Black Canyon City, Arizona

This challenging hike up the east side of Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and is not often crowded. You will begin on switchbacks heading up the mountain, with trail markers to guide you at first. The hike increases in difficulty about 1 mile in, when you reach ...

This is one of the less traveled trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  If you're looking for a solid day hike in the west valley, try this one.  It isn't a loop, but it ultimately connects with some of the other long trails so if you're up for a long hike, you have options.  This starts f...

The Bob Bear Trail (formerly Fossil Springs Trail) is a 8.3 mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a challenging, exposed trail to a waterfall in Tonto NF near Pine, AZ. Make sure you bring plenty of water for this hike 2-3L per person and give yourself ample time to get out and back. This...

This trail starts at the end of Bullpen Rd and your adventure begins in beautiful thickets of trees and plants. The going is easy and the tempting sound of rushing water is on your right as you continue parallel to West Clear Creek. The trail will veer left up a rocky old service road but pay att...

To get to the trailhead, use the turnoff of highway 87 labeled Barnhardt trail (has a marked sign coming from both Payson and Phoenix). Barnhardt road is just over 4 miles and is unpaved. The road can be driven on by lower clearance cars because the terrain is not too rocky. Once at the trailhead...

There is a fee to enter this area. It was $7 when we went. There are 4 trails with many viewpoints from the parking lot, all of which are out and back. We followed the recommendation of the ranger working at the visitor's center and took the Gowan Trail down to the observation deck located in the...

This trail begins from the parking lot on the west side of Galvin Parkway. To the east of the parking lot is a single track, dirt trail that heads north towards the big buttes. It continues counterclockwise around the big butte and heads south around the smaller butte. It continues west around th...

Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...

Giant Alligator Juniper Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Prescott, Arizona.

This trail takes you to the rim of Montezuma Well, a massive collapsed limestone sinkhole. The springs at the bottom of the sinkhole feed a large pond which supports a unique aquatic habitat in this dry landscape. Scientists are still baffled as to the origin headwaters of the water within this c...

This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...

Wild horses have roamed the banks of the lower Salt River since long before the Tonto National Forest was created in 1902.  It is thought that these wild horses have descended from a herd brought to the area by a Spanish missionary in the 1600's.   In 2015 the United States Forest Service had pu...

The Valley Vista trail is a short hike in Skyline Regional Park, located in the southern region of the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix.  From the top you'll have a great view of the Estrella Mountain Range and the southwest valley.  For the most direct route, take the Turnbuckle trail.  This...

A Tonto Day Pass is required for this hike as you will park your vehicle at the Blue Point Picnic Area. The trail starts North of the restrooms which are located at the backside of the parking lot. The trail takes you through a mesquite filled area alongside large rock faces. Be sure too look for...

Bell Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Rimrock, Arizona.

Spend a couple of hours to discover the incredible legacy of an ancient people at Tuzigoot National Monument.  Start at the Visitor Center, then take a self-guided, half mile loop trail that will lead around and through an incredible 110 room pueblo. The large building was home to the Sinagua peo...