Agua Fria National Monument protects more than 72,000 acres, featuring hundreds of Native American ruins and artifacts within its perimeter. The monument also encompasses a massive rocky canyon, called Black Canyon, at its center. With few roads and hiking trails, the landscape consists of mostly high desert grasslands that are home to mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, and many more smaller inhabitants.

Antelope Canyon has become the go-to for slot canyon abstracts. It's easily the most widely known thanks to its tremendously beautiful patterns and easy accessibility. Located on Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona, it's a non-stop tunnel of inspiration for photographers of all skill levels, or even just for anyone wanting to see just how incredibly unique the southwestern United States can be.

Arches National Park is one of Utah's unique treasures protected by the National Park Service. Caused by a massive uplift of an underground salt bed, countless sandstone fins were left standing where wind, water, and ice all worked together to begin carving out eroded channels that created the arches. The most well-known arch is Delicate Arch, a massive natural arch that sits atop a sandstone bluff over a massive wash. Hordes of people hike the three-mile trail daily to witness its majestic nature. Other popular spots in the park include the Devil's Garden Trail, where visitors can hike to Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Double O Arch, and many others. Another is the Cove of Caves area where people can hike to Double Arch, the North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and of course, many more amazing features throughout. Arches is also the start of the relatively new Hayduke Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that ultimately ends in Zion National Park, showing off some of southern Utah's most remote and incredible scenery.

The Black Hills of southern Arizona are a seldom visited area of not only the Arizona Trail, but of the state of Arizona itself. Filled with iconic saguaro cactus and many other forms of Sonoran Desert vegetation, it offers dozens of miles of hiking from any of its remote access points. Trails such as the Arizona Trail meander through the area's desert washes and arroyos. Rolling hills break up the landscape, the tops of which provide dramatic 360 degree views of the vast surrounding deserts.

A fantastic collection of ruins, Aztec Ruins National Monument contains entire pueblos that are open for visitors to walk through and get a feel for how the ancient people lived in the area. The self-guided trail wanders through ancient living quarters, courtyards, and even a reconstructed kiva. Though in the middle of the town of Aztec, New Mexico, a easy stroll through the ruins can easily transport you to the time when this land was inhabited by the people that constructed the ancient community. The Native American ruins are still very well intact and deserve to be visited by anyone with even a small interest in ancient cultures.

Babbitt Ranch is a privately owned tract of land between the San Francisco Peaks to the south, and the Grand Canyon to the north. It's considered one of the tougher stretches along the Arizona Trail due to its isolation and long stretches between water supplies. Despite that, the land is a beautiful example of high desert grasslands at its finest. The family has done a remarkable job preserving the land, and their generosity helped complete an important part of the Arizona Trail. Because it is private land, none of the photos are for sale.

Tucked away in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, Bandelier National Monument is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Primarily known for Frijoles Canyon, the area is home to many fantastic Indian ruins, many built directly into a cliff of volcanic tuff! It features many hikes and backpacking routes along rolling chaparral hills, all the way up to the ponderosa pine forests of the Jemez Mountains. The nearby Tsankawi Ruins have a more high desert feel and give you a great tour to some ruins still buried and preserved.

Bears Ears National Monument protects some of the most treasured native artifacts and lands in southeastern Utah. It contains many areas that outdoor enthusiasts were already beginning to discover. Thanks to its preservation, these areas are now safe from development and short-term private interests. Areas such as Valley of the Gods, among many others, will finally have the protection they deserve, making travelers from all corners of the world happy.

The Bradshaw Mountains are just to the northwest of the metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona. They make for a popular escape for many locals to the area and are ripe with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, along with many other forms of recreation. The tiny town of Crown King sits perched in the higher elevations and ponderosa pine trees, creating a break from the summer heat and desert at the mountain range's base. Also near Crown King is the Algonquin Trail, just one of many of the popular hiking trails in the area. They're protected under the Prescott National Forest and contain the Castle Creek Wilderness Area.

Carved from thousands of years of erosion from the elements and exposing millions of years of history, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park are a stunning example of the unique geology found throughout the Colorado Plateau. Formed a slow but methodical erosion of water, ice, and wind, the hoodoos are remnants of the colorful Claron Formation just below the surface of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Favorite hikes from visitors include the Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop, and the Peek-a-Boo Loop. Sunrise is always an amazing time to be among the hoodoos as the light from the low sun lights up the sandstone of the hoodoos.

