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.

View of Granite Mountain from the Groom Creek Hiking Trail; Prescott; Arizona; Prescott National Forest; Spruce Mountain; Moderate Hiking Trails; Pet Friendly Hiking Trails. Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Prescott Hike this shady Pine & Oak lined trail to the top of Spruce Mountain. The Groom Creek Hiking Trail meanders gently upwards to a high Watchtower. From the lookout, stunning 360° views of Granite Mountain, the Chino Valley and Prescott National Forest are a sweet reward. This trail’s consistent 3.5 mile ascent…

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…

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…

Bottle of Water, sunny, Sky, Arizona, Palo Verdes, Saguaro

January 20, 2016

H20-101: How Much Water to Bring on a Hike

Why Hydrate? Keeping hydrated is one of the most important factors in assuring a phenominal hiking experience. Drinking enough water helps maintain energy, staves off dehydration and reduces the risks of heatstroke. But figuring how much water to bring on a hike can be confusing. Carry too much of this heavy stuff and you’ll be weighed down. Carry too little and…

Veit Hiking Trail; Flagstaff; Arizona; Spring; Historical Structure; Mountain; Northern Arizona Hiking Trails; Easy Hiking Trails; Family Friendly Hiking Trails; Dog Friendly Hiking Trails. Copyright azutopia. No use without permission.

July 21, 2018

Veit Springs Hiking Trail Loop to Lamar Haines Area

★★★☆☆ Easy / Flagstaff This short little alpine hike is loaded with history and is a blast to explore. In under 2 miles, the Veit Springs Trail passes Native American pictographs, early pioneer structures and a babbling spring. This perennial water source, which has drawn people to the area for ages, continues to make this a…

April 23, 2015

10 Great Reasons to Hike!

There area so many benefits that come from hiking, both mental and physical. As an introduction, here are 10 great reasons to hike. 1. It’s Free! Or almost free. As long as you have a good pair of sneakers and access to a trail, there are almost no costs associated with hiking. Some parks charge a…

June 22, 2018

Escudillo Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Moderate / Alpine Cross Aspen groves, butterfly dotted meadows and “wailing” forests on this alpine hike. The Escudillo Hiking Trail ascends Arizona’s third highest peak, passing healthy forests and areas burned out in the 2011 Wallow fire. Outstanding views await by the watchtower at the top.

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 20, 2015

Horton Creek Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Easy / Payson Area: Like Mother Nature’s “water cooler”, Horton Spring gushes cold, crystal-clear water and chilly air year-round. The easy Horton Creek Hiking Trail follows the banks of beautiful, spring-fed Horton Creek (to its fresh water source). It is a touch of bliss – especially in the midst of Arizona’s hot Summers.

Let’s Hike!

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