Arizona is our home location and as such we had lots of time to explore it especially during the weekends. It also helps that it has many special areas to visit, if you are interested in great views, nice trails, historical sites or nature it is in our opinion the place to be in the USA. It also helps that given the weather and altitude difference you can visit the desert in the winter and the mountains in the summer, a truly all year round destination.
Map of Travels
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Trips in 2025
- Revisiting Chevelon Canyon on a day hike
Today we decide to revisit Chevelon Canyon seeing birds and antelopes and enjoying the level trail before finishing with a great steak - Finding owls near Blue Ridge Reservoir
Today to escape the heat we hike on the Arizona Trail near the Blue Ridge Reservoir finding birds, elks and turkey on a beautiful trail - Finding cabins and waterfalls near Vernon
Before returning we explore another section of the Land of the Pioneers trail finding an interesting cabin and a beautiful dry waterfall - Land of the Pioneers trail exploration
We spend the afternoon hiking the Land of the Pioneers trail exploring abandoned cabins and dry lakes while avoiding the rain and elks - To the top of Wolf Mountain
We start our visit to Vernon with a hike up Wolf Mountain to discover a lonely cache and finding a Cassin Vireo a rare bird in Arizona - Exploring General Crook Trail
Today we return to the Rim to escape the Phoenix heat and explore a nice level trail with quite a few caches along the way - Arizona Trail hike to Bismarck Lake
To escape the heat today we hike at much higher altitudes on the Arizona Trail from the Snowbowl area through some beautiful landscapes - Onto the hot Deer Hill Trail
On a one night trip to Flagstaff our first day is dedicated to a too hot hike on Deer Hill Trail through a nice forest with lots of beautiful birds - Mogollon Cabin loop, our version
Today we drive to the Mogollon Rim for a ten mile hike on the Cabin Loop trail seeing birds snakes cows and even an elk while avoiding active logging - Access road from Roberts Mesa to Highline Trail
Last hike of today is from Roberts Mesa Road accessing the Highline Trail via a one mile hike and then exploring it for a while before returning - Exploration of Forest Road 144
From Control Road we try first to access the Highline Trail via Forest Road 144 which while possible is not feasible today due to the heat - Short exploration around Monument Peak
First stop after the event is Monument Peak trail system with a few new caches but with the heat we give up soon and move on - Special geocaching event in Payson
Today we are visiting a limited Geocaching Event celebrating 25 years of geocaching in Payson meeting many other cachers we have seen only on logs - Short exploration of the freezing Kachina Wetlands
We end our trip to Flagstaff with a visit to the Kachina Wetlands on a cold day with many common birds enjoying the lakes and grasslands - Camping at and visiting Overland Expo West
We spend two days exploring the Overland Expo West with one night spent camping and freezing and the second one spent at a warm hotel - Official Subaru Road Trip above Sedona
Today we are out on a Subaru official drive to the End of the World trail exploring the area above Sedona before camping in Flagstaff at an event - A return to the Pima Air & Space Museum
With our relative that is excited about airplanes we decide on a day trip to Tucson to see the major airplane museum we visited not long ago - Our first time at the Mesa Air Force Museum
Our visiting relative really likes planes so we visit for the first the interesting and relatively small Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum - Short exploration of State Trust Land
With our relatives that are visiting for a week we explore a small area of State Trust Land so they can see cacti and other desert flora - Bonsai, wolves and wrens
This day we start with breakfast at the Wren and Wolf before spending a couple hours at the bonsai exhibit at the Japanese Garden and ending at the Phoenix library - Finding the hummingbird caches
Exploring other State Trust Land areas we visit a series of hummingbird caches that we always wanted to visit and are surprised at the number of homeless encampments - Back on State Trust Land from Ironwood
Today while recuperating we try a shorter hike on State Trust Land finding many interesting caches and a Great Horned Owl - Into the Waterman Mountains
We spend most of our visit to Ironwood NM exploring one of the few official trails leading into the Waterman Mountains to an abandoned mine - Nuclear missile launch site in Ironwood NM
