Travel Guide

Arizona

I lived in Arizona for 5 years, and thus, had the opportunity to explore pretty much the entire state. During my time living in Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff, I enjoyed easy weekend roadtrips to so many breathtaking natural wonders and national parks and monuments. From the Saguaro cacti studded Sonoran desert, to the ancient red rocks of Sedona, to the ponderosa pines of Flagstaff, there are so many incredible & unique hiking trails for outdoor fitness buffs to enjoy.

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Sedona

Flagstaff

Tucson

Phoenix

Prescott

AZ Hiking Guides

I hiked so many gorgeous trails while living in both southern and northern Arizona. Flagstaff, Tucson, and Sedona are wonderful destinations for outdoor lovers, photographers, and hikers. Some of my favorite experiences thus far include: Hiking the South Kaibab trail into the Grand Canyon, the steep & scenic climb up to Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, and hiking to Devil's Bridge: the largest sandstone arch in Sedona.

Hiking the Grand Canyon: The Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point Hiking Hotspot: Tumamoc Hill in Tucson Devil’s Bridge: Sedona’s Scariest Hike Hiking Hotspot: The Teacup Trail in Sedona, Arizona A Relaxing, Colorful Fall Stroll Along the Aspen Nature Loop A Beautiful Autumn Walk Along the Inner Basin Trail in Flagstaff Hiking Hotspot: Brins Mesa in Sedona Hiking Hotspot: Tucson’s Hidden Canyon Bowen Trail Hiking Hotspot: Sedona’s Breathtaking Airport Mesa Loop Trail Hiking Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon: The Spectacular Cookstove Trail Hiking in Gorgeous Prescott, Arizona: Thumb Butte Trail #33 13 Creek Crossings Along Sedona’s Magnificent West Fork Trail An Easy Walk Through Towering Aspen Trees on Flagstaff’s Picturesque Veit Springs Loop Hiking the Incredibly Scenic Fat Man’s Loop in Flagstaff, Arizona Fay Canyon Trail: A Peaceful Hike Through Sedona’s Gorgeous Red Rocks

AZ Bucket List

With 3 amazing national parks, natural wonders like Horseshoe Bend, ancient cliff dwellings like Montezuma and Walnut Canyon, and iconic attractions like Sabino Canyon, there is an unending supply of bucket list destinations.

101 Things to do in Northern Arizona Attraction of the Week: Sabino Canyon in Tucson Exploring Walnut Canyon National Monument in Northern Arizona Attraction of the Week: Wupatki National Monument 29 Must-Do’s in Beautiful Sedona, Arizona Exploring the Beautiful South Rim of the Grand Canyon Attraction of the Week: Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona The Petrified National Forest: More than 225 Millions Years in the Making Attraction of the Week: Saguaro National Park Oak Creek Canyon Drive: 14 Miles of Beauty Between Flagstaff & Sedona 10 Odd & Interesting Off-the-Beaten Path Arizona Destinations 10 Worthwhile Northern Arizona Attractions & 10 to Skip! 15 Most Picturesque Trails in Arizona 20 Most Spectacular Places in Arizona Daytrippin’ through the Desert: 10 incredible places in Southern Arizona

Sedona

Sedona is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the country. While living in Flagstaff for 2 years, I enjoyed convenient access to the beautiful red rock trails nearly every weekend. There are trails here for every fitness level, plus a gorgeous drive, scenic overlooks, amazing restaurants, Pink Jeep tours, and unique shops.

Hiking Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon: The Spectacular Cookstove Trail

The breathtaking Cookstove Trail is a short, yet extremely steep 0.7 mile adventure to a stunning overlook of Oak Creek Canyon.

8 min read

Devil’s Bridge: Sedona’s Scariest Hike

My experience walking across the largest sandstone arch in Sedona. The iconic Devil's Bridge hike is super popular with first time tourists.

8 min read

Hiking Hotspot: Brins Mesa in Sedona

Brins Mesa is a beautiful 3 mile red rock hike in Sedona. The trail is moderate in intensity and offers breathtaking views.

4 min read

3 Days in Sedona, Arizona: A Red Rock Wonderland

Sedona is the most enchanting vacation destination in the US. There are many ways to enjoy the red rocks from hiking to scenic drives.

15 min read

Hiking Hotspot: The Jim Thompson Trail in Sedona

My guide to hiking Jim Thompson, a Sedona hidden gem which is light on the foot traffic but big on the breathtaking red rock views.

5 min read

5 Beautiful Sedona Summer Hikes

Short and scenic summer hikes in Sedona, Arizona including relaxing creekside strolls along the West Fork and Templeton trails.

