desert

My Absolute Favorite Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

My Absolute Favorite Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

Here are some of my favorite day hikes among the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona that are short enough to squeeze in on any trip to the area!

Hiking to the Birthing Cave — Sedona, AZ

Hiking to the Birthing Cave — Sedona, AZ

A short and easy walk to a peaceful and magical spot with a beautiful Sedona valley view that will leave you feeling invigorated and reenergized

Hiking to Soldier Pass Cave — Sedona, AZ

Hiking to Soldier Pass Cave — Sedona, AZ

The Soldier Pass Cave is still one of the coolest caves I’ve hiked to. This is just one example of why I love red rock country in Sedona so much

Backpacking Havasu Falls - Havasupai, AZ

Backpacking Havasu Falls - Havasupai, AZ

Characterized by multiple bright turquoise waterfalls flowing from brilliant red rock, Havasu Falls is truly a unique destination.

Hiking Fossil Springs Trail to Toilet Bowl — Fossil Creek Wilderness, AZ

Hiking Fossil Springs Trail to Toilet Bowl — Fossil Creek Wilderness, AZ

The Fossil Creek Wilderness Area is an oasis destination attracting hikers, sunbathers, cliff-jumpers, and swimmers to its crystal clear water

Off-Roading to Skylight Arch - Glen Canyon NRA, UT

Off-Roading to Skylight Arch - Glen Canyon NRA, UT

Skylight Arch near Page, Arizona is an inverted arch hidden above the main highway with gorgeous views of Lake Powell that requires some off roading to get to.

Zebra Slot Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT

Zebra Slot Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT

The Zebra Slot Canyon is one of my favorite hikes in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area. The red, smooth, striped walls make for unique photo opportunities.

Willis Creek Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT

Willis Creek Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT

Willis Creek Slot Canyon is a a little oasis in the middle of the Escalante desert! The short hike leads you through beautiful section of narrows.

Blue Pools Canyon - Page, AZ

Blue Pools Canyon - Page, AZ

Blue Pool Wash is a fun slot canyon Page, AZ with down climbs, pools of water, and even car remains from the highway that runs overhead.

Saddleback Butte Peak Trail - Saddleback Butte SP, CA

Saddleback Butte Peak Trail - Saddleback Butte SP, CA

A relatively small and unknown state park, Saddleback Butte has potential for carpets of wildflowers when the conditions are just right.

The Slot - Anza-Borrego SP, CA

The Slot - Anza-Borrego SP, CA

One of the more popular attractions in Anza-Borrego, the Slot is easy to get to (even in 2WD), an easy and short hike, and makes for great photographs. The steep walls provide some relief from the hot sun, and kids will love exploring this maze.

Fish Creek Wash & Wind Caves — Anza Borrego SP, CA

Fish Creek Wash & Wind Caves — Anza Borrego SP, CA

Anza-Borrego is the largest CA state park and has tons of its own unique features. Mainly for 4WD, offroading, and dirt biking enthusiasts, we still had a lot of fun on foot and with just 2WD. Fish Creek Is just a tiny portion of the park, but the wind caves are truly unique and offer an amazing view for sunset. Hint - if you camp at Fish Creek Primitive Campground nearby, it's free and there are fire rings and a very clean toilet. 

Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree NP, CA

Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree NP, CA

We had a great time exploring the vast wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park and climbing the rocks of Hidden Valley

Buckskin Gulch, Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, UT

Buckskin Gulch, Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, UT

Buckskin Gulch was like no other backpacking trip I've done - it was amazing to be in one of the longest slot canyons in the world.