AtoZ Blog

Four days in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona — from a stormy first night at Sunny Flat Campground to a waterfall campsite at Herb Martyr, dispersed camping on Pinery Creek, and hiking the Echo Canyon Trail at Chiricahua National Monument. This is one of Arizona's most rewarding and undervisited corners — and this trip delivered everything we hoped for and then some.

Bear Hide in the Tonto National Forest near Payson holds more than the map suggests — homestead ruins still standing in the pines, a hole in the rock nobody has explained, wild blackberries, bear sign on every visit and a canyon trail leading toward the Hellsgate Wilderness. We have been back three times and still haven't found everything.

Arizona is more than desert. Rising above the heat is the Mogollon Rim — a 200-mile escarpment sitting at the heart of the world's largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest. Lakes, wildlife, sweeping views and rich history all await. Whether you're planning your first visit or your tenth, this is your complete guide to Arizona's greatest escape.

Just south of Globe, Arizona, the Pinal Mountains rise to 7,848 feet — a sky island of ponderosa pine, hiking trails and genuine quiet tucked inside the Tonto National Forest. We spent three days there in May 2024 and found snow, coatis, a lookout tower view and one very good Dutch oven goulash.

We had spent the morning filming wild horses alive on Forest Road 124. A few hours later, we were standing over two of them dead on a remote Arizona forest road. This is what we found — and why we're speaking up about it.

Forest Road 124 in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers. We watched wild horses roam freely through the pines, spotted a White-breasted Nuthatch, and took in sweeping forest views surrounded by wildflowers. It was a beautiful morning — until a heartbreaking discovery on the drive out reminded us why protecting Arizona's wildlife matters. Watch the full video and read on.

Lighten your load with expert ultralight tips for safer, faster, and more enjoyable Arizona backpacking adventures.

Hikers in Utah are finding more than just scenic views—many are discovering mental clarity, community, and purpose on the trail. From badge challenges to personal breakthroughs, the Wasatch Mountains are inspiring life-changing outdoor experiences.

Planning a camping trip? These expert-approved golden rules cover everything from Leave No Trace principles to fire safety, gear prep, and respectful wildlife encounters—ensuring your outdoor adventure is safe, fun, and eco-friendly.