Tag: hiking
5 Unmissable Activities at Kartchner Caverns State Park
Miles of winding pathways carved deep into Paleozoic rocks. Dripping stalactites and stalagmites. Hiking trails with panoramic views of the Arizona desert. Fun for the whole family. There’s no reason why Kartchner Caverns State Park shouldn’t be at the top of your must-see list. Here are five activities you must do at this amazingly preserved ...Caving at the Coronado National Memorial
The Coronado Cave at the Coronado National Memorial takes you deep inside a majestic wonderland of limestone formations, which began to take shape some 300 million years ago when Arizona was covered by a shallow sea. It’s believed as much as 50,000 gallons of water once flowed through this cave per minute, from east to ...Celebrating the Centennial: 11 Hotspots for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Arizona’s outdoors scene draws people from all over the world. Few places on earth are so diverse – dense forests, barren and beautiful deserts, picturesque mountains and canyons. Our state offers plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with Mother Nature. Here are some of our favorites.Exploring Northern Arizona’s Lava River Caves
About 14 miles north of Flagstaff in the Coconino Forest, a network of caverns and lava-encased passages lie just below the feet of hikers, hunters and other recreation seekers. This relatively small slit, hidden amongst boulders, will take you there. Just large enough to accommodate a grown a man, this doorway leads to a mile-long lave ...Boynton Canyon Vortex in Sedona
Famed for its stunning red rock cliffs, Sedona is one of those Arizona cities you simply can’t get enough of. People travel from around the world to catch a glimpse of the crimson landscape sitting in our backyard. Yet the red rocks alone aren’t drawing tourists. Yet the red rocks alone aren’t drawing tourists. Many flock ...Regulars, Newbies Flock Daily to Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Located at the heart of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, Piestewa Peak serves as a prominent landmark along State Route 51, just minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix. The summit of this 2,608-foot peak offers 360-degree views of the Valley. Piestewa Peak is about 14 million years old, relatively young in geologic terms. ...Face in the Rocks Along Tom’s Thumb Trail, McDowell Mountains
Tom’s Thumb Trail, on the north side of the McDowell Mountains, is dotted with curious rock formations, especially this particular boulder bearing a striking resemblance to one of Snow White’s seven dwarfs. Could this be Tom? Perhaps. The figure appears near one of the final bends leading to the summit (aka Tom’s Thumb). What do you ...Picacho Peak is Destination for Avid Hikers, Civil War Buffs
About 40 miles north of Tucson, Picacho Peak abruptly rises 1,500 feet above the flat desert landscape typical to many other parts of Southern Arizona. It's among the most prominent landmarks along the highly traveled stretch of Interstate 10 connecting Tucson and Phoenix. Thousands of drivers pass by the ominous peak daily; most unaware of the ...South Mountain Preserve is Hub for Hikers, Cyclists
South Mountain Preserve, one of the nation’s largest municipal parks, offers outdoor enthusiasts a quick and easy escape from the daily grind. It boasts 16,000 acres of desert wilderness, just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. The preserve encompasses three mountain ranges: Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. It’s believed the ancient Hohokam Indians settled ...