We start our visit to Ironwood NM searching for a multi-armed saguaro before visiting the Titan II missile site where little is left to see - Beautiful sunset near Lost Dutchman State Park
After eating out we explore during the late afternoon a relatively busy area near Lost Dutchman SP catching a beautiful sunset - To the top in the Superstition Mountains
Today we are going for a FTF high in the Superstition Mountains on a little used trail enjoying some great views along the way - State Trust hike from Ironwood Drive
We are back on the State Trust Land patch near our home finding caches and watching birds while enjoying the solitude - Hiking the Talon Trail in the Usery Park
Today’s short hike is on the Talon trail enjoying a relatively less visited area of Usery with some nice views and fun birds - Short jaunt onto State Trust Land
Surprisingly we are back on the trail only one week after we though it will take months enjoying the great winter weather
Trips in 2024
- State Trust Land from Prospector Park
Before a planned but also undesired break from hiking we do one last hike this weekend onto State Trust Land starting from Prospector Park - Into the remote back area of Usery Mountain
On today’s hike we explore the back area of Usery Mountain on a nine mile hike finding multiple caches and enjoying the beautiful weather - Metate Trail in San Tan Mountains Regional Park
We go south this Saturday to explore a new remote trail in Sant Tan Regional Park and use our annual pass on a great day for hiking - Spur Cross Ranch Trail to boundary hike
Today we hike the longest trail in Spur Cross Ranch Park to the park boundary enjoying great views and beautiful weather - The impressive Tucson Air and Space Museum
Finally we are able to visit the expansive and impressive Tucson Air and Space Museum before ending the day with great Mexican food - Exploring the State Trust Land off Meridian
In the afternoon we explore an area of State Trust Land near Meridian Road finding caches and launching our drone for the first time - Keyhole Sink, a special prehistoric place
Last stop on our trip is at Keyhole Sink a beautiful sink with petroglyphs and even a waterfall in season - Williams lunch and Kaibab Lake walk
After Bearizona it is time for lunch and then a leisurely walk around Kaibab Lake with nice views and lots of fishermen and -women - Bearizona finally
We were quite curious about Bearizona for years and today we finally were able to visit it and see the collection of animals amassed across the years - Exploring an unknown abandoned railroad tunnel
Our biggest exploration today is along an abandoned section of the BNSF railroad that includes old bridges and a very interesting tunnel that can be passed through - Rod’s Winter Camp we presume
We start the exploration of the area with Rod’s Winter Camp an unexpectedly interesting ruined camp in the middle of nowhere - An AirBnB with alpacas, my oh my
For this trip we have chosen the AirBnB for a specific feature, it has a herd of alpacas that you can visit and that is what we do on Sunday morning - Skunk Canyon via the Flagstaff Loop Trail
We start our trip with an exploration of Skunk Canyon on a nice section of the Flagstaff Loop Trail seeing birds finding caches and enjoying the great weather - Usery Park from Crismon Trailhead
After weeks of being out of comission we start with an easy hike relatively close to our home exploring a flat area of Usery Park with some great views and abundant bird life - Getting rained on on the Los Burros Trail
Last hike of the trip is on the Los Burros Trail where we use a new trail to access an old cache we placed years ago while avoiding the rain - Short Loop in the Land of the Pioneers trail system
Today we want to do maintenance on the first cache we placed on the beautiful Land of the Pioneers trail and enjoy the secluded area - Looking for mushrooms near Thompson Trail
We spend the hour until the obligatory rainfall near and on the Thompson trail looking for mushrooms both with the foray and on our own - Looking for Mushrooms at the Lightning Ridge Trailhead
The first of the foray is near the Lightning Ridge Trailhead finding lobster mushrooms and a few other interesting species - Short visit to Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
Before our mushroom outing we visit the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area seeing lots of birds and elks as well as a small Indian ruin - Find caches and mushrooms in the Greens Peak area
In the afternoon we explore the area around Greens Peak for mushrooms and caches until the rain catches us and forces us back to Eager - A hike through the White Mountains Grasslands Wildlife Area
