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Best Day Trips from Phoenix: Scenic Drives, Hikes & Small Towns

Best Day Trips from Phoenix: Scenic Drives, Hikes & Small Towns

by daniellenfairbanks | Apr 23, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Destinations, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Phoenix

Best Day Trips from Phoenix: Scenic Drives, Hikes & Small Towns If you’re looking for the best day trips from Phoenix, you’re in one of the best home bases in the country. Within just a couple of hours, you can go from desert landscapes to pine forests, red rock...
Camping on the Mogollon Rim: Best Campgrounds & Dispersed Sites (2026 Guide)

Camping on the Mogollon Rim: Best Campgrounds & Dispersed Sites (2026 Guide)

by daniellenfairbanks | Apr 15, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Payson/ Pine/ Strawberry

Camping on the Mogollon Rim: Best Campgrounds & Dispersed Sites (2026 Guide) If you’re looking to escape the Phoenix heat, camping on the Mogollon Rim is one of the best places to do it. Just a couple of hours from the Valley, the Rim offers cooler temperatures,...
Salt River Tubing: Use the Company or Go on Your Own?

Salt River Tubing: Use the Company or Go on Your Own?

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 30, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Arizona Seasons, Phoenix

Salt River Tubing: Use the Company or Go on Your Own? Planning to go Salt River tubing this summer? You’re not alone—floating down the Salt River is one of the most popular ways to cool off in Arizona. But before you go, there’s one big decision to make: 👉 Should you...
Best Lakes Near Phoenix, Arizona

Best Lakes Near Phoenix, Arizona

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 27, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Arizona Seasons, Phoenix

Best Lakes Near Phoenix, Arizona If you’re looking to escape the heat, a lake day at one of the beautiful lakes near Phoenix is a great choice. Luckily, there are several options within a short drive of the city—ranging from easy-access spots with beaches and...
Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Local Guide for 2026)

Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Local Guide for 2026)

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 26, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures

Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Local Guide for 2026) Arizona might be known for its desert landscapes, but it’s also home to some incredible places to cool off—especially in the warmer months. From easy-access swimming holes in Sedona to hidden creek spots near...
Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners

Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 19, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Sedona

Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners Sedona is known for its jaw-dropping red rock hikes — but not all of them require steep scrambles or heart-pounding climbs. In fact, some of the most beautiful trails in Sedona are also the most accessible. Whether...
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october might just be the best month to visit ariz october might just be the best month to visit arizona 🍂🌵

up north, the aspens are turning gold and the mornings are crisp. down in phoenix, hiking season is finally making its comeback. add in cute pumpkin patches, fall festivals, cozy cabin weekends + scenic drives and there’s SO much to do this month.

a few things to know before visiting arizona in october:

🍂 head north for fall colors — flagstaff, oak creek canyon, the mogollon rim + white mountains are some of my favorites
🥾 october is one of the best months to get back on the trails
🎃 phoenix has pumpkin patches, fall festivals + plenty of seasonal events
🏕️ desert camping season is starting, but northern arizona nights can get COLD
☀️ phoenix can still be pretty warm during the day, especially early in the month
❄️ flagstaff + higher elevations can see freezing temps and even early snow (they just did!!)

and yes, you can go from saguaros to golden aspens in the same weekend 🤎

save this for october in arizona + follow @danielleoutdoors_ for fall color updates & arizona travel ideas 🍁
yeah nope im not sad 😂🍁🎃🍂 if you want info on the yeah nope im not sad 😂🍁🎃🍂

if you want info on the best places to see fall in arizona/ leaf color timing, etc, comment 🔗 & i’ll send you my blog!
4 phoenix hikes to save for cooler weather 🌵🥾 🥾 “ 4 phoenix hikes to save for cooler weather 🌵🥾

🥾 “a” mountain / hayden butte — ~0.9 mi | easy–moderate
a short but steep climb right in tempe with views over downtown, asu + the surrounding valley. perfect when you want a quick workout or sunset hike.

🥾 fat man’s pass via national trail — ~3.7 mi | moderate
this south mountain hike feels like a mini adventure! you’ll hike through rocky desert terrain before squeezing through the giant boulders at fat man’s pass.

🥾 camelback mountain via echo canyon — ~2.5 mi | hard
one of the most iconic hikes in phoenix — and definitely the toughest on this list. expect a steep climb, scrambling, handrails + a serious workout, with panoramic valley views from the summit. start early and bring plenty of water! a cave too!

🥾 hole-in-the-rock at papago park — ~0.3 mi | easy
a super short walk to a natural opening in the red sandstone with views over the valley. great for sunrise, sunset or an easy outdoor stop when you don’t have much time
some nights you just have to get out of the city a some nights you just have to get out of the city and chase the full moon 🌕🏜️

for good moon photos/videos on your iPhone, click on the screen until the sun appears, and drag it down to reveal moon features! if you have a newer phone, the 4-8x zoom is perfect.

i took my @urbanarmorgear case along for this little desert adventure because i love the color & of course that it’ll protect my phone every time i drop it (because i always do!). if you’re looking for a case for your new phone, i highly recommend!!

here’s to finding more reasons to go a little further ✨

#FindYourFurther #ad

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