The Canelo Hills stretch out westward from the western Huachuca Mountains. As the foothills of the mountains, they're a beautiful collection of rolling grassland, high desert hills. Their presence preserves a unique piece of the desert in southern Arizona. Though often overlooked, the hills have an overwhelming pleasantness and relaxing feel to them and offer majestic views of the Huachucas to the east, and the Santa Rita Mountains to the west. They wind down in the western end at the charming town of Patagonia, Arizona where they meet with the southern foothills from the Santa Rita Mountains. Sadly, such a beautiful landscape is also under a threat for its permanent destruction through a mining operation. Efforts are underway to preserve the area, but only time will tell if they're successful. It'd be tragic to lose such a remarkable and remote gem of southern Arizona.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument was created in coordinated efforts with the Navajo Tribe. It's located in the northeastern corner of Arizona and Navajo Nation. The protected area surrounds a deep and majestic canyon and is packed with ruins and petroglyphs. The area also offers a rich history of the native people set against breathtaking beauty as unique as the Colorado Plateau itself. A guided tour is needed to access most of the canyon, but the White House Ruins Trail is accessible to anyone, bringing visitors on a scenic hike from the canyon rim down to amazing ancient ruins. It's remote location and off-the-beaten trail access ensure that you can also get away from large crowds as well and enjoy the nature for what it is.

Canyonlands National Park offers a distinctly unique perspective of the Colorado Plateau begging to be explored extensively. It encompasses massive labyrinths of canyons carved out by millions of years of erosion from the Colorado and Green Rivers and all their smaller tributaries. Extraordinary views can be enjoyed from far above in the Island in the Sky District, where many overlooks complement extraordinary features, such as Mesa Arch. For those wanting a more intimate view of the canyon mazes, the Needles District is where many begin both short and lengthy adventures. This area gives hikers and backpackers endless desert terrain to explore. Even more remote and harder to access is the Maze District, where an intricate maze of canyons and eroded sandstone formations are found around every turn. As one of the National Park Service's larger entities, the park has plenty of activities to keep anyone interested in the incredible desert landscape.

Capitol Reef National Park is Utah's most underrated national parks, and one of the more underrated in the country. Despite this, it's not only an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, but it also boasts one of the darkest night skies in the country, having been Dark Sky Certified by the International Dark Sky Association in April of 2015. The Milky Way Galaxy seems to shine a little brighter over the Waterpocket Fold here, an enormous "wrinkle" in the earth's crust that could only be found on the Colorado Plateau. It's also the main feature of this national park, nearly all of it within the park's boundaries. Thanks to the massive sandstone landscape, constant erosion has exposed hundreds of millions of years of geologic history in the Waterpocket Fold and in the canyons below it. As a result, Capitol Reef National Park boasts the largest collection of exposed geologic layers of any of Utah's national parks.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park boasts an enormous cave complex that is dramatically lit to illuminate and bring attention to the most interesting features found throughout the caverns. A self-guided path winds through the caves descending past stalactites and stalagmites ranging in all sizes, water trickling into pools, and narrow passageways opening up into rooms so large they have to be seen in person to be believed. Carlsbad Caverns is an underground wonderland that needs to be seen to be understood (and believed).

Steeped in mystery surrounding a culture that left long ago nearly 1,000 years ago, Chaco Culture National Historic Park will easily mesmerize anyone that spends even just a few minutes admiring its ruins. Commonly known as Chaco Canyon, the area is home to some of the most incredible and intact ruins in the entire United States. The alignment with the night sky and the architecture from the time amazes both casual visitors as well as archaeologists to the site. Many different hikes are established to bring visitors to some of the more remote communities, each just as fascinating as anything in the park. Nearby also lies Fajada Butte, a huge landmark that also has its own ruins of extraordinary astronomical precision on its summit that has since been closed to visitors.

