2015

Peralta Hiking Trail to Freemont Saddle

★★★★★ Moderate / Phoenix Area: A stone skyscraper, taller than the Chrysler Building, is the star of this back country trail. Slicing diagonally across the gorgeous Superstition Mountains, the Peralta Hiking Trail ascends to an inner valley saddle offering Instagram-worthy views of thousand-foot-high Weavers Needle.

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!

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