AZ Utopia: Arizona Hiking Blog

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.

Hiker, Boy Playing, Aqua Fria River, Horseshoe Bar, Black Canyon Hiking Trail, Rock Spring Spur Trail, Black Canyon City, Arizona, Canyon, Phoenix Area, Water Hike,

February 19, 2016

Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River Crossing

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Phoenix Area: Wade in a gentle creek, or relax on a wide stone beach, outside Black Canyon City. Just a mile-and-a-half off the ever-bustling I-17 highway, the Black Canyon Trail splashes across a bend in the cool Aqua Fria River. Lucky for us, this scenic water crossing, at the foot of a tall canyon, is easily accessible via the short & sweet…

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…

Hikers, Cave Creek, Arizona, Go John Hiking Trail, Cave Creek Regional Park, Saguaros, Mountains

February 12, 2016

Go John Hiking Trail Loop

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Phoenix Area: Unobstructed views and blissful tranquility on Phoenix’s northern border! Deceptively hidden behind the rolling hills of Cave Creek Regional Park, the Go John Hiking Trail tunes out its suburban neighbors, and replaces them with gently undulating hills, long views and hypnotic tranquility.

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, Horseback Riders, Malpais Mountains, Arizona, San Tan Regional Park, San Tan Hiking Trail.

February 4, 2016

San Tan Hiking Trail Loop

★★★★☆ Easy / Phoenix Area: Spectacular Southwestern scenery is a prime perk on this easy, level, loop hike! Circling the desert floor, between the breathtaking Malpais and Goldmine Mountains, the San Tan Hiking Trail Loop is predominantly-flat. It requires minimal up & down hiking. But pays off big with 100-mile views!

February 2, 2016

Anniversary Giveaway!

In celebration of AZ Utopia’s one-year anniversary, we’re giving away a Quest 2-liter hydration backpack to one lucky winner! All those signed-up for AZ Utopia emails and/or following us on Instagram will be entered into this Anniversary Giveaway. So sign up to win!! Anniversary Giveaway Details The Anniversary Giveaway drawing will take place at midnight, Monday, February 29th. Winner…

Landscape, View, King Canyon Hiking Trail, Tucson, Arizona, Hikers, Ridgeline, Peak, Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountains, Wasson Peak

January 29, 2016

King Canyon Hiking Trail to Wasson Peak

★★★★★ Moderate / Tucson Area: A radical ridge line ramble, and optimum views, are the crown jewels of the King Canyon Hiking Trail. Ascending to the summit of Wasson Peak (the highest in the Tucson Mountain Range), the King Canyon Hiking Trail zig-zags up the gorgeous slopes of this Saguaro National Park Mountain. At the peak, views of Tucson and southern Arizona reign…

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…

January 16, 2016

Hieroglyphics Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Easy / Phoenix Area: Ancient hieroglyphics and pools of blue water sit before endless vistas, at the end of this short, easy hike. Gently ascending to the cradle of a vast canyon, the Hieroglyphics Hiking Trail leads to one of the Superstition Mountain’s most uniquely beautiful spots. The ease of the hike, along with its special features, make it a perfect jaunt to take out-of-town…