When you have time in Phoenix, you'd be crazy to not spend some of it hiking. One beautiful area to consider visiting is the White Tank Mountains Regional Park. It's about a 35-minute drive from central Phoenix in Waddell, but it's worth the trek. It's an expansive park with opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, picnics, mountain biking and exploring. Last time I visited the park was when I ... Read more
Dreamy Draw sunset
A short hike leads to a vibrant sunset. ... Read more
Waterfall at White Tank Mountain Regional Park
The recent rains convinced Graham that the waterfall at White Tank Mountain Regional Park must be flowing. I have heard that it's usually dry, so I've only ever made the trip to the West Valley park to mountain bike. We hopped in the car and ventured west, all the way to the Cotton Lane exit on the Interstate 10. From there we made some wrong turns but ended up driving north on Citrus Road and ... Read more
Wildflowers in Sedona
As if the red-rock formations weren't scenic enough, our campsite in Sedona last weekend was surrounded by wildflowers. We camped along Forest Road 525 again, which we accessed from Arizona 89A. Few vehicles passed our site, mostly Pink Jeep Tours. You can camp on the left side of the road; most people didn't travel far on 525 to choose a campsite. But if you continue on 525 toward the Honanki ... Read more
Fossil Creek Fun
Update: As of March 1, 2016, there is a parking reservation system for Fossil Creek from May 1 to October 1 of the year, also known as high season. Given the popularity of this beautiful area, this could be a positive development. Less than two hours away from Phoenix is a desert oasis called Fossil Creek. Getting there isn't easy. You must first survive a rough, bumpy road from ... Read more
Grand Canyon weekend trip
It was a grand weekend. We took advantage of fee-free entry into national parks Sept. 29 to visit the Grand Canyon. I loved the change in temperatures and scenery on the drive there.Somewhere on Highway 180Many volunteers devoted their time that day to help with projects such as picking up trash. I admired them and hope to join in a future project.These canyoneers picked up litter blown, or ... Read more
Hiking at White Tank Mountain Regional Park
White Tank Mountain Regional Park is one of the most gorgeous parks I've seen in the Valley. The views as sunset approaches are incredible, especially the light over the peaks. I found some trails suitable for beginners in mountain biking, too. As you look to the east and south, you're treated to views of the city. With the beauty also came a bit of a warning. Mountain lions ... Read more
Mountain Biking at Estrella Mountain Regional Park
I went on a mountain-biking adventure recently at Estrella Mountain Regional Park in the West Valley. The park is a gorgeous setting for mountain biking. You can also hike, go horseback riding, have a picnic, and lots more. It costs $6 per vehicle to get into Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The portion of the Coldwater Trail that I rode on seemed easy enough for a ... Read more