Between two large sky islands, the Arizona Trail passes through the desert oasis of Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. The area is immediately north of I-10, roughly 25 miles southeast of Tucson. The Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead is the main access point to the trails that explore a lush riparian ecosystem in the middle of the arid Sonoran Desert. The protected site covers over 4,000 acres of the desert oasis, covering about 12 miles of land along the creek. Thanks to its unique habitat, it's home to a large variety of wildlife that depend on the water and the shade from the cottonwood trees for life.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located at the base of the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson, Arizona. The park features an extraordinary cave at its heart, but also encompasses rugged and dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery. The Arizona Trail also passes right through the park, giving hikers and mountain bikers a sampling of what the park has to offer, including large desert mountains and classic Sonoran Desert vegetation. Hikers and visitors can also take advantage of the La Selvilla Campground tucked away deep in the mountains nearby the park's main visitor center.

Coronado National Memorial is situated in the southern Huachuca Mountains. It commemorates the first organized expedition into the southwest by conquistador, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, vegetation, and fantastic mountain views of the surrounding desert. It's southern boundary lies along the border of Mexico, marked with a ceremonial obelisk that also acts as the southern terminus of the Arizona Trail (AZT). The AZT is an 800+ mile trail that begins at the obelisk and travels north through Arizona to Utah. To the north of the park is the Miller Peak Wilderness, a fantastic and representative example of one of southern Arizona's sky islands. From Montezuma Pass, visitors are encouraged to hike up to nearby Coronado Peak. This provides an excellent view of the surrounding region.

Dead Horse Point State Park is just a couple of miles out of the way from the Island of the Sky District in Canyonlands National Park. And since that area of Canyonlands doesn't have any campgrounds, that makes Dead Horse Point the closest location with established campsites. Demand soars for the park in peak season partly for the camping, but also for the outstanding views of the labyrinths of canyons below its rim. It also boasts some of the best views of the Colorado River in the area.

The Green River carves through the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument, named for a spectacular collection of dinosaur fossils found all over the region. It also features the Quarry Exhibit Hall which is a building built around a natural hill that was carved into where hundreds of dinosaur bones are exposed in their original location to show the extent that fossils abound in the area. The area was also home to many Puebloan people, evidenced by numerous petroglyphs throughout the park and beyond.

Tucked away in the remote reaches of western New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument is a unique desert landscape shaped by geologic and volcanic processes. The Sandstone Bluffs are a popular trail-free area to hike around and explore, while La Ventana Arch is found conveniently near the main road, New Mexico's second largest natural arch.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park sits right outside of the town of Escalante, Utah, and also borders Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The small park boasts a fantastic couple of hiking trails that take visitors through a colorful petrified forest. Many examples of the ancient wood can be found scattered all along the trail, both in large logs, and small rocks.

The Gila River Canyons are home to the last section of the Arizona Trail to be completed. They're a rugged and remote section of Arizona that few have ever ventured through. The scenery however, is some of the best of the entire 800-mile trail. The trail starts near the town of Kearny, Arizona and proceeds downstream along the Gila River. It then cuts north through unnamed canyons and mountains, both with extraordinary abstract rocky patterns in outcroppings. Classic Sonoran Desert vegetation is on full display throughout the entirety of the area. An unnamed butte, affectionately referred to as Dale's Butte after the late founder of the Arizona Trail, can also be found along the trail. To the north are more rugged canyons before being led to Alamo Canyon. Views of the Superstition Mountains open up here, and of course, the monstrous Picketpost Mountain. The trail winds around Picketpost Mountain before finding its way to the highway.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a large area of protection around Lake Powell and its tributaries. The lake is the subject of ongoing controversy due to Glen Canyon Dam that was created creating the lake. This buried countless Indian artifacts and ruins and some of the most extraordinary sandstone canyons on Earth below a lake designed to provide power to the Four Corners region and beyond. The continued controversy is now fueled by the fact that solar energy could accomplish the dam's purpose much more efficiently where restoration could begin on a unique desert environment. Whether you're for or against Lake Powell, the area still provides incredible backpacking and hiking, including the famous Coyote Gulch and endless sandstone formations, such as arches and natural bridges.

