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.

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★★★★★ Difficult / Payson Area Spring waterfalls are the sweet reward for this trek up a gorgeous Mazatzal Mountain valley. While the Barnhardt Hiking Trail’s elongated views make it a bucket list worthy hike year round.

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?…

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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.

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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 25, 2020

Bell Pass Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Difficult / Phoenix Area This beautiful trail ascends a pass between the McDowell Mountains two highest peaks. Instagram-worthy views of North Scottsdale define the front. While majestic views of Four Peaks fill the horizon on the back.

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…

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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.

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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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