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

Expanded parking lots at Piestewa Peak base area

Piestewa Peak base area upgrades improve experience, expand access to popular hiking trails in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

New and upgraded amenities at Piestewa Peak Trailhead in Phoenix include expanded parking, new drinking fountains, restrooms and ramadas.

Mountain peak rises above desert landscape is lit up by the sun.

Piestewa Peak a fitting memorial for one of Arizona’s bravest daughters: Lori Piestewa

Piestewa Peak, the second tallest in Phoenix, rises high above the city and serves as a lasting memorial to Lori Ann Piestewa – the first American Indian woman to lose her life in a war on foreign soil.

Rocks stacked on stools along side of Phoenix home

Phoenix resident turns rock stacking into an art form

In Arizona, few topics are as hotly debated as whether it’s okay to stack rocks. One Phoenix resident turned rock stacks (cairns) into an art form.

stone fireplace in desert

Many myths surround the history of Lost Ranch ruins in Phoenix South Mountain Park

Tucked into a small valley of South Mountain Park in Phoenix is a little known ruins site that has generated all sorts of urban myths. I think I uncovered the truth.

Phoenix South Mountain Pima Canyon trailhead sign

South Mountain Park Pima Canyon Trailhead extreme makeover expands access, improves experience

In recent years, the Pima Canyon parking area and trailhead in South Mountain Park has become quite popular with hikers … More

Man hiking through tunnel through boulders

Best short hike in Phoenix: Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley and Fat Man’s Pass in South Mountain Park

If you’re in Phoenix for just a short time and need a quick fix of nature on one of the city’s legendary trails, the Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley hike may be just the thing for you.

waterfall cascades down a rock face

The secret to chasing waterfalls on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix

Camelback Mountain is one of the most recognizable mountains in Arizona. What’s rarely seen are the post-storm waterfalls that run off of rocky crags on the west end of the mountain when it rains hard.

Silhouette of hikers on mountain peak

Ultimate interactive guide to Phoenix Desert Preserves and Mountain Parks

You don’t have to go to the Grand Canyon to experience the natural beauty of Arizona. There are plenty of wonders to see right in the city of Phoenix. Check out this interactive guide.