One of the most amazing natural wonders in the world is the Grand Canyon cutting through the Kaibab Plateau. It's a remarkable feat of natural erosion that cannot be replicated in any photograph or artwork. Thus, it provides an endless amount of opportunities for artists of all fields to continue to try. It's a treasure of northern Arizona and should be something everyone sees at some point in their life. While the canyon and its tributaries are too big to even be fully encompassed into the National Park Service, the most visited area is still Grand Canyon National Park, with the South Rim receiving the bulk of the tourism. Though the North Rim is only open in the summer, it offers a quiet, peaceful, and breathtaking alternative that is actually higher than the South Rim. Connecting the two rims is the remarkably beautiful Kaibab Trail system. This trail is also used by Arizona Trail thru-hikers.

In one of the most remote areas of Utah, and even the entire United States, is one of outdoor enthusiasts' most beloved protected areas: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The region offers virtually unlimited hiking and backpacking opportunities in unparalleled high desert environments. Thanks to the unique geology of the Colorado Plateau, it offers endless surprises and features for anyone willing to venture off the roads. Features like Upper and Lower Calf Creek Falls and the scenic and remote drive along the Burr Trail only begin to scratch the surface of what's hiding behind the endless sandstone formations.

Home to the highest peak in Texas in Guadalupe Peak, Guadalupe Mountains National Park features beautifully magnificent mountains and canyons that rival any others found throughout the southwest. The popular Pine Springs Canyon features breathtaking hikes through the canyon surrounded by tall and inviting mountains, while the backcountry features a wealth of trails and remoteness rarely found in the southwest these days.

Tucked away in the remote high desert plateaus of southeastern Utah is Hovenweep National Monument. The park contains a fantastic and well-preserved collection of Ancestral Puebloan ruins, often referred to as Anasazi. The Little Ruin Canyon hiking trail brings visitors on a two-mile journey through cliff dwellings and huts using the canyon's features for impressively laid-out homes. The trail ultimately winds past Hovenweep Castle, one of the larger ruins found in the area. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has one of the most fantastic night skies in the world. Though out of the way, it should be high on anyone's list interested in ancient cultures.

The Huachuca Mountains transverse the border of the United States and Mexico. They're one of Arizona's southernmost mountain ranges and a spectacular example of a sky island. Though the desert floor below exhibits extreme heat and rolling desert grasslands, the higher elevations of the mountains, including Miller Peak, are home to a forest of pine and evergreen trees. In these higher elevations, reaching around 9,000 feet above sea level, snow and winter weather are regularly expected. Much of this area is around Miller Peak, the highest peak in the mountains and namesake of the Miller Peak Wilderness. The mountains are also home to Coronado National Memorial, commemorating the first organized expedition into the Southwest by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. It's that the trailhead for the 800+ mile Arizona Trail can be found.

Named for a new Kodak film upon its creation, Kodachrome Basin State Park is home to beautifully exquisite sandstone hills and mysterious sand pipe formations. All of its unique and beautiful features are bathed in bold rusty colors. It's a must-see stop along the dramatically scenic Highway 12 in southern Utah. The park has a number of hiking trails in the area, including the Panorama Trail and Angel's Palace Trail, both featured here. It's also located near some of southern Utah's most exciting features, including Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The park also contains a well-maintained campground for people who might want to stay longer upon seeing it. It makes for a great place to explore, as well as a perfect base camp for the region.

The Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is an often overlooked protected landscape. Casual hikers and mountain bikers however love its laid-back pace and easy-going tours through prime Sonoran Desert vegetation. The area stretches from the northern foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains sky island, to the foothills of the sky island directly to the north, the Rincon Mountains. Many people have begun to experience the tranquility of the area by hiking the Arizona Trail, which makes excellent use of the BLM land. Those hiking from the south will experience a quick transition from high desert grasslands vegetation to signature Sonoran Desert cactus and plants that southern Arizona is so well known for.

The Mazatzal Mountains are some of the most impressive and primal mountains in Arizona. They contain two different wilderness areas, the Four Peaks Wilderness and the Mazatzal Wilderness. They dominate the landscape for dozens of miles around and are a popular hiking destination to escape the nearby desert heat, yet still receive very little traffic. They're also known for being one of the more rugged sections along the Arizona Trail. The trail passes along the east side of the Four Peaks, climbing just short of the base of the peaks. It then heads north under Highway 87 and toward Saddle Mountain before climbing much higher into the deeper Mazatzals. The mountains are home to many extraordinary hiking trails, including the Barnhardt Trail, among many others.