9 min read

Hiking Hotspot: Sedona’s Breathtaking Airport Mesa Loop Trail

My experience hiking Airport Mesa, a scenic Sedona hike with vortex energy. The steep drops offs are crazy on this one!

9 min read

The Chapel of the Holy Cross: Vortex & Views in Sedona

My guide to visiting The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Roman Catholic church built in between Sedona's enchanting red rock formations.

5 min read

Hiking Hotspot: The Teacup Trail in Sedona, Arizona

The Teacup trail is one of the most breathtaking and easily accessible hikes in Sedona. The easy terrain makes it a great pick for everyone.

5 min read

12 Stunning Sedona Hikes with Spectacular Views

My favorite red rock hikes in Sedona including iconic Devil's Bridge where you can walk across the city's largest sandstone arch.

17 min read

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Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a gorgeous 4 season mountain town located just 2 hours north of Phoenix. I lived here for 2 years and enjoyed hiking in the high altitude ponderosa pine and aspen forests and also supporting all the wonderful local businesses in the downtown and on historic Rt. 66 which runs through the town. The city is nicknamed the "City of Seven Wonders" for its' easy access to so many breathtaking places.

9 Things to do this Winter in Flagstaff, Arizona

My guide to winter fun in Flagstaff, Arizona's charming mountain city. The best skiing, snowshoeing, cozy coffeehouses, and more!

13 min read

10 Must-Do Daytrips from Flagstaff

My recommended daytrips from Flagstaff including "Red Rock Wonderland" Sedona, the magnificent Grand Canyon, and the Sonoran Desert.

29 min read

Flagstaff: The City of 7 Wonders

Flagstaff, Arizona has been nicknamed "The City of 7 Wonders" due to its' proximity to many natural wonders including the Grand Canyon.

11 min read

A Small Town 4th of July in Flagstaff: Arizona’s Mountain City

We drove 2 hours north of Phoenix to enjoy the 4th of July festivities and cool weather in Flagstaff. We loved the parade and Symphony show!

18 min read

3 Days in Flagstaff, Arizona: Winter Edition

My guide on how to spend a winter weekend in beautiful Flagstaff, an Arizona mountain community known for skiing and snowshoeing.

14 min read

12 Restaurants to Check Out in Flagstaff, Arizona

My favorite local dining options in Flagstaff including a local Indian gem and Salsa Brava, a Rt. 66 favorite featured on Food Network.

18 min read

Attraction of the Week: Pluto-Palooza at the Lowell Observatory

The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is one of the oldest in the country. Clyde W. Tombaugh discovered Pluto here in 1930.

6 min read

12 Fabulous Hikes in Flagstaff

My favorite scenic hikes in Flagstaff, a 4 season, high altitude mountain oasis located just 2 hours north of Phoenix.

19 min read

51 Fun & Free (or Cheap) Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona

A few of my favorite free things to do in Flagstaff. Explore beautiful hiking trails in the country's largest ponderosa pine forest & more.

38 min read

3 Days in Flagstaff, Arizona

What to do with just a weekend in beautiful Flagstaff, a 4 season recreational oasis just 2 hours north of Phoenix.

15 min read

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Tucson

Tucson is one of the more underrated places in the state in my experience. This city is home to some iconic attractions like Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon, yet receives little press. There's also several interesting museums, incredible hiking trails, a wonderful food scene (which includes the best tacos I've ever tasted), and 4 jaw dropping mountain ranges surrounding the city.

5 Scenic Attractions in Oro Valley, Arizona

My favorite things to do in Oro Valley, a Tucson suburb surrounded by the Catalina mountains. I love hiking & biking here!

7 min read

Biking in Tucson: The Best Rides

My favorite bike paths in Tucson, a city known for its' great cycling culture. My favorite is a 130+ mile long trail known as "The Loop."

7 min read

48 Things To Do In Tucson When It’s Too Hot!

Fun and scenic ways to beat the heat in Tucson. My favorite indoor attractions, restaurants, special events, daytrips, and more!

37 min read

Attraction of the Week: Mercado San Agustin in Tucson

I love enjoying Seis tacos and coffee at Mercado San Agustin, a charming open air courtyard near downtown Tucson.

6 min read

Hiking Hotspot: Pima Canyon in the Catalina Foothills

Beautiful PIma Canyon in the Pusch Wilderness area of the Santa Catalina Mountains is one of the most scenic hikes in the Tucson region.