We start the day with something rare, a new area for us to explore in Arizona, the White Mountain Grasslands, a surprisingly beautiful and desolate landscape - Staying at the Ostrich Farm House in Eager
We stay three nights in Eager at a former ostrich farming place to explore the area and attend the mushroom festival - Hiking near Munds Park on a beautiful loop
Today with an extra night at the lodging we go on a long loop via trails near Munds Park looking for birds and enjoying flowers and ponds along the way - Geowoodstock XX, our first one
For years we wanted to attend a Geowoodstock and because it is in Arizona we have no excuse this year so up to Flagstaff we go for a day of fun and events - Monument Peak Loop Trail exploration
Today to escape the Phoenix heat we decide to hike the Monument Peak loop trail in the Payson area encountering Indian ruins and an elk - Masked Bobwhites at Buenos Aires NWR HQ
We end our trip at the headquarter of Buenos Aires NWR looking and finding the really rare Masked Bobwhite and enjoying the grasslands - Looking for birds on the Arivaca Creek Trail
In the morning we explore the other nature trail in the area, the Arivaca Creek Trail, looking for interesting birds in the nice riparian area - Mines and cows near Ruby
From Arivaca Lake we continue south towards Ruby visiting mines and ruins and evading cows ending with a celebratory dinner in Tubac - Exploring surprisingly popular Arivaca Lake
We spend an hour exploring beautiful Arivaca Lake following the shore to search for birds and damselflies - Looking for Kingbirds on Arivaca Cienega Trail
First stop of our visit to Arivaca is the Arivaca Cienaga Trail to successfully see our first Thick-Billed Kingbirds in the US - Gilbert Water Ranch rare bird search
Today we explore Gilbert Water Ranch with no luck for a few rare species spotted here the previous days - Wind Cave on Usery Mountain
Today we explore a park near our house that we visited only once before with a focus on the Wind Cave that we missed last time - Looking for Elf Owls in Ironwood NM
Tonight as part of an Arizona Field Ornithologist expedition we are looking for elf owls something we wanted to see for a long time - Hidden Kiln near Blue Point Recreation Area
We plan to take advantage of the cooler weather and explore a ruined kiln close to the cooling waters of the Salt River - Long awaited Madonna concert
Finally after many months we are able to attend a long delayed Madonna concert that we booked way back last year - Another exploration from Horse Trailhead
We are still tired after two long weekend trips so we explore near our home starting from Horse Trailhead and finding caches and birds - Hi Jolly and Gem Exhibit in Quartzsite
Before California we stop in Quartzsite to visit the tomb of Hi Jolly and admire a gem show with our relative - Revisiting Tumacacori NHP
This is a revisit of Tumacacori NHP to show our relative the magnificent ruins of the former mission - Javelinas at Paton Hummingbird Garden!
On our quick return visit we finally see the javelinas we promised to our relative, yay! - Harshaw Ghost Town
The Harshaw Ghost Town near Patagonia is our next goal however unfortunately besides the cemetery very little is left - Patagonia Cemetery Trail
In the morning we decide to hike a new short trail in Patagonia, the Cemetery Trail, to explore it for birds and caches
Trips in 2023
- Tombstone at night
After sunset we explore Tombstone at night for about half hour in the cold looking for ghosts on the historical streets - The cranes of Whitewater Draw
Before sunset we take our relative to see the magnificent nature spectacle of the cranes coming to roost at Whitewater Draw - Wine Tasting at Dos Cabezas
Our second wine tasting of the trip is at Dos Cabezas a less personal at least to us winery - Exploring Patagonia and Paton Hummingbird Garden
We start the day by exploring on foot the shops in Patagonia and the nearby famous Paton Hummingbird Center - Revisiting Empire Ranch under less flooded conditions
Late afternoon we visit the Empire Ranch until it gets dark when we drive to Patagonia for check in in our AirBnB and a good dinner - Sonoran Dogs and Wine Tasting
We start our trip to SE Arizona with a stop for Sonoran hot dogs in Tucson before wine tasting at Callaghan’s Winery - Lucky visit to Tovrea Castle
We were lucky to win the lottery for Tovrea Castle a few months back and today was finally the day to see the castle in the desert - Exploring from Horse Trail Trailhead
Today we explore an area we visited a few times and really liked but from a different trailhead, the Horse Trail Trailhead, with a focus on geocaching - Indian Mesa Hike, finally
We planned this hike to see the ruins on top of Indian Mesa for years but only this year we were able to make it to this beautiful location - Historic Lee’s Ferry District