Mesa Verde National Park contains some of the most elaborate and complex ruins in the southwest. Though only inhabited for a relatively short time, Mesa Verde has some of the most stunning artifacts and ruins found anywhere. Its famous Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree Houses highlight the features and education about the natives' short period of dwelling in the high desert environment.

Moab, Utah acts as basecamp for outdoor adventurers of all types. There's no shortage of outdoor recreation from the small town. Aside from the two national parks and state parks in the area, the region boasts massive expanses of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land that leaves the land open for recreation and exploration. East of Moab are the Fisher Towers which attract climbers, hikers, and even general desert enthusiasts. South of Moab along Highway 191 features many different geologic features such as Wilson Arch and Church Rock. There's no shortage of things to see in the area.

The Mogollon Rim is the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, a massive uplift stretching from the four corners area of the American southwest. "The Rim" extends from west of Flagstaff, Arizona all the way into New Mexico. The longest ponderosa pine forest in the world covers all of the rim. Areas around the towns of Pine and Payson are popular escapes from summer heat in the nearby Sonoran Desert. In many spots in the Coconino National Forest, campers can walk up to the rim's edge and overlook dozens of miles of mountains. From here, the forested areas gradually transition into arid desert. Farther west, Highway 89A heads north onto the rim after passing through Sedona, where the uplift exposed Navajo Sandstone giving the town its unique identity. North from there is Oak Creek Canyon where the highway climbs to the top of the canyon where a beautiful overlook looks straight down the canyon.

A landscape unlike any other, Monument Valley contains massive buttes jutting out of the ground found on the northern Arizona and southern Utah border. The scenes will cause anyone to park their car and get out to admire the bizarre, but amazing buttes that appear to be forced out of the ground below.

The Mormon Lake area is a quiet community nestled on the far side of a seasonal lake in northern Arizona. Though it's a popular day escape for people from all over the state, the Arizona Trail also passes through, giving thru-hikers an intimate exploration of the surrounding landscape. The trail follows an old railroad track before nearing the community, then proceeds around the west side of the lake along the base of Mormon Mountain.

Natural Bridges National Monument is home to three spectacular examples of naturally carved bridges: Owachomo; Sipapu; and Kachina. Each are large and beautifully carved bridges of sandstone from the erosion of wind, water, and ice. All three can be hiked to separately, or along one long hike. The monument is also surrounded by Bears Ears National Monument.

The New River Mountains border the northern stretches of Phoenix, Arizona, and extend upward toward Black Canyon National Monument. The mountains are broken up by natural creeks and canyons, and can be accessed most easily by a dirt road called Bloody Basin Road, providing access to both Black Canyon National Monument, as well as the Verde River. The area is known for many types of recreation, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and off-road vehicle access.

The northern Kaibab Plateau contains a dense ponderosa pine and juniper forest. As the plateau descends from its peak just north of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, the forest can be seen stretching northward for dozens of miles. As it begins to near the high desert near Arizona's northern border, the pines give way to juniper and pinyon pine trees as sagebrush also begins to break up the trees. The Arizona Trail winds northward over the plateau on its way to the northern terminus of the trail. It descends the plateau where fantastic views of the Coyote Buttes and features of Grand Staircase can be seen in incredible detail.

Petrified Forest National Park is home to an extensive collection of beautiful petrified wood. It lies in eastern Arizona, high on the Colorado Plateau near its southern edge. The park was named for the extraordinary collection of petrified wood in the area, and was created to preserve some of the fossils and rocks before looters and thieves could empty the area decades ago. The park also protects the Painted Desert, colorful hills that have eroded down as part of the Chinle Formation of sedimentary rock. Many ancient native Indian pueblos and homes are also protected within the park's borders.

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is an island of undisturbed Sonoran Desert in the heart of the Phoenix metropolis. The preserve is rich with large mountains and plenty of local wildlife. The mountains beckon anyone looking for a challenging day-hike, or someone just wanting a glimpse of wild nature within the city. A large network of trails lead people throughout the washes and protected desert. More challenging trails bring hikers up to the top of Piestawa Peak and Two-Bit Peak. Nearby is also the famous Camelback Mountain, providing hikers with two challenging trails up to its summit. From here, hikers have an outstanding view of the city and the desert mountains beyond the city's sprawling limits.

