Black Canyon City, Arizona

This is a great spot to go for a quick run or a short hike if you're in North Phoenix.  Thunderbird park is easily accessible with free entry and a number of picnic areas.There are 3 main hills with a variety of trail options to hike up/around each.  From the top you'll find a nice view of valley...

Verde Rim Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Camp Verde, Arizona.

Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.

Pinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...

The pools at the Verde Hot springs are the remnants from an old resort built in the 1920's.  The resort was a once thriving tourist attraction and also rumored to be one of Al Capone's hideouts.  In the 1960's a fire destroyed the resort only leaving behind the foundation and the thermal pools al...

The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top.  Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good...

The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline.   The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...

Named after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike.  It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hi...

Shadow Mountain Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Phoenix, Arizona.

The Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...

Starting at 1800 ft elevation, the trail begins at Gateway Loop. This part of the trail will start off pretty flat and be more crowded than Bell's Pass depending on the day and time you are hiking. If you enjoy running this would be the time to do it before you reach Bell's Pass and the incline i...

Beginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area.  Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top.   Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...

Starting at the parking lot, you will have to pay your dues prior to beginning your hike. You will immediately be met with fresh air and refreshing summer temperatures. A short decent down will lead you to the first trail marker, which the 55-acre lake becomes the centerpiece of your view. At thi...

Copper Canyon Loop Trail 504 is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Camp Verde, Arizona.

The entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on t...

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail is an out-and-back trail located in Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. This park near Yarnell, Arizona, memorializes the nineteen members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died at this location on June 30, 2013, while fighting the Yarnell Hi...