Last longer stop for the day is at Lee’s Ferry Historical district with a beautiful river walk before returning home with a planned and unplanned stop along the way - Cathedral Wash and Condors
Before our hike at Lee’s Ferry we stop at the Navajo Bridge to look successfully for condors and then to hike the beautiful slot canyon at Cathedral Wash - Hanging Garden Trail, surprisingly beautiful
We start the day with a short hike to the beautiful Hanging Gardens that we never visited before even though we passed by them repeatedly - Short hike on Page Airport Mesa
Late afternoon we explore the Page Airport Mesa which has some expansive views of Lake Powell and the Red Rock country - Determining our freezing point in Paria Canyon
We start our visit to Page with our highlight hike an eight mile hike following the Paria river crossing it over ten times and enjoying the fall colors - See Canyon Fall Colors
An eight mile total hike starting at See Canyon trailhead exploring the fall colors on the Highline, See Canyon and See Spring trails - Big Sister in Hawes Trail System
Short hike in the Hawes Trail System on the beautiful, but dangerous for hikers, Big Sister Trail - Maricopa Trail near Granite Reef Dam
We spend a few hours on the Maricopa Trail early in the morning before it gets too hot for hiking - Mt. Lemmon Oracle Ridge Trail
Five mile hike down to Dan’s Saddle on the beautiful but difficult Oracle Ridge Trail - Hirabayashi Campground exploration
Short stop at Hirabayashi Campground to look for the elusive Montezuma Quail - Looking for a pass at Casa Grande NM
We are looking for a NP pass today and we first stop at Casa Grande NM with no luck - Peach Orchard Trail from Payson Rodeo Grounds
Exploration of a little visited section of the trail system around Payson - Looking for mushrooms and cooler air on the Rim
Between two trips to Europe we make time to take one trip onto the Mogollon Rim while avoiding a hurricane - Gila Box Riparian NCA
We end our trip in the unexpectedly beautiful and varied Gila Box Riparian NCA - In search of the elusive Montezuma Quail
Stockton Pass is the only place where we might have seen a Montezuma quail before so we revisit it with high hopes today for another try to find them - Up Mount Graham to avoid the heat
Mount Graham is a beautiful location to explore and we did multiple hikes today enjoying the high altitude areas - A hot day on the Flagstaff Loop Trail
Last day on our trip we explore Flagstaff and then hike on a new section, for us, of the Flagstaff Loop Trail - High Altitude Arizona Trail hiking
Our goal is to explore a section of the Arizona Trail we have never been on which is also at high altitude to avoid the heat of the day - Kachina Village Wetlands hiking
We start our extended weekend trip in the Flagstaff area with the Kachina Wetlands looking for birds and caches - Morning walk near the Salt River
Avoiding the heat we do a very early morning walk in the Phoenix area desert up to the Salt River - Shoofly and Peach Loop near Payson
Our first trip in Arizona after a long Europe trip takes us to the Payson area for hiking and to visit some forgotten ruins - Gilbert Riparian Preserve short visit
After some doctor appointments we decide to go relax in the Riparian Preserve and buy some BBQ nearby - Phoenix Film Festival and State Trust hiking
Today we have a busy day planned starting with the film festival then lunch and finally a hike on state trust land - San Tan Mountains and Gilbert Ponds
Forced by external circumstances today we changed our plans and visited Gilbert Ponds and San Tan Mountains seeing many birds and beautiful flowers - Butterfly Association trip
Our first butterfly trip for the year ended with very few butterflies lots of wildflowers and a nice hike - Visiting Superstition Mountains area with friends
An unexpected visit by a friend leads to a full day exploring the Superstitions Mountains and ending with a dinner at a Thai restaurant - Black Canyon Trail south from Table Mesa
Finishing another section of the Black Canyon Trail as we try to hike it end to end - A short (?) jaunt on State Trust Land near Gold Canyon
This is a State Trust section we explored a few times before but we always find something new to discover especially while geocaching - Audubon Trip to Ocotillo Ponds
An enjoyable morning trip with an Audubon group to a group of ponds we haven’t visited before - Tucson Gem Show and Sweetwater Wetlands
Day trip to Tucson to visit the Gem Show for once at the beginning and ending the day at the Sweetwater Wetlands - Desert Botanical Garden
A few hours at the very busy Botanical Garden enjoying the great weather - Broadway Cave in Superstition Mountains
