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. Search by skill level, area (with map) or distance.

Hiker on top of Loy Canyon Hiking Trail, With Canyon view below, Sedona Area, Arizona Hiking Trails, Difficult, Dog Friendly, Pine Trees, Canyon Walls, Red Rocks, Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

★★★☆☆ Difficult / Sedona Area Like a perfect hockey-stick chart, this hike’s first 4 miles ascend gently, then culminate in a mile-long upwards slog to phenomenal views. The Loy Canyon Hiking Trail meanders through one of Sedona’s stunning northern canyons. The remote location means zero crowds. And the views from the top make the climb oh-so-worth…

November 26, 2021

2021 Best Hiking Gifts!

We’ve put together a curated list of 2021 best hiking gifts! From stocking stuffers to high-end technical gear, we’ve tested and researched to ID the gifts worth giving. Additionally, if you purchase these (or any other gift) by clicking a purple link below, a very small part of your purchase will go to keeping our…

Landscape view, Rock Formations, Saguaros, Distant mountains and agricultural valley, Hikers, Hugh Norris Hiking Trail, Saguaro National Park West, Tucson, Arizona, Hiking Trail, Copyright azutopia.com, No use without permission

February 18, 2022

Hugh Norris Big Loop Hiking Trails

★★★★☆ Moderate / Tucson This stunning loop hike brims with Saguaro laden hills and valleys. Fusing together some of Saguaro National Park West’s most iconic hiking trails (Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza, Dobe Wash and Bajada Wash) this loop serves up a pretty Sonoran hillside ascent and descent, and flat, sandy, arroyo-lined valleys.

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?…

Hikers, Hieroglyphics Hiking Trail, Superstition Mountains, Phoenix, Arizona, View,Pool of Water Canyon

February 1, 2022

10 Easy Phoenix Area Hikes

Whether you’re just getting started hiking, or looking for outdoor fun with family or guests, these easy Phoenix area hikes are just the ticket. With pathways alongside seasonal streams, ending at rainy-day waterfalls or up-close-and-personal with ancient hieroglyphics or wacky hoodoos, each trail provides a unique experience. Hike just a little ways, or go the…

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 view from top of Mount Union; from the Dandrea and Yankee Doodle Hiking Trails; Mountain tops; Prescott Mountains; Pine Trees; Prescott; Arizona; Moderate Hiking Trails; Central Arizona Hiking Trails. Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

May 7, 2021

Dandrea Hiking Trail to Mount Union

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Prescott Area Make a beeline to the top of the Bradshaw Mountains highest peak, on this shady, woodland trail. The Dandrea Hiking Trail cuts a straight path up the northern side of Mount Union. Near the top, a quick turn onto the Yankee Doodle Trail pays off with stunning southwards views over the…

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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