The choices for hiking in Arizona are abundant. We have the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Wilderness literally at our backdoor. The Tonto National Forest embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from Saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude (from 1,300 to 7,900 feet) offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it’s lake beaches or a cool pine forest.

The unusual amount of rainfall this year in Arizona has provided a stunning backdrop for hiking with lush green hills and wildflowers just starting to bloom. Our hike yesterday up into Boulder Canyon had the added bonus of lake and stream views. The Boulder Canyon Trail climbs steeply to the wilderness boundary with expansive views over Canyon Lake. My activity app reported 68 floor, 15,318 steps and 6.4 miles at the end of the day – a well deserved Corona with a lime was earned!

I love this hike for its rugged beauty. Bonus points for the reward of lunch with a view overlooking La Barge Creek with Weavers Needle and Ship Rock looming majestically in the distance. What a great place to sit quietly soaking in the beauty of nature and watch hawks floating gracefully through the canyon.