A six mile hike to the interesting Broadway Cave while finding caches along the way
Trips in 2022
- Horse with No Name Trail
12 mile hike near the Superstition Mountains on a beautiful little known loop trail - Flagstaff Hiking instead of Skiing
A day intended for skiing ends in hiking in Fort Tuthill Park due to lack of snow on the slopes - Colossal Cave and Saguaro NP
Today we finally made it to Colossal Cave and also explored Saguaro NP in the afternoon for a busy day in the Tucson area - Balanced Rock in the Sonoran Preserve
On a nice day for hiking in the Phoenix Area we explore the Sonoran Preserve from a trailhead we never visited before - Gila River Indian Community Bird Count
Today we spent the morning helping with the Bird Count on the Gila River Indian Community enjoying the many birds and mammals we saw - One hour hike near Salt River
About one hour hike after work and before sunset near the Salt River birdwatching and geocaching - Blue Point Short Hike
A short trip near the Blue Point Picnic Area with lots of exciting meetings with wildlife - Dia de Los Muertos and Hawes Trail
A full day starting with the Dia de Los Muertos festival in Mesa and ending with a scenic hike on the Hawes Trail System - Red Rock Spring Trail
A few hours on the Red Rock Spring Trail and then on the Highline Trail enjoying the good weather and finding a few caches - Alpine Mushroom Festival
Weekend trip to Alpine area to attend a Mushroom Festival Field trip and to finally climb Escudilla Mountain the third highest peak in Arizona - Hiking near Pine
Exploring Pine during a short visit on a hot day and finding lots and lots of elk - Finally seeing the becards at Tubac
Finally a successful trip to see the rose-throated becards in Tubac followed by a short expedition on Mt Lemmon - Grand Canyon Trip with Friends
Three day trip with one day in Williams, one day in Grand Canyon and one day in Sedona area - Goldfield Recreation Area short hike
After work short hike in Goldfield Recreation Area seeing the famous wild horses - McFadden Horse Trail…finally
Full day 8 mile hike to the top of McFadden Horse Mountain and to the scenic overlook at the end of the trail. - Glendale Recharge Ponds
Short two hour walk near the Glendale Recharge Ponds followed by a day out in Glendale - One day near Strawberry
One day hiking near Strawberry ending unexpectedly due to a mishap at our Airbnb. - Granite Reef Dam
Morning two hour hike on a section of the Maricopa Trail near Granite Reef Dam - Payson Phoenix Street TH Loop
Day trip to Payson to hike on an unnamed 5 mi loop trail from Phoenix St Trailhead. - Phon D Sutton Nature Trail
After-work two hour hike on a nature trail in Phon D Sutton - Hassayampa Bioblitz
Night drive with AZGFD employees to explore the biodiversity of Sun Valley Parkway. - Gilbert Water Ranch
Few hours after work enjoying the Gilbert Water Ranch and the many birds and animals that live in the Riparian Preserve - Tres Rios Wetlands
Short jaunt to Tres Rios Wetlands to explore one of the birdiest areas around Phoenix - Tubac Hawk Watch
Two full day trip to Tubac to take part in the Hawk Watch and see the town and to Tumacacori NHS to see the beautiful ruins. - Deer Creek Trailhead
Day trip to the Deer Creek Trailhead with an exploration of the trails starting from it - State Trust Geocaching Outing
Day trip to a State Trust Land area for geocaching and hiking - Organ Pipe Cactus NM
Two day trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to visit this remote park and see the special cacti growing only in this part of the US. - Along SR 87 to Gisela
Day trip along the Beeline Highway (SR 87) with a few stops including the Black Mountain Ruins - Hawes Trail System Hike
Short afternoon hike on the Hawes Trail System - Tucson Gem Show
Day trip to Tucson Gem Show to look for bargains and Sweetwater Wetlands for birding - Yuma Mega Event
Two day trip for geocaching, sightseeing and some birding - Wickenburg
Visit to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum and Wickenburg as well as a short jaunt to the Thrasher Spot to look for the elusive LeConte’s Thrasher - Looking for rufous-backed robins at Bushnell Tanks
Short two hour trip to Bushnell Tanks to look for a rufous-backed robin - Willow Canyon in Superstition Mountains
Willow Canyon day hike along a scenic road in Superstition Mountains - State Trust Land near Usery Mountain
Hike on State Trust Land for geocaching and birdwatching
Trips in 2021
- McDowell Mountain Preserve – Adero Canyon TH
Day hike on the McDowell Mountain Preserve starting from Adero Canyon Trailhead - Black Canyon Trail – BCC Trailhead
Day hike from Black Canyon City Trailhead on the Black Canyon Trail - State Trust near Gold Canyon
