Kevin KaminskiExplorer

Lost Dutchman State Park is located near the Superstition Mountains in central Phoenix, about 40 miles from Phoenix. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you’re camping ($15/night). The park offers 134 campsites, each with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire pit, and 68 equipped with electric hook-ups and water. There are a number of campground facilities, includ...

The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline.   The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledge about the flora and fauna. Since this area is a bit removed from the city, you are likely to find ...

Patagonia Lake State Park is located about 70 miles southeast of Tucson on State Route 82, 7 miles south of Patagonia, Arizona. Coming from the north, the drive to Patagonia Lake State Park is very scenic; the road winds through rolling hills and countryside with the looming Santa Rita Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop. There is a $15 day use fee to enter the park (camping is an additio...

Located in the Superstition Wilderness about 65 miles northeast of Phoenix, AZ, Apache Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Arizona because it has something for everyone: hiking, boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, swimming, and more! The Burnt Corral Campground is located on the northern (upper) end of Apache Lake, which spans about 17 miles in length. If you are coming f...

Hiking to the Nankoweap Granaries can be done in a few ways but the two most popular routes is by boat along the Colorado River or the unmaintained Nankoweap trail, which is considered by most and the park services the most difficult named trail. Nankoweap Creek drains into the Colorado creating the largest delta in the canyon, which makes this a popular spot not only to stop for a break but al...

Sunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you to the saddle of the mountain at about 1.6 miles. Leading up to the saddle, make sure to take in two ...

If you've ever done the drive on highway10 from Phoenix to Tucson, you've definitely noticed an intriguing looking mountain peak about an hour into the drive. It broadly rises from the earth and tapers off into a point at the top, appearing like an illustration straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. It's called Picacho Peak, and if you haven't already, exit off the highway and check this rad ...

Day one: After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. I recommend the clockwise loop. Your hike will start through the lush forest where you will encount...

This challenging hike up the east side of Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and is not often crowded. You will begin on switchbacks heading up the mountain, with trail markers to guide you at first. The hike increases in difficulty about 1 mile in, when you reach the saddle, and you will have to do some scrambling during the last stretch to the top.

Coal Mine Canyon is a remote gem of the southwest that borders the Hopi and Navajo Indian Reservation. Coal Mine Canyon is located about 15 miles from Tuba City Arizona, The access to the canyon is off of Hwy 264 between mile marker 337 and 338 (right around 337.25). Once you make the turn off you will be on a dirt road the rest of the time, no need for four wheel drive vehicles. Once on the ...

If you’re looking for spacious campsites, starry skies, wooded hiking trails, and peaceful surroundings, Marshall Lake in Flagstaff, AZ is the perfect campground for you! Marshall Lake is located about 9 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn left (east) on Forest Road 128 and after 2-3 miles of paved road, you will veer off towards Marshall Lake (follow the sign) o...

(Tip- The only information you will find about this hike online describes starting in Faja Grande, and ending in Ponta Delgada. We took the advice of our local host to do it backward, and were glad we did. The hike is very steep and uphill, with your back to the ocean if you do it starting in Faja Grande. It’s much more enjoyable the opposite direction!) The hike begins in a quiet, grassy meado...

Pinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and the Cone Mountains. This serene slice of Sonoran Desert is home to a wide range of wildlife including...

Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. The Siphon Draw Trail is clearly marked and easy to follow for the first few miles as you begin a gradual ascent to the ba...

This is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. There are some beautiful rock formations, nice trails, and pretty stunning views of the city and desert beyond. It's open year round and is family and dog friendly, so if you've got slightly older kiddos or a pup, definitely bring them along. It gets super hot in the summer and with little shade, you'll want to be sure to bring plenty of ...

This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. Do it during the last week of September, when summer gives it’s last wave goodbye in a spectacle of electric yellow aspen groves. With the exception of occasional elk and black bear, expect plenty of solitude on this trail. If you can tear your eyes away from ...

Grand Falls is closed indefinitely as of February 2023. Please visit leupp.navajochapters.org for more updates.  Grand Falls is located about 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff Arizona in Navajo Nation. Even though its only 30 miles from Flagstaff you’ll still have about an hour drive to the falls. 10 miles of the trip will be on Indian road 70 which is a maintained dirt road but may require a 4...

Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or hike for hours to fit in a good workout, so be prepared to encounter some crowds if you visit on a ...

Meysan Lakes Trail is located on the ever popular Whitney Portal Road. Park on the side of the road next to the Whitney Portal Campground. Start the hike by cutting through the campground, and passing some seasonal cabin style residences. Follow the Meysan Lakes Trail signs. The trail cuts through the gummy warmups and kicks off quick with immediate elevation (3365ft in total). For roughly 4 ...

Updates will be posted here.  The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail until you reach a fork for West Maroon Trail No. 1970 to the left and Maroon-Snowmass Trail No. 1975 to ...