“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
Watson Lake in Prescott is one of Arizona’s most surprising landscapes — a maze of glowing granite boulders, calm blue water, and endless places to explore. From kayaking through the famous Granite Dells to hiking shoreline trails and capturing stunning sunset photos, this unique destination is a must-see for anyone visiting Northern Arizona. Discover admission…
Discover the best stops along Arizona’s State Route 87, the North Beeline Highway. From Saguaro Lake to Pine, Strawberry, Fossil Creek, Tonto Natural Bridge, Payson, and the Mogollon Rim, explore scenic drives, hidden gems, small towns, hikes, waterfalls, and Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes.
Discover Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona — one of the state’s newest towns blending Old West history with fresh growth. Explore its mining roots, mountain views, local shops, and small-town charm that make it a hidden gem in Arizona’s high desert.
🥾 Top 3 Most Unique Hikes in Phoenix, Arizona
Discover three of Phoenix’s most unforgettable hikes — from scaling the red cliffs of Camelback Mountain to squeezing through Fat Man’s Pass at South Mountain. Each trail reveals the wild heart of the desert, complete with hidden tunnels, petroglyphs, and incredible city views.
🌵 White Tank Mountain Regional Park: Desert Beauty on the City’s Edge
Spanning over 30,000 acres, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a desert playground of canyons, waterfalls, petroglyphs, and starry skies. From easy family trails to rugged mountain climbs, it’s a place where every adventurer can find their perfect hike.
🌋 Tonopah, Arizona: Where Volcanoes Meet Nuclear Power
Tonopah is a town of contrasts—ancient volcanic fields, wide-open desert skies, and the nearby Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Hike through lava rock formations, stargaze in pristine darkness, and explore one of Arizona’s most unusual desert destinations.
🪜 The Verrado Victory Steps: Buckeye’s Best Kept Secret
Climb more than 500 stone steps carved into the White Tank foothills at Buckeye’s iconic Victory Steps. It’s the perfect mix of cardio and desert scenery, with rewarding views at the top. A local favorite for sunrise fitness and community spirit.
🌄 South Mountain Park & Preserve: Phoenix’s Desert Escape
Discover the largest municipal park in the U.S. right in Phoenix’s backyard. With petroglyphs, hidden tunnels, and sweeping city views, South Mountain Park & Preserve offers endless hiking and biking adventures. From sunrise to sunset, this desert escape is pure magic.
By Nicole Ford Arizona Landscape & Travel Photographer It’s still hot in most of Arizona, so I’ve been in search of cooler air — and finding it! Late summer is tricky, but there are places where the breeze picks up, the elevation helps, and you can actually enjoy being outside again. If you need a…
High in the shadow of the Rockies, Cripple Creek sits like a memory carved into the mountainside—a place where the past still walks the streets. This small town in Teller County, Colorado, isn’t just known for its panoramic views or charming casinos. Cripple Creek is history you can feel. It’s a living story of greed,…
Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re anything like me, you LOVE Arizona’s sunshine—but sometimes that summer heat feels like you’re walking on the surface of the sun. ☀️ Don’t sweat it (literally)—I’ve rounded up the BEST places to cool off and have fun around Phoenix without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local looking for…
Let’s face it—Phoenix summers are no joke. When it’s 110°+ outside, sometimes you just need a cool place to chill, explore, or spend time with family without blowing your budget. Here are 10 indoor places around the Valley that are either free or super affordable—perfect for locals or visitors looking to stay cool and have…
Located in the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, Victor, Colorado, was once at the heart of one of the most intense and violent labor conflicts in American history. Known as the Colorado Labor Wars, the battles that took place between 1894 and 1904 were pivotal moments in the national labor movement. These wars not…
Just an hour outside of downtown Phoenix sits one of my favorite places to unwind, explore, and take in Arizona’s desert beauty—Canyon Lake. Whether you’re craving a relaxing day on the water, a scenic drive, a quiet hike, or just looking for a spot that feels like a getaway without actually leaving the state, this…
Whether you’re a seasoned local or visiting Arizona for the first time, there’s more to the Phoenix area than Camelback Mountain and Old Town Scottsdale. Tucked within an hour or so from downtown, you’ll find breathtaking canyons, ghost towns, crystal-clear swimming holes, and sleepy small towns that feel like another world. Ready to get off…