Day hike on State Trust Land near Gold Canyon - Sonoran Preserve from Apache Wash TH
Day hike in the Sonoran Preserve starting from Apache Wash TH - Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman Museum
Day Trip to the Superstition Mountains visiting the Lost Dutchman Museum - Strawberry Stay
Two nights trip to Strawberry exploring a few hiking trails in the area. - Bushnell Tanks
Exploring a different area around Bushnell Tanks including a section of the Arizona Trail - Highline Trail – Hatchery TH
Exploration of Highline Trail while geocaching along the way starting from Hatchery TH - The remote E Cross L Trail near Prescott
Today we explore E Cross L Trail a little known and remote trail starting from the Senator Highway creating a loop with some nice views and beautiful nature - East on the Highline Trail from Washington Trailhead
Today we are going into the mountains to enjoy cooler temperatures while exploring the Highline Trail and finding caches and birds along the way
Trips in 2013
- Temporary trail to petroglyphs in the Verrado’s
For a short hike today we decide on a temporary trail to some cool looking petroglyphs in the Verrado neighborhood - Exploring a ruin near Black Canyon Trail
Today we explore a section of the Black Canyon Trail and an interesting ruin close by that overlooks the interstate - Our first horse ride in South Mountain
Today we finally get to ride a horse something we wanted to do since we moved to Arizona - Standing on the corner in Winslow AZ
Last stop today is Winslow Arizona where we visit the famous corner featured in the Eagles song, or is it really? - Two Guns fascinating ruins
This is our first stop at the Two Guns ruins an impressive site on the original Route 66 that was a zoo and also a major tourist stop - Exploring near Bloody Basin Road
First stop on our trip to Albuquerque is near Bloody Basin Road exploring the powerline road and finding a few caches - Petroglyphs of Badger Springs
Exploring a relatively new National Monument we decide on the only maintained trail going to the Agua Fria River to a nice petroglyph panel
Trips in 2012
- Elephant trees in South Mountain
Last hike of the year is dedicated to finding the mythical Elephant trees which is relatively easy to do if you know where to look for them - Enjoying a day with coyotes in South Mountain
South Mountain is close by so we do a short hike exploring a few interesting natural features and enjoying the great views - Exploring Price Road and Gila River
On Christmas Day we explore Price Road and the Gila River riparian area finding multiple caches and enjoying the nice weather - Exploring the wilderness north of Seven Springs
Today we stop a few times on the Seven Springs Road with the major goal being a climb on Hutch Mesa - The busy Bell Trail
Day hike using the Bell and Apache Maid trails to explore the Wet Beaver Wilderness - Very short stop for caching near New River
Very short hike during a shopping trip to explore a national forest section we haven’t explored before - Caching near the Black Canyon Trail
Today is a day for caching near the Black River Canyon exploring abandoned mines and ruins and enjoying the beautiful Black Canyon River wash - Short visit to Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
Short visit to the Rio Salado linear trail after browsing the art sale at the Audubon center nearby - A stop at the still free Horseshoe Bend
Last major stop of the trip is the Horseshoe Bend overlook with some beautiful views of the Colorado River Canyon and even some tame rabbits - Exploring the Beehive formations
We start the day by exploring the Beehives area similar to the Wave with multiple special formations to explore but less popular - A special stop at Richinbar Mine ruins
We start our trip with a very interesting stop at the abandoned mine of Richinbar with multiple destroyed buildings and lots to explore - Finding cows on the remote Mail Trail
To escape the heat we choose today the Mail Trail a little known and visited trail passing crossing the highlands of Arizona - Visiting abandoned cabins on the Mogollon Rim
Today we explore the Mogollon Rim visiting two abandoned cabins and enjoying the fall colors and great views - SP Crater exploration north of Flagstaff
Returning from Africa our first trip is north of Flagstaff to explore an area of volcanic cones with a focus on the SP Crater one of the more famous ones - Exploring the Saturn pattern near Flagstaff
For the evening and the next day we find a few more caches in the area around Flagstaff with a focus on Saturn an interesting pattern created out of caches - Escaping the rain in the Lava River Cave
The major goal today and of the trip is the Lava River Cave a collapsed lava tube in the Coconino National Forest that can be explored at your own leisure - Bar M Canyon exploration
