AZ Utopia: Arizona Hiking Blog

November 25, 2020

Best Hiking Gifts 2020-2021

We’ve put together a curated list of coveted 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 site…

Upwards landscape view of Picketpost Mountain; with hills Saquaros and brush below; Picketpost Hiking Trail; Superior; Arizona; Difficult Hiking Trails; Central Arizona. Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

November 14, 2020

Picketpost Mountain Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Difficult / Superior If butt-kicking scrambles up rocky ravines are your thing, this hike is for you! The Picketpost Mountain Hiking Trail kicks off with a deceptively easy approach that quickly morphs into a rugged climb up a steep, narrow gorge. The payoff for bagging this solitary peak? A well-deserved sense of accomplishment and some…

Hikers with their dog; Views of Blue Skies and McDowell Mountains in distance; Desert; Dixie Mountain Hiking Trail; Sonoran Desert Preserve; Phoenix; Arizona; Saquaros; Moderate Hiking Trails; Family Friendly Hiking Trails; Copyright azutopia.comNo use without permission.

October 9, 2020

Dixie Mountain Hiking Trail Loop

★★★☆☆ Moderate / North Phoenix Pretty views, an owl’s nest and a rusted out car are fun features of this neighborhood hike. The Dixie Mountain Hiking Trail Loop winds through northern Phoenix’s Sonoran Preserve. Inside the park, the suburbs fade from view, replaced by pretty, rolling desert hills.

September 5, 2020

North Kaibab Hiking Trail to Roaring Springs

★★★★☆ Difficult / North Rim Grand Canyon Descend jaw-droppingly beautiful Roaring Springs Canyon to its namesake waterfall & stream. The first five miles of the North Kaibab Hiking Trail provide one of the most awe-inspiring day hikes into the Grand Canyon. The path crosses stunning overlooks, a tunnel blasted through stone and a long narrow ridge. Take the trail all…

August 15, 2020

Schultz Creek Hiking Trail

★★★★☆ Mostly Easy / Flagstaff Area This shady trail follows the curvilinear banks of beautiful Schultz Creek, which flows, seasonally, from the top of Dry Lake Hills. In Spring and Summer the path is flush with gorgeous wildflowers, creating a patchwork of green, gold, purple and red.

July 17, 2020

Thompson Hiking Trail

★★★★★ Easy / South of Greer This lush, riverside hike is one of Arizona’s most beautiful! In spring and summer the Thompson Hiking Trail brims with marsh grasses and colorful wildflowers. And the Black River’s chilly, babbling waters provide a welcome respite from Arizona’s lower desert heat.

June 27, 2020

Railroad Tunnel Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Moderate / Payson Area Explore an abandoned railroad tunnel at the end of this short Mogollon Rim Hike. The Railroad Tunnel Hiking Trail works its way down, then around a moderately steep ravine. And leads to a shady stone tunnel which opens onto sweet rim views!

May 16, 2020

Jordan Hiking Trail

★★★☆☆ Easy / Sedona This gently rolling, Pinyon & Juniper-lined trail winds through scenic red-rocks and leads to a deep sink hole. The Jordan Hiking Trail is a short, easy out-and-back day hike. It can also be combined with the Cibola, Brins Mesa & Soldiers Pass Trails for equally beautiful, 2 to 5.2-mile, loop hikes.

March 15, 2020

Barnhardt Hiking Trail

★★★★★ 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.

Hikers; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; Sunburst; Cliffs; Rock Formations. Brush; Saguaros; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.

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.