AZ Utopia: Arizona Hiking Blog

August 3, 2019

Butterfly Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Moderate / Tucson Area Escape Summer’s heat on this pretty “down then up” trail near Mount Lemmon. Starting at a cool 7,550′ elevation, the Butterfly Hiking Trail gently descends Butterfly Mountain, then heads up the side of Mount Bigelow. Along the way, butterflies, wildflowers, a seasonal waterfall and an old plane wreck make this trail extra…

June 7, 2019

See Spring Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Easy / Payson Area Explore a babbling creek and gushing springs on this shady, family-friendly hike. The See Spring Hiking trail criss-crosses lush Christopher Creek and leads to one of its sources – a series of cascading springs on the base of the Mogollon Rim.

June 7, 2019

See Canyon Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Payson Area Creeks, cool forests and Mogollon Rim views are just a few of the perks on this pretty hike. Jutting into the front of the Mogollon Rim, See Canyon can be hiked from bottom to top, or top to bottom. Either way, this trail is loaded with many of the Rim’s best…

Hiker and dog; Tanque Verde Hiking Trail; Tucson; Arizona; Rincon Mountains; Canyon; Boulders; River Bed; Steam; Saquaros; Copyright azutopia.com; no use without permission.

March 31, 2019

Tanque Verde Falls Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Moderate / Tucson Find splash-worthy pools, a canyon stream & seasonal falls on this short, rocky trail. Swimming season or not, Tanque Verde Canyon is a fantastic area to explore! With its seasonally-flowing waterfalls, huge granite boulders and high canyon walls, it’s a narrow desert oasis.

March 2, 2019

Marcus Landslide Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Easy / Phoenix Area Easy, but dramatically beautiful… this hike is custom-made for a mellow day outdoors! The Marcus Landslide Hiking Trail’s wide, gentle pathway passes otherworldly rock formations and intriguing geology. It’s perfect for a day exploring with family, friends or novice hikers.

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.…

January 26, 2019

Blackett’s Ridge Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Difficult / Tucson Area You’ll feel like you’re flying, at the top of Blackett’s Ridge Hiking Trail! This strenuous, rocky hike climbs to a thin, sky-high ridge. From the peak, soaring views over Sabino and Bear Canyons, and the eastern Santa Catalinas, spread out thousands of feet below.

November 2, 2018

Goat Camp Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Difficult / Phoenix Area Mashing up long easy sections and short steep hills, the Goat Camp Hiking Trail winds deep into the gorgeous White Tank Mountains. Multiple peaks offer fantastic resting places and amazing 100-mile views! Spreading out below are Goat Camp Canyon and the farms just west of Phoenix. As a bonus, you’ll get lots…

October 20, 2018

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Yarnell It’s hard not to shed a tear on this hike memorializing AZ’s 19 fallen Hotshots. Winding through beautiful Weaver Mountain and Yarnell Hill, the Granite Mountain Memorial Trail ends at the spot where these firefighters lost their battle with a wildfire. Here, crosses display each name. While plaques along the trail commemorate…

Woodchute Hiking Trail; View of Sedona Red Rocks and Woodchute Mountain; Coconino National Forest; Woodchute Wilderness; Mingus Mountain; Jerome; Prescott Area Hiking Trails; Easy Hiking Trails; Pet Friendly Hiking Trails; Copyright azutopia.com; No use without permission.

September 29, 2018

Woodchute Hiking Trail to Overlook

★★★☆☆ Easy / Jerome Following the Woodchute Mountain ridgeline, this hike is loaded with insanely good red rock views. Bonus views of the Chino Valley and Prescott Mountains are also sprinkled all along the trail. Pretty sweet for a mostly-easy hike!