man and woman hiking up a trail in the mountainous Arizona desert

Nobody intends to get lost while hiking but here’s how to prepare in case it happens to you

A pair of hikers spent an unplanned night in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains wilderness area and have some tips to share with other hikers.

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.

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.

Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University a great launch pad for your Arizona adventure

Review: If you’re looking for a place to stay before you begin exploring Arizona, I highly recommend Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University.

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.

Water trickles over rocks with petroglyphs on Hieroglyphic Trail

Hike Hieroglyphic Trail #101 for an easy path to petroglyphs and waterfalls in the Superstition Mountains

Two of the most exciting things to find when you’re on the trails of Arizona are rock art (aka petroglyphs) and waterfalls. If you hike Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains at the right time of year, you’ll likely find both.

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.