43 Ways to Have Your Best Summer Ever This Year
From swimming holes to wild berries, it’s prime time for hikers. Tick off these 43 trips and experiences to make the most of the season.
Arizona Trails
Arizona's stunning Vermillion Cliffs are but of of this state's many geologic wonders.
Arizona, a popular backpacking and hiking destination known for its desert terrain and deep canyons, is located in the southwestern U.S.
Arizona borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Colorado and Mexico. While southern Arizona is known for its desert climate, northern Arizona boasts lush forests, the Colorado Plateau, deep canyons, and mountain ranges including the volcanic San Francisco Peaks.
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, which was carved by the Colorado River and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep.
The editors at Backpacker have created an extensive collection of popular trails and trips in Arizona.
Find True Solitude on These 12 Perfect Hikes
Want a real wilderness experience? Head west and trek endless empty miles on the BLM's best terrain.
The 10 Best Dayhikes in Sedona
Glory in Arizona's red rock country on these perfect Sedona hikes.
The 20 Best Waterfall Hikes in the United States
No two waterfalls are exactly alike, but these 20 will always capture our imagination.
Hike of the Week: Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ
Climb above Phoenix for an aerie-like view over the valley.
Hike of the Week: Sunrise Peak, Scottsdale, AZ
Savor views of the Sierra Estrella and Mazatzal mountain ranges on this close-to-home leg-burner up Sunrise Peak.
Glyphing is a Hiker's Tour of History
Embark on a treasure hunt to find rock art—and clues of the past.
The 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in America
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
9 Astonishingly Hard Hikes (That You Should Do Anyway)
These 9 difficult hikes will challenge even the toughest backpackers.
Arizona Prairie Dog Tests Positive for Plague
Plague poses a risk to rabbits, rodents, squirrels--and people.
Two Cabins Now Open at Lost Dutchman & Patagonia Lake
The new state park lodging options have special intro rates through October.
14 Round-the-Mountain Hikes You Need to Do
We’re all for tagging summits, but the best way to experience a peak? Hike around it. You’ll see a mountain’s many faces on a single, peak-circling loop. These 14 trips circumnavigate the best of the best.
Why Phoenix Won't Shut Down Trails in Excessive Heat
Even with multiple heat-related rescue calls this summer, Parks and Recreation says hikers can keep hiking.
Prescott and Kaibab NFs Lift Fire Restrictions and Closures
Rainfall and the upcoming monsoon season reduced fire danger across Arizona.
Saguaro Vandalism Angers Locals at Cave Creek
Someone spray-painted seven iconic cacti last week.
Zion NP Trails Remain Closed after Floods
Popular destinations like Angel's Landing and Upper Emerald Pools are inaccessible due to mudslides and rockfall.
National Forests Reopening after Fire Closures
Parts of the Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto National Forests are now welcoming hikers and campers as wildfire threat eases.
Flash Floods in Havasupai Area Lead to Evacuations
Campers have fled Havasupai Campground and will be helicoptered out of the Grand Canyon, reports say.
How to Hike Like a Local in Phoenix
This desert kingdom claims some of the most diverse terrain of any urban center in the country.
Dog Saves Owner from Rattlesnake Bite
A woman's golden retriever took a snakebite to the face on an Arizona trail.
Parking Restrictions Implemented at Horseshoe Bend
A huge increase in visitation is causing overcrowding and safety issues at the iconic overlook.
Black Bear Relocated from Mt. Lemmon
Arizona Game and Fish moved a healthy, 75-pound bear to the Galiuro Mountains.
Sabino Canyon Shuttle Could Be Closed for Months
A dispute about the concessionaire who runs the shuttle is to blame.