Picacho Peak shoots out of the flat desert floor along I-10. It can be seen from miles away as drivers approach from either Phoenix or Tucson. Picacho Peak State Park surrounds the peak and the base of the affiliated mountains, and even includes a campground for travelers. The park also maintains a number of trails both around the peak and up to the summit. One of the more popular trails is the Hunter Trail, which brings hikers on an adventurous climb up to the peak's summit. This particular trail often makes use of steel cables for support up steep cliff faces and bridges made of wire and wood to cross rocky ledges. From the summit, an exhilarating view of the surrounding Sonoran Desert can be seen for dozens of miles in every direction. It's a loved retreat for residents of both Phoenix and Tucson and beyond.

For many visitors, Red Canyon is nothing more than a scenic drive on the way eastward to Bryce Canyon and more of Highway 12's natural treasures. For those that dig a little deeper though, the area offers rich and beautiful experiences that are just as good as any other features found throughout southern Utah. The Cassidy Trail is a fantastic way to explore more of the bright orange Claron Formation and its eroded hoodoos, along with several other trails found along the highway before ascending higher onto the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Tucked away over the hills to the northeast of Tucson, Arizona is a remote area known as Redington Pass. Most visitors are simply locals looking for a quick escape from the city. Far fewer are the thru-hikers along the Arizona Trail. The area connects the trail from Mica Mountain in Saguaro National Park to the Molino Basin in the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. In between is a pristine and rich Sonoran Desert grasslands covering large rolling hills that seem to stretch on into an endless distance.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, or more commonly known as Red Rocks, is a beautifully mesmerizing area of conservation, found next-door to the exact opposite: Las Vegas, Nevada. The park is a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts and also features endless hiking trails for anyone wanting to get off the scenic road. The Calico Hills are a unique feature of the park - a large collection of sandstone hills jutting out of the ground, neighboring the colossal mountains right next to them.

The Rincon Valley is found east of Tucson, Arizona, nestled in the base of the Rincon Mountains. The north side of the valley is bordered by Mica Mountain. To the east is Rincon Peak, both peaks falling within the borders of Saguaro National Park. Rincon Creek runs through the north of the valley closer to Mica Mountain as it heads toward Tucson. To the south are foothills of the Rincon Mountains where Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located. Nearby is also the La Posta Quemada ranch and the La Selvilla Picnic Area. The Arizona Trail meanders north from this area through the valley and up Mica Mountain.

Saguaro National Park contains a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. The park is named for the incredible and iconic saguaro cactus of the Sonoran Desert. These ancient desert trees cover the lower elevations of the park, which also climbs to over 8,500 feet above sea level to the top of Mica Mountain. It's here that the Arizona Trail connects park trails to give hikers a completely different taste of an ecosystem in one of southern Arizona's signature sky islands. At these higher elevations, Manning Camp is surrounded by ponderosa pine forests flourishing atop the sky island mountains. On the north side of Mica Mountain dramatic and expansive views of the high desert stretch for hundreds of miles. To the south are wonderful views of many other sky islands and valleys below. The park is also divided into two different blocks, an east block and a west block. The east block is where the Visitor Center is located as well as the majority of hiking trails. The west block also has stunning scenery and shares a border with the Tucson Mountain Park.

Flagstaff, Arizona is located at the southern base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, a massive dormant volcano that contains Humphreys Peak, the state's highest peak. The series of peaks around the explosive mountain dominate the landscape for dozens of miles in any direction. They attract all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts in many different areas. The highest peaks are often explored through hiking, while the northern area to the north of the peaks is often seldom seen. The Arizona Trail fortunately passes through on its way to Babbitt Ranch, giving thru-hikers a glimpse into a cinder cone-filled area that few ever bother to explore.

The San Rafael Swell was created by the same forces that created nearby Capitol Reef National Park and resulted in some similar geology. Exposed as a large, eroded wrinkle in the earth's crust, it features dozens of miles of canyons ranging from small slot canyons to a much larger one known as the Little Grand Canyon. Though currently only managed under loose BLM regulations, many would argue that it deserves much more protection for future generations.