Next we stop at the Bar M Canyon a beautiful canyon near Munds Park before finding a place to camp northwest of Flagstaff - Foxboro Lake Dam, an interesting historic dam
First major stop today is at Foxboro Lake Dam which seems abandoned and there is no lake around but still it looks quite impressive - Camping and visiting around Greens Peak
After a nice night in our makeshift camp we explore the area around Greens Peak driving to the top and reaching the nearby Carnero lake afterwards - On and around the Land of the Pioneers trail
Today we explore the area east of Pinetop-Lakeside with a focus on the Land of Pioneers trail and the many remains from the settlers time in this area - Finding sinkholes and exploring the Rim Road
We start our trip to the White Mountains by exploring an area of the Rim we rarely visit before overnighting in Pinetop-Lakeside - One night camping on the Mogollon Rim
This weekend we camp on the Mogollon Rim and explore the both the Rim and further inland finding cabins and canyons and lots of caches - Hiking and caching near West Clear Creek
West Clear Creek is an area of beauty with lots of wildlife that we explored today while finding caches along the way - Finding caches in the middle of the interstate near Table Mesa Road
Today it is mostly a random exploration of an area near Table Mesa Road including a section that is difficult to access in the median of the interstate - Lonely exploration of Orme Road
One more solo trip before our team is reunited this time exploring Orme Road finding caches and meeting cattle and sheep - Viewing the start of Gladiator Fire from Sunset rest area
With our team split one of us is taking a short jaunt to the Sunset rest area to find caches and unexpectedly be witnesses to the start of the major Gladiator fire near Crown King - Climbing on Bill Williams using Bixler Saddle Trail
Today we explore the Bill Williams area climbing on the Bixler Saddle Trail and encountering turkeys and elks while enjoying great views - A long but beautiful hike to Ballantine Cabin
Today we hike the Ballantine Trail about halfway to Ballantine Cabin passing by The Boulders and enjoying great views and the flowering desert - Rimview Trail exploration in Page
We start the day with an exploration of the Rimview Trail in Page that follows roughly the contour of the airport - On the way to Page
We leave Friday late afternoon and after staying overnight in Flagstaff make our way to the Page area on Saturday enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way - A day in the Saddle Mountain area
We spend this Sunday exploring the Saddle Mountain area with some outstanding views and old caches - Deer Creek Trail to Gowan Burial Site
In the afternoon we hike about 3 miles to Gowan’s grave following the beautiful Deer Creek trail - Snow on Mount Ord
We start the day with an exploration of Mt Ord with unexpected snow at higher altitudes - Phoenix Food Festival
We always wanted to check out a food festival and today is our chance with a huge selection of restaurants all offering a sample - Ostrich festival
One of the attractions in Arizona is the annual ostrich race festival and this is the year we are visiting it even though we missed most of the race - On top of Black Mesa
Today we climb on top of Black Mesa of Half Life fame, not really but the cache we find does link to the game - THE Bushnell Tanks
Bushnell Tanks is an interesting riparian area that we passed multiple times and we didn’t explore in depth till now - New River Mesa Exploration
This Sunday we go after a trio of rarely found caches on an out of the way mesa close to Seven Springs - Quartzsite and the Barefoot Imprint
Today we visit the Gem and Auto shows in Quartzsite before exploring the surrounding area for the barefoot imprint - Perry Canyon Indian Ruin
This is the month of petroglyphs as today we explore another famous site on Perry Mesa, home of the red deer - Mineral Road Exploration
An exploration around Mineral Road finding ancient ruins and petroglyphs as well as more recent mines - Taking the backroads to Laughlin
On our way to Laughlin we stop to find caches and the take the backroads to Yucca before reaching our hotel for a yummy dinner - Deer on the BCT from Glorianna Trailhead
Enjoying the cooler temperatures we do a longer hike on the Black Canyon Trail starting from Glorianna Trailhead seeing deer and finding caches
Trips in 2011
- Cave Creek Trail from Seven Springs exploration
For the last hike of the year we choose a beautiful area off Seven Springs Road with a flowing creek and a rarely visited trail, Cave Creek Trail - Exploring the Sonoran Preserve
