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.

★★★★★ Easy / South of Greer This lush, riverside hike is one of Arizona’s most beautiful! In Spring and Summer the Thompson Hiking Trail brims with marsh grasses and colorful wildflowers. And the Black River’s chilly, babbling waters provide a welcome respite from Arizona’s lower desert heat.

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?…

June 27, 2020

Railroad Tunnel Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Payson Area Explore an abandoned railroad tunnel at the end of this short Mogollon Rim Hike. The Railroad Tunnel Hiking Trail works its way down, then around a moderately steep ravine. And leads to a shady stone tunnel which opens onto sweet rim views!

June 24, 2015

Hiking During 100 Degree Days

Arizona’s 100+ degree Summer temperatures can put a definite crimp on hiking. Follow these tips to enjoy getting out there, even in the hot months. Head Out Hyper Early To get in a good hike, aim to be AT the trailhead at sun up (or shortly thereafter). Those highly precious, pre-swelter, early morning hours (between 5:30 and 8:00) are summer…

May 16, 2020

Jordan Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Easy / Sedona This gently rolling, Pinyon & Juniper-lined trail winds through scenic red-rocks and leads to a deep sink hole. The Jordan Hiking Trail is a short, easy out-and-back day hike. It can also be combined with the Cibola, Brins Mesa & Soldiers Pass Trails for equally beautiful, 2 to 5.2-mile, loop hikes.

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…

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.

November 2, 2019

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.

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!

YES! Keep me updated with awesome AZ hikes each month.