The Santa Catalina Mountains are a sky island like no other. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop behind the city of Tucson, Arizona and are home to the country's southern-most ski resort at Mount Lemmon. The resort is situated high up in the ponderosa pine forest thousands of feet above the surrounding Sonoran Desert. At the base of the mountains is the famous Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. This protected area features a large network of popular trails through the surrounding desert and ascents into gorgeous canyons. The mountains are also home to plenty of wildlife, including black bears and cougars. Recently, bighorn sheep were even reintroduced to the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, a large wilderness area covering much of the mountains. By driving the Santa Catalina Highway, visitors can easily drive from the Sonoran Desert, where they're surrounded by saguaro cactus, up to a ponderosa pine forest in a very short time.

The northern Santa Rita Mountain foothills stretch out in a large expanse around the sky island of the Santa Rita Mountains. Covered in Sonoran Desert grasslands, the landscape is comprised of tall desert grasses and oak, juniper, and pinyon pine trees. The Arizona Trail follows the Santa Rita Mountains out of their higher elevations northward through the rolling foothills before they completely flatten out at the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The trail also passes through the popular Kentucky Camp, an historic mining camp that now provides a quiet escape into the solitude of the foothills.

The official guidebook for the Arizona Trail warns, "Never underestimate the Santa Rita Mountains." They can be both wildly pleasant, and brutally challenging, and sometimes at the same time. Surrounded by wild grassland deserts, the sky island of the Santa Ritas is home to a rich biodiversity that extends from low-lying cactus deserts to its north, to high alpine and ponderosa pine forests at its center. The Arizona Trail passes along the east side of the mountains, stretching from Patagonia, Arizona to the south, all the way to I-10 in the flattening foothills to the north. Its descent travels along Gardner Creek, a popular area for many forms of outdoor recreation.

Sedona, Arizona is considered by many to be a place with a much stronger and focused energy pulsing through it. Whether you believe the new age theories about it or not, there's no denying that the red-rock mountains and rocks are captivating and mesmerizing in every aspect. Exposed Navajo sandstone is the reason for the red-rock that seems to be everywhere. Stretching up into Oak Creek Canyon, it can be found in many side canyons there, and of course in town at locations like Cathedral Rock, the Broken Arrow Trail, and views from the mountains above, such as Bear Mountain. Outside of the town limits, much of the area is protected by both Red Rock State Park and Coconino National Forest.

The southern Kaibab Plateau, much like its northern counterpart, is seldom visited despite its close proximity to the Grand Canyon. In keeping with its tradition for exploring remote areas of Arizona, the Arizona Trail also makes great use of the area. It traverses through the ponderosa pine forest covering much of the area along the Coconino Rim. The rim sits just above the eastern portion of Grand Canyon National Park and is also the site of a controversial proposed mine. Many people believe a mine at this location would permanently scar and alter the landscape so close to such an amazing natural treasure as the Grand Canyon. Controversies aside, the southern Kaibab Plateau is also covered in a large and healthy ponderosa pine forest. Many locals and visitors alike use these woods to great advantage to escape from the crowds nearby.

South Mountain Park contains some breathtaking and classic Sonoran Desert scenery just minutes from downtown Phoenix. As the country's largest city park, it contains an enormous variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous and all allowing Phoenicians and visitors alike the opportunity to escape the city. The popular National Trail spans the length of the park as it climbs up and over a large mountain range, providing fantastic views of the surrounding region that can't be rivaled anywhere else. A road also provides access to many different lookouts and vantage points for easier access.

Sunset Crater National Monument preserves a volcanic landscape, whose primary volcano erupted only 900 years ago. Fantastic hiking trails take visitors through the lava landscape where evidence of the eruption is plain sight. The same road into Sunset Crater will also bring visitors from the tall ponderosa pines to the high desert grasslands where Native American ruins wait at Wupatki National Monument.

