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, Superstition Mountains, Weavers Needle with red rock outcroppings and Saguaros in front, Black Mesa Hiking Trail Loop, Grand Enchantment Hiking Trail, Second Water Hiking Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, Copyright azutopia.com, No use without permission

★★★★★ 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.

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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.…

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.

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…

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.

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?…

January 9, 2016

Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak

★★★★★ Difficult / North of Tucson: Exhilaration! Steep scrambles, climbing cables and wooden planks are all included on this adrenaline-inducing hike. Not for the faint-of heart, or anyone prone to vertigo, the Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak is a short, but intrepidly-steep-in-spots, climb to the apex of this mountain’s soaring rock face. The 360 degree views from the top, and well-deserved satisfaction in getting there, make…

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.…

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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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