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As a Tucson native, I didn’t grow up with fall color. Read moreFall color pops in Rim Country – five spots to check
Work is underway to improve the Highline National Recreation Trail (Highline Trail) on the Tonto National Forest. Read moreTrail work starts on Highline Trail
For many of the riders who took on a nine-mile section of the Highline Trail during the Highline Hold’em Oct. 9 it wa… Read moreA winning ride
Undaunted, my daughter trudged up the Highline/Arizona Trail from the Pine Trailhead. She walked this same stretch tw… Read moreWildflowers and my daughter
Why is the Horton Creek Trail so popular? Read moreHorton Creek Trail soothes with sound
We visited one of the original 13 states, Virginia, this summer, and it was beautiful. Read moreBe thankful we live in a great place
The Arizona Trail Association knows no hiker enjoys walking along a forest service road, especially when power lines … Read morePine section of Arizona Trail re-routed
Along the Mogollon Rim with its many drainages, some of the best berry patches exist for those who enjoy picking wild… Read moreBlackberry season now in full swing in Rim Country
Everyone has said it at least once, 2020 has been rough. COVID-19, fire danger, forest closures and a tough economy, … Read moreStrollers give their troubles to the trail
Searching for a new spot to hike recently led to a wonderful discovery west of Payson. Read moreCity Creek blossoms just west of town
With COVID-19 concerns and the encouragement to avoid crowds, a growing number of folks have taken to hiking the loca… Read moreA daypack can be a lifesaver for Rim Country hikers
We stood on the banks of Clover Creek, in the depths of a pandemic. Read moreChanging the attitude through altitude
The springtime brings a growing number of visitors to the national forests, lakes and streams of the Rim Country. Read moreLitter a growing problem in Tonto National Forest
“You better ask him,” Sara Curtis said, nudging her husband, Tim, and pointing my direction. Read moreFrom lost in the woods to trailblazer
I pull on my new hiking boots. Gotta break them in — maybe hike a little further down the creek. Winter’s in retreat,… Read moreForest bathing soothes the soul
As the weather warms up, the Forest Service reminds visitors to Fossil Creek that they must possess a printed parking… Read moreFossil Creek parking permit sales underway
Alan Miller, the Pied Piper of the Payson Area Trails System, stood in the parking lot at the end of Granite Dells Ro… Read moreHiking with the Pied Piper of PATS
Getting out during the winter to hike can be a challenge. First, there is the issue of driving conditions, with the p… Read moreChristmas tree hike: Heading out to the Granite Dells
We tromp through the Christmas snow, me and Loki — still working out the relationship. Read moreDon't tell Loki
If you have lived long enough one can remember when $10 could buy something special especially when there is a tight … Read moreGift ideas for the outdoors person for $10 or less
There is still time to catch a glimpse of fall color in Rim Country. Read moreChasing fall color
Hoping to promote responsible off-road use, a volunteer group is installing information kiosks with trail information… Read moreNew off-road trail use signs going up around Payson
Along the Mogollon Rim with its many drainages, some of the best berry patches exist for those who enjoy picking wild… Read moreBlackberry season a month late in Rim Country
Luna and I stood on the deck surveying the backyard and I glanced at the thermometer hanging in the shade — 100 degrees. Read moreWhere to take your dog when it's 100 degrees outside
For most, the Pine Creek Trail is a short, beautiful and albeit not very difficult hike at the Tonto Natural Bridge S… Read morePine Creek Trail a beautiful (painful) challenge
Loki cocked his hairy head and fixed me with his deep brown eyes. Read moreAnd along comes Loki
My heart pounded, my forearms burned and my legs trembled: Clearly, this was the stupidest thing I had ever done for fun. Read moreBike packing the Arizona Trail
The Tonto National Forest, in coordination with the Coconino National Forest, will implement a temporary closure of F… Read moreFossil Springs Trailhead and Trail to close temporarily
The Memorial Day weekend crowds are going to be at an all-time high with Arizona’s population on the increase. Read moreKeeping our forest clean and streams litter free
My friend Keith often talked about The Pine Creek Trail at Tonto Natural Bridge. Read moreRocky trail leads to picturesque pools and Tonto Bridge
Now is the time to sign up for one of 150 spots in an upcoming trail run in Pine. Read moreRegister now for Pine trail run
Pete’s talked about the East Verde waterfalls for years, gushing about the grandeur and the beauty of the falls. So i… Read moreSeeking waterfalls, discovering the hidden East Verde River
I stomped into the river, sending water everywhere. Read moreWater brings Payson's Cypress Trail back to life
A peaceful walk around Green Valley Park ended for Samantha Wright with a visit to her doctor and medical treatment. Read moreTeeth and tails - problem encounters with off-leash dogs
James Goughnour spent most of his childhood as a city boy, with no experience in the outdoors. Read morePayson's James Goughnour appointed AZGFD Commissioner
James Goughnour spent most of his childhood as a city boy, with no experience in the outdoors. Read more"City boy" now wildlife advocate
A few years ago, when Caitlin Stewart announced she was going to hike all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, peopl… Read moreGoing solo: These women find hiking alone to be empowering
Identifying where crews should build new trails in Rim Country continues to trek along as stakeholders met last week … Read moreTrails group narrows projects to five key areas
Not having the good sense to come in out of the rain can, in certain circumstances, yield happy results. Read moreWet Hike Has Rewards
PHOENIX – Arizona State Parks and Trails has become the first state park system in the country to achieve accreditati… Read moreArizona State Parks & Trails is awarded CAPRA accreditation
The Mogollon Rim Country contains some of the most beautiful and a few very rugged hiking trails in Arizona. No matte… Read moreHiking the Rim Country – Returning Home Safe!
If you are an outdoor person, there seems to be a season for everything. Well, by mid-July it is time to get the old … Read moreBlackberries under the rim definitely hard to find
Recently our hiking group decided to take a second trail to Pivot Rock that the group as a whole hadn’t been on in a … Read morePivot Rock: A shady hike on a hot day
Here’s my big problem on the easy hike around Woods Canyon Lake: Not tripping over roots and rocks craning my neck wa… Read moreWoods Canyon Lake Loop: An easy ramble, still open despite closures
Have you ever wondered, as you drive back and forth to Phoenix, what’s the deal with that sign for the Ballantine Tra… Read moreBallantine Trail & Pine Creek Loop: A Gem Hidden in the Hills
The Gowan Trail new pedestrian walkway was completed on budget and two weeks early. On Wednesday, May 16, Arizona Sta… Read moreTonto Natural Bridge State Park dedicates new pedestrian walkway
Payson’s Wildlife Fair on Saturday was busy all day with families enjoying the information booths, hands-on training … Read moreWildlife fair introduces kids to things that go bump in the night
The Highline Trail #31 is one of those trails that should be on an Arizona backpacker’s bucket list. It is the essenc… Read moreHighline Trail