Today we spend half day exploring the Sonoran Preserve and finding caches along the way - Black Canyon Trail from Glorianna TH
For the second weekend in a row we explore a section of the BCT this time from Glorianna TH seeing again dead cows and poorwills, deja vu - Black Canyon Trail Little Pan from Table Mesa
Today we decide to explore the Black Canyon Trail on a section we have not visited before from Table Mesa finding scorpions, poorwills and dead cows - Arizona Trail near Mormon Lake
Exploration of Arizona Trail near Mormon Lake - Mogollon Rim near Strawberry
Day trip near Strawberry exploring various Rim viewpoint on both sides of US87 - Munds Area Geocaching
Geocaching “inspired” jaunt through the area northeast of Munds Park - Caching around Williams
On the last day of our long weekend after car camping we explore the National Forest around Williams finding caches and running away from monsoon storms - Bill Williams Mountain climb
We hike to the top of this 9K+ft mountain using one of the many trails in the area which are nicely maintained but rarely used - Short exploration of Williams
Around lunchtime we visit Williams, the Gateway to the Grand Canyon which is a nice tourist town to spend one hour or so in - Short stop on old US 66 section after overnight in Flagstaff
After a night in Flagstaff we spend the morning exploring a short section of old US 66 before continuing to Williams - A day cut short by rain on the Mogollon Rim
After a night car camping on the Mogollon Rim we explore trails and dirt roads until the rain starts rolling in forcing us to leave towards Phoenix - Weatherford Trail to Doyle Saddle
Today we have a twelve mile hike in front of us up Weatherford Trail to Doyle Saddle on a rarely used but beautiful trail - Overnight in Flagstaff before the big climb
As we leave late from Phoenix we spend the night in Flagstaff and eat a great meal at Josephine to fortify before our big climb - Lonely Dell Ranch at Lee’s Ferry
Last stop for the day is at beautiful Lonely Dell Ranch in Lee’s Ferry a worthy stop if passing by - North Rim of Grand Canyon
On the last day we explore the North Rim in the morning stopping at all viewpoints and trying a few short hikes - Passing through Vermillion Cliffs and camping on the North Rim plateau
Today we drive north from Flagstaff passing through the Vermillion Cliffs and spend the afternoon and night on the Kaibab plateau - One night in Flagstaff on the way to the North Rim
On the way to the North Rim we stopped unexpectedly in Flagstaff due to leaving late from Phoenix - Trip to Pine
On this trip we explored the Great Western Trail near Phoenix, a Payson viewpoint and an area near Pine that led to an exciting bear encounter - Prescott Geocaching via Orme Road
Geocaching day finding difficult caches along the way on Orme Road and then some of the world renowned Raven caches in Prescott area - T Bar Ranch Ruins
On the way to Kanab we stop for a short visit at T Bar Ranch Ruins a spectacular ranch ruin worth visiting - Rarick Canyon Petroglyphs
Rarick Canyon is an area full of petroglyphs that can be difficult to find mostly below the rim and in the canyon - Pine Mountain
Full day hike up Pine Mountain, a remote mountain near the Verde River - South Mountain Exploration
Exploring the Lost Ranch ruins in South Mountain Park. - Highline Trail hike
Highline Trail hike and a jaunt from Deer Creek TH - To Laughlin via Quartzsite and Lake Havasu
We stop first at Quartzsite to visit a small park with some interesting features and then follow the Colorado River north past Lake Havasu City to Laughlin - Hell’s Hole Trail, yes really
10+ mile hike down to Hell’s Hole and back from Young Road - Aguila Road Caching
Caching day along Aguila Road west of Phoenix - Bulldog Canyon Area Exploration
Day exploration of an unexpectedly beautiful area near Apache Junction - South Mountain quick jaunt
Short exploration of the south side of South Mountain Park - Perry Mesa Ruins
Visit to the Perry Tank Canyon Ruin (a.k.a. Pueblo Pato) to see the famous petroglyphs - Up on Table Mesa
Day trip to explore Table Mesa Road area - Signal Ghost Town, a worthy detour
Signal jumped from nothing during the silver hunt in 1877 and in the next 3 years the town reached 800 citizens. 10 years after with silver was gone it started its long decline till in 1932 the post office was discontinued and it became a ghost town. - Oatman, the burro town
Oatman is a small touristic western town with the main attraction being the burros (donkeys) wandering the main street. - Shiprock area, a mysterious place to be
The area near Shiprock is an interesting area to explore with lots of mining remains and some great views - Spur Cross Ranch Loop Hike
Loop Hike in Spur Cross Ranch exploring a couple new trails.