The Superstition Mountains rise out of the desert floor and border the eastern reaches of the Phoenix metropolis. The mountains are a natural mecca ripe with hiking trails galore and they even sustain a rebounding wildlife population. The western face of the mountains are a dramatic uplift shooting out of the desert floor, creating an exciting photographic opportunity from Lost Dutchman State Park. This also serves as an adventurous gateway into the deeper depths of the mountains to areas like Siphon Draw, Flat Iron, and beyond. Deeper in the mountains the famous backcountry destination Reavis Ranch is found tucked away in the mountains. Another exciting feature for motorists is the Apache Trail which winds through the northern parts of the Superstitions past Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and culminating at Roosevelt Lake.

The Tortilla Mountains are one of the most remote sections of the Arizona Trail. Very few people venture into the rugged Sonoran Desert wilderness, something mining companies hope to exploit. In the beautiful and relaxing area of Ripsey Wash, a controversial mine tailings deposit is proposed to go in, forever altering and damaging the landscape for a temporary short-term interest. Controversy aside, the area also boasts dramatic, but relatively small mountains such as "The Big Hill." From on top of the hill, sweeping views of more rugged and larger mountains can be seen to the north. To the north, the landscape flattens out beyond Ripsey Wash.

Tucson Mountain Park is often overshadowed by neighboring Saguaro National Park. However, it's a significant and impressive local park that shows off some of the Sonoran Desert's most impressive scenery and diversity. At roughly 20,000 acres, the park is one of the largest locally managed parks in the entire United States. Landscapes of large mountains, saguaro cactus, cholla cactus, ocotillo, and much more make up some easily accessible and absorbing desert scenery. There are scenic viewpoints along the roadside to enjoy views, such as at Gates Pass, or plenty of hiking trails that allow people to get out and explore the mountains. Directly to its north, the park borders the western block of Saguaro National Park.

Usery Mountain Regional Park is a beautiful Sonoran Desert park protecting more than 3,600 acres. Centered around the Usery Mountains, the park provides ample hiking and classic desert scenery. The popular Wind Cave Trail is a frequent go-to trail for many people in the area. Situated just north of Mesa, Arizona, it provides a nice escape from city life without the lengthy drive to escape.

The Vermilion Cliffs of Arizona are an outdoor adventurers' paradise. Spilling over into southern Utah, the area boasts dramatic sandstone mountains and cliffs and deep, narrow slot canyons. Most people will experience the area driving along its southern perimeter on Highway 89A. A bit of exploring, however, will open up its true wonders. Buckskin Gulch is a popular multi-night hike for those wanting to see nature's desert art. This lengthy canyon can be accessed via Lee's Ferry on the southern end, or from Wire Pass on the north end. The latter is its own popular day hike where a slimming slot canyon squeezes you through enormous sandstone walls. The area is also home to the popular Wave, a unique sandstone feature, as well as being the site of the California condor reintroduction program.

Named for the pure white sand dunes found in the vicinity, White Sands National Park is a unique and fragile desert environment home to rare and threatened desert species. The unusually white sand dunes themselves create remarkable curves and shapes throughout the vast and open landscape.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a gorgeous preserve of Sonoran Desert life that is considered by many locals to be the western boundary of the Phoenix metropolis. The park, covering nearly 30,000 acres, centers around the small but rugged White Tank Mountain range that is a haven for fragile desert flora and fauna. It features a diverse network of trails that offer experienced hikers plenty of adventure while also featuring plenty of more casual trails for those looking for a more laid-back visit.

Wupatki National Monument is the desert counterpart to Sunset Crater National Monument. Each are found along the same scenic road, and while Sunset Crater preserves a volcanic landscape, Wupatki preserves incredible pueblos and Native American ruins. The drive passes by a number of well-preserved pueblos, each displaying different information on the lifestyle of the people that once inhabited the area. The San Francisco Peaks dominate the landscape all the while to the south, most likely how they got their sacred status.

Zion National Park was originally known by its native name, Mukuntuweap, but was later changed for fear that Americans would confuse its pronunciation, an unfortunate turn in the identity of the park. Regardless, Zion National Park is a significant part of Utah identity and outdoor recreation. The sight of massive sandstone mountains towering above Zion Canyon is a rare sight that isn't duplicated anywhere else on the Colorado Plateau. Farther up into Zion Canyon, the Angel's Landing hike is a hike unlike any other that challenges what many know as a scary hike, while many deer find an abundance of food and nourishment from the Virgin River and the riparian landscape below.