Nestled northwest of Phoenix, Arizona, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is more than just a beautiful desert escape—it’s a living intersection of history, engineering innovation, and outdoor recreation. Spanning more than 23,000 acres, this lake is a vital part of Arizona’s water supply and a favorite destination for boaters, campers, hikers, and history buffs alike. A…
Downtown Phoenix isn’t just a desert city—it’s an architectural canvas filled with vibrant murals, historic buildings, and beautifully designed urban spaces. Whether you’re a street photographer, an architecture enthusiast, or someone who simply loves capturing city life, downtown has no shortage of photogenic gems. Here’s your guide to the most scenic and unique spots to…
Looking to elevate your walls with the beauty of Arizona’s landscapes? Now is the perfect time to create a custom gallery wall that tells your unique story and with 20% off, it’s easier than ever to curate a collection you love. From golden desert sunsets to the captivating textures of the desert plains, The Beauty…
Your home is your sanctuary, a space where you can express your personality, tell your story, and create a comforting atmosphere. One of the most impactful ways to elevate your living space is by incorporating stunning landscape wall art. Not only does it add a burst of color and texture, but it also brings the…
Nestled on the quiet plains of eastern Colorado lies Aroya, a near-forgotten ghost town that once thrived as a bustling stage stop. Aroya’s history is intertwined with the expansion of the American West, offering a glimpse into a bygone era where pioneers, travelers, and cattlemen converged on this small but vital waypoint. Although the town…
By Nicole Ford Photography Whether you’re a hobbyist with a passion for storytelling or a professional seeking recognition, entering photo contests is a great way to grow your exposure, challenge your creativity, and even win cool prizes—while many are paid, find a list of places to submit your photographs without spending a dime. Here are…
Nestled between the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Tempe lies Papago Park—a desert gem with a history as colorful as its red sandstone buttes. From ancient civilizations to daring wartime escapes, this park has seen it all. Let’s embark on a journey through time to uncover the fascinating tales that make Papago Park a must-visit…
by Nicole Ford When most people think of Arizona’s most scenic places, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Horseshoe Bend usually top the list. But beyond the big names lie some seriously underrated locations—quiet, unspoiled, and absolutely breathtaking. 🤫 While I haven’t yet visited these gems myself (they’re on my bucket list), I’ve done some deep…
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love snapping photos of friends and family, Phoenix offers a treasure trove of backdrops perfect for portraits. From desert vistas and urban murals to historic charm and lush gardens, the city and its surroundings have something for every style. But before you grab your camera, it’s important to…
If you’re planning a visit to Phoenix—or even if you’ve lived here for years—the Desert Botanical Garden is one of those iconic places you absolutely must experience. Located in the heart of Papago Park, this nationally recognized 140-acre garden draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and it’s easy to see why. With over…
It’s no secret — the Phoenix area is packed with easy, fun trails that offer amazing views, peaceful desert vibes, and quick escapes into nature. And there are plenty of these trails that I haven’t tried yet, but they are on my list! Whether you’re hiking solo, with the kids, or just need a low-effort…
If you’re looking for the perfect way to get your kids outdoors and away from screens, Phoenix has no shortage of family-friendly hiking adventures! Whether you’re local or just visiting, the Valley of the Sun is packed with desert trails that are not only scenic but also suitable for little feet. From easy waterfall walks…
If you’re looking for the best hikes in Phoenix with jaw-dropping views, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise from a rocky summit or exploring hidden desert gems, Phoenix offers a trail for every adventurer. From iconic climbs like Camelback Mountain to scenic escapes like Hidden Valley, these top 3 hikes combine…
If you’re in Phoenix and looking for a mix of jaw-dropping desert scenery, a touch of history, and trails that range from laid-back strolls to heart-pumping climbs—South Mountain Park is the place. It’s one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., and it feels like it. The views are endless, the trails are inspiring,…
Phoenix, Arizona, is a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking desert landscapes. If you’re looking for unique experiences that combine natural beauty and a touch of the Old West, here are three incredible places to add to your itinerary—all located in or just a short drive from Phoenix. 1. Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park Located…
