Arizona Trails

Follow the trail of 19th-century robbers in Arizona.

It looks like Mars, but this scenery is all Earth.

The Ironwood Forest is a true redemption story. Home to arroyos, plains, foothills, and mountains, the monument’s coarse and well-aerated soil allows roots to dig deep. The result: The world’s densest stands of ironwoods, low-growing shrubby trees that enrich the earth, enable the Ironwood Forest’s species diversity, and burst with purple-pink flowers in late spring.

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.

Want a true wilderness experience? Head west and trek endless empty miles on the BLM's best terrain.

Glory in Arizona's red rock country on these perfect Sedona hikes.

Climb high and see 800-year-old canyon homes on this overnight trip.

Climb above Phoenix for an aerie-like view over the valley.

Savor views of the Sierra Estrella and Mazatzal mountain ranges on this close-to-home leg-burner.

Embark on a treasure hunt to find rock art—and clues of the past.

Plague poses a risk to rabbits, rodents, squirrels--and people.

The new state park lodging options have special intro rates through October.

Even with multiple heat-related rescue calls this summer, Parks and Recreation says hikers can keep hiking.

Rainfall and the upcoming monsoon season reduced fire danger across Arizona.

Someone spray-painted seven iconic cacti last week.

Popular destinations like Angel's Landing and Upper Emerald Pools are inaccessible due to mudslides and rockfall.

Parts of the Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto National Forests are now welcoming hikers and campers as wildfire threat eases.

Campers have fled Havasupai Campground and will be helicoptered out of the Grand Canyon, reports say.

This desert kingdom claims some of the most diverse terrain of any urban center in the country. Explore redrock canyons, cacti-studded wildernesses, and subalpine mesas bristling with Douglas firs—all within striking distance for a day outing.

A woman's golden retriever took a snakebite to the face on an Arizona trail.

A huge increase in visitation is causing overcrowding and safety issues at the iconic overlook.

Arizona Game and Fish moved a healthy, 75-pound bear to the Galiuro Mountains.

A dispute about the concessionaire who runs the shuttle is to blame.

Rangers at Chiricahua National Monument are offering $60,000 for tips to help solve the mystery a ranger who never returned from a hike.

How and why the forests decide to implement fire restrictions--and why they sometimes don't work.

Starting now, annual pass holders will receive Arizona Highways gratis.

This year's fires haven't been as bad as in years past, but most have been caused by people.

On its 50th birthday, the National Scenic Trails system boasts nearly 19,000 miles. Not sure where to start? We’ve scoured the whole network to bring you the best 50 miles.

The city's park district is pushing a campaign to prevent hiking emergencies during sweltering temps.

Parts of the Tonto, Coronado, and Prescott National Forests will waive fees for National Get Outdoors Day, June 9.

The forests have shuttered sections because of extreme wildfire risk.

The rule is now in effect to protect local canines.

Snap up a room at the lodge to see the Grand Canyon's Havasu Falls with ease.

Cyclists have been chased at least five times in recent weeks on the Tucson-area trail.

Parts of the Tonto and Coconino National Forests close today due to extreme fire risk.

The Tucson-area park is currently open only for day use.

Officials will consider drought and wind conditions when they decide which zones to close.

The Sierra Club's annual legislative roundup found little success on conservation or water issues.

The man reported the find to the Bureau of Land Management, whose archeologist dated it back to the Ancestral Puebloan period.

The 33-year-old fell 800 feet off the edge of a cliff into northern Arizona's Glen Canyon.

Construction will restrict vehicle access to the popular spots May 9-16.

The Prescott, Coconino, and part of the Kaibab National Forests are toughening fire rules in response to high-risk conditions.

The East Clear Creek Canyon blaze is more than 11,000 acres and growing.

Arizona's best multiday trails, as selected by BACKPACKER Local scout Scott Jones

The 51-year-old man collapsed on the Cholla Trail on a 94-degree day.

All park and concessionaire services will be operational on opening day.

The Utah national monument is the first national park unit to be named to the list.

Dry conditions have prompted public lands officials to declare limits on campfires, charcoal, smoking, and firearms.

The park is holding an Earth Day celebration on top of the National Park Week fee-free day.

The reservoir, which is only 22 percent full, is shuttered for the foreseeable future.

The Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring Trails will shut down on April 15 and May 15, respectively.

Predicted strong winds combined with dry conditions raise the risk of wildfire for the next few days.

Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders

Warm, dry weather means winter closures are lifting across the national forests.

Saturday's fee-free day honors Cesar E. Chavez Day.

The park is compiling the public's wish list on boat tours, lodging, restaurants, camping, and more.

Crews are readying for the building of a controversial eight-lane highway across three peaks.

Officials are asking the public for tips in the vandalism of four crosses at Oak Flat Campground.

The South Rim announced water shutoffs until the Transcanyon Waterline storage tanks can be replenished.

A new operator will begin running the system this summer.

10.3 percent more people flocked to the parks in 2017 over the previous year.

More than 160,000 people applied for the 7,300 spots to hike the iconic sandstone canyon last year.

Day use permits are now required from April 1 through September 30.

The flying machine ignited a blaze that burned 335 acres in the Coconino National Forest.

Biologists fear the fox might have been rabid.

The agency has sped up the management planning process for the national monument despite lawsuits challenging recent boundary changes.

The free buses run every 20 minutes daily between the national park and the gateway town.

The best local trails, as selected by our BACKPACKER Local scout Scott Jones.

Drought means Arizona likely won't see a superbloom this spring, but these sites will still deliver.

Remote sites near the Grand Canyon's North Rim are now open for reservations.

A Phoenix lawmaker decided not to pursue a measure charging some hikers for emergency rescue.

Sending an Arizona tax refund to the state parks is as easy as checking a box on your tax form.

Fees will be waived at a number of day-use sites for the holiday.

A majority of respondents in most states favor public lands policies, with a significant jump in support over two years ago.

A jaunt down a stream is a less in what water can accomplish.

Environment Day at the state legislature draws action from a variety of conservation organizations.

This weekend through April 1, the festival brings delays to Gold Canyon.

The free shuttle aims to reduce traffic congestion in the park.

The bill is a response to the White House's rollback of protections for Utah public lands.