Full moon rising over mountains

Friday, September 29: Join me for a spectacular sunset and full moon hike in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Come enjoy a challenging hike to a scenic mountain top for views of a stunning sunset and full moon rise.

Saturday, September 9: Join me for a free sunset hike in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Come enjoy a moderate hike to a scenic mountain top for views of a stunning sunset and the Valley of the Sun.

Mushroom shaped boulder in a sandy creekbed

See which AZ Wonders hidden gem of a hike got featured on Redfin.com

When the blog editor for redfin.com asked me about hidden gem hiking trails in Phoenix. this one came to mind immediately.

Sunrise transforms the sky above Phoenix into a kaleidoscope of colors

We see a lot of great sunrises in Arizona. After all, it is the Valley of the Sun. But there was something special about the sunrise on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Dee Gutierrez of Phoenix captured it perfectly.

ruins of old cabin

This mellow hike to Lost Ranch ruins in Phoenix South Mountain Park is just right

Not too easy; not too hard: At three miles in length, the relatively short and moderately-pitched trail to Lost Ranch is just right.

man playing flute on mountain top

In a year of letdowns, Global Peace Warrior Ken Koshio lifted spirits atop Piestewa Peak with his inspiring music

In 2020, early morning hikers on Piestewa Peak received a spiritual boost by the inspiring sounds of taiko-style drummer Ken Koshio.

Alta East trail leads to mountain summit

Phoenix Summit Challenge can take you to new heights

Every year, the City of Phoenix hosts the Phoenix Summit Challenge. The challenge is to hike to seven specific mountain summits in seven days.

Quartz Ridge Trail #8 in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Take an exhilarating stroll up Quartz Ridge Trail in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Since Trail #8 in Phoenix Mountains Preserves goes right by a deposit of quartz the size of a VW Bus near the top of a ridge, it has earned the nickname Quartz Ridge Trail.

Sky streaked with pink and orange clouds

Perfect mixture of clouds and sun sets Arizona sky on fire

Arizona is known for fabulous sunrises and sunsets. But this sunset image captured from a north Phoenix neighborhood on January … More