6 min read

3 Days in Tucson, Arizona

My guide to a weekend adventure in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. The best short hiking trails, restaurants, museums, and attractions.

18 min read

Hiking Hotspot: Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak is a hidden gem located on I-10 in between Tucson and Phoenix. I recommend a quick hike along the Calloway to break up the drive.

6 min read

Hiking Hotspot: Linda Vista trail in Tucson

Linda Vista is a fantastic short hiking trail in Tucson featuring grand views of the majestic Santa Catalina mountain range.

7 min read

10 things to do in downtown Tucson

My favorite things to do in downtown Tucson including seeing a show in the historic Fox theater and enjoying breakfast tacos at Seis Kitchen.

12 min read

15 Places for Incredible Views in Tucson, Arizona

My favorite scenic viewpoints in Tucson including Saguaro National Park, Catalina State Park, and Sabino Canyon.

16 min read

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Phoenix

While it's too hot for much of the year to enjoy the gorgeous hiking trails surrounding the Valley of the Sun, there's much more to do here. From boat rides on Saguaro and Canyon lake, to top notch resorts and spas in Scottsdale, to a wonderful dining scene, you can easily find things to do even if the temps crawl past 100 for months on end.

The Best Roadtrips from Phoenix

The best roadtrips from Phoenix including the red rock wonderland of Sedona and the beautiful high altitude Flagstaff nestled in the pines.

21 min read

19 Things to do in Phoenix When It’s Too Hot!

My favorite things to do during the brutally hot Phoenix summer season when temps frequently soar well above 100 degrees for months on end!

25 min read

Lost Dog/Ringtail Loop: An Easy & Scenic Trek in Scottsdale

I recommend the Lost Dog/Ringtail Loop to new Scottsdale tourists. It's a short 2 mile trail loaded with gorgeous cacti.

8 min read

Exploring Scottsdale on a Budget: My Guide to Free Fun

The streets may be paved in gold, but there is still plenty of budget friendly fun to be had in Scottsdale. Check out my guide to free fun!

10 min read

The Top 10 Free Things to do in Phoenix

Phoenix offers a lot of fun free activities, especially for those interested in fitness. Check out my guide to budget fun in the desert.

10 min read

25 Must-Do’s in the Phoenix Metro Area

My recommended attractions in the Phoenix metro including breathtaking desert hikes, beautiful lakes, a world-class zoo and aquarium, & more!

19 min read

6 Fantastic US Zoos

My favorite zoos including Brookfield in the Chicago suburbs featuring an awesome dolphin show at the iconic San Diego Zoo.

13 min read

The Arizona Biltmore: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece

The Arizona Biltmore, "the Jewel of the Desert," is one of the largest resorts in Phoenix. I took advantage of the summer locals package.

13 min read

6 Fantastic Hiking Areas in Phoenix

My favorites hiking areas in Phoenix including the challenging climb up Camelback and the cacti loaded Scottsdale McDowell preserve.

8 min read

Visiting the Country’s Newest Aquarium: The OdySea in Scottsdale, AZ

My experience visiting one of the largest and newest aquariums in the country. The Odysea is a wonderful escape from the heat.

7 min read

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Prescott

Prescott is an often overlooked city located just an hour and a half north of Phoenix. Like Flagstaff, it offers a respite from the extreme heat. I love dining and shopping in the historic downtown, biking the gorgeous Peavine trail along Watson Lake, and hiking in the Prescott National Forest.

Attraction of the Week: Lynx Lake in Central Arizona

Lynx is my favorite of the 4 gorgeous lakes in Prescott, a small town in Central Arizona. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, and more at this local gem.

6 min read

19 Must-Do’s in Prescott, Arizona

The best things to do in Prescott, a small central Arizona city known for historic Whiskey Row, Watson Lake, and the Prescott National Forest.

13 min read

8 Great Daytrips to Escape the Phoenix Heat

The best daytrips to escape the Phoenix heat including hiking in the cool pines of Flagstaff and driving gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon.

36 min read

Hiking in Gorgeous Prescott, Arizona: Thumb Butte Trail #33

Thumb Butte #33, my favorite trail in the Prescott National Forest, is a semi challenging climb to a great mountain overlook.

6 min read

The Beautiful Peavine National Recreational Trail in Prescott, AZ

My favorite thing to do in beautiful Prescott is biking the Peavine trail which features views of Watson Lake and the historic Granite Dells.

6 min read

Prescott, Arizona: “Everybody’s Hometown”

Prescott, a small city in Central Arizona nicknamed "Everybody's Hometown," offers small town charm & a mild 4 season climate.

10 min read

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