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.

Hiker and dog; Tanque Verde Hiking Trail; Tucson; Arizona; Rincon Mountains; Canyon; Boulders; River Bed; Steam; Saquaros; Copyright azutopia.com; no use without permission.

Tanque Verde Falls Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Moderate / Tucson Find splash-worthy pools, a canyon stream & seasonal falls on this short, rocky trail. Swimming season or not, Tanque Verde Canyon is a fantastic area to explore! With its seasonally-flowing waterfalls, huge granite boulders and high canyon walls, it’s a narrow desert oasis.

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, 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…

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, view, hikers, Romero Hiking Trail, Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson, Arizona, Romero Pools, Waterfall, Water Hikes, Tucson Area

February 26, 2016

Romero Hiking Trail to Romero Pools

★★★★☆ Moderate to Difficult / Tucson Area: Crisp, clear pools and waterfalls are splash perfect, on Romero Hiking Trail. Beneath the sky-high peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, a stalwart stream has carved an splash-worthy playground into the surrounding granite. So kick-off your shoes. Take a dip. And chill for awhile.

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?…

Sycamore Rim Loop Trail; Hiking Trail; Northern Arizona Hiking Trail; Williams; Arizona; Sycamore Fall; Sycamore Canyon; Hikers; Creek; Waterfall; Pine Trees; Rim Trail; Easy Hiking Trails; Pet Friendly Hiking Trails; Family Friendly Hiking Trails; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

August 3, 2018

Sycamore Rim Hiking Trail Loop

★★★★☆ Easy / East of Williams Each snippet of this easy rim trail is stunningly beautiful! With five trailheads to choose from, it’s a breeze to hike just a mile or two, or make the full 11-mile loop. Either way, the Sycamore Rim Hiking Trail is chock-a-block full of jaw-droppingly good views, seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and…

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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