Happy Fitness Wednesday!
I have received a lot of questions about my recent hikes lately so to answer of all of your questions and honor Earth Day this past Saturday, I figured I’d focus this fitness Wednesday post about my favorite hikes in AZ. I might be a little biased and focus on hikes in Northern Arizona because that is where I grew up and currently live. I also think there is the most beautiful hikes and scenery in Northern Arizona and is unlike anywhere else on Earth. I love hiking because I love exploring new places and think it is the most fun way to burn calories. I don’t even notice I am exercising while hiking because I enjoy it so much! I will be sharing the links to shop the workout gear I wore during each of these hikes. Simply click on the desired image where you will then be redirected to a separate page to shop the item.
- Horsehoe Bend- Page, AZ
Horseshoe Bend is absolutely amazing, the pictures I’m sharing with you today don’t even do it justice. The Colorado River running through and around the beautiful red rocks makes a picturesque view. I first saw it and thought it looked fake because it is so surreal. The hike to Horseshoe Bend is short, but is on a sand path with hills. I would recommend bringing water and proper hiking attire, especially during the summer months. The sand makes the path about ten degrees hotter than the outside temperature, meaning it can be well over 100 degrees on the path during the summer months. I would recommend doing this hike between the months of October-April for the best weather. This hike is the easiest of the hikes I will be sharing today, it’s perfect for all fitness levels.
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- Antelope Canyon- Page, AZ
Since Antelope Canyon is also located in Page, this hike can be done during the same day as Horseshoe Bend, which is what I did. Antelope Canyon is also very surreal and looks fake when you first see it. Unfortunately, you cannot just walk up to the canyon and walk in on your own. You must book through a company and go through a tour in order to visit Antelope Canyon. I really enjoyed the tour we did through Antelope Canyon Tours. Our tour guide was so friendly and shared so much great info about the canyon. We did our tour at 4 pm in April and I would definitely recommend doing an earlier tour. The first half of the tour, the lighting was great and we saw so much detail in the canyon. The second half of the tour was too dark and it got really cold really fast. In order to have the best lighting while you are there, I would recommend going around 2 pm or 3 pm during the months of March-June. This hike is also very easy and perfect for all fitness levels.
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- Devil’s Bridge- Sedona, AZ
Devil’s Bridge is hands down my favorite hike in Sedona. This hike allows you to see so many different views of the red rocks and has such a fun path. Some of the path consists of stairs made out of red rocks and other parts of the path has you up against walls of red rocks. I also love this hike because at the of the path is the actual bridge made out of red rock. You can walk out onto the bridge (as shown in second picture below), if you are brave enough and check out the most amazing views. The first picture below was a picture taken during the hike, which goes to show that every second of this hike is picturesque and showcases beautiful views of Sedona. This is a longer hike and the path has some steep inclines. I would rate this hike moderate and wouldn’t recommend doing it if you have health issues because it is in the middle of nowhere. I recommend doing this hike between the months of October-April at any time of day. If you do go during the summer months, I recommend doing this hike at 6 or 7 am and would not attempt this hike right before nightfall as it is easy to get lost. If you ever visit Sedona, this is the hike to do!
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- Cathedral Rock- Sedona, AZ
Cathedral Rock is another one of my favorite hikes in Sedona and the hike I do most often. Once again, this hike displays panoramic views of Sedona during the entire hike. Once you are at the top, you can see the most beautiful views in every direction you look. If you are looking for a great workout and want to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time, this is the hike for you. The hike is rather short in distance, but is a steady incline from start to finish. At points, you are required to directly climb the red rocks, which can be challenging for some. I would only recommend this hike if you do not have health issues and have an established level of fitness. I also recommend doing this hike during the months of October through April at any time of day. If you do go during the summer months, I recommend doing this hike at 6 or 7 am and would not attempt this hike right before nightfall as it is easy to get lost.
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- Lockett Meadow- Flagstaff, AZ
Last but definitely not least. Lockett Meadow is my all time favorite hike in Flagstaff. It is hidden what I call “the hidden gem” because it is definitely a trek to even get to the trail head. I would recommend taking a bigger car or a 4 wheel drive vehicle because it is atop a mountain. When I saw atop a mountain, I mean you have to drive up the side of a mountain with huge cliffs, needless to say I always freak out. The hike is always worth the drive though so don’t fret. The hike is absolutely stunning as you can see all different shades and colors of leaves during the fall. During the summer, the leaves are also beautiful and bright green. Many people bring their dogs and children with them as this is an easy hike and very enjoyable for all fitness levels and ages. I highly recommend doing this hike the last week of September or the first week of October for the best coloring. I also highly recommend bringing layers and jackets to take off and on during the hike because it can get very cold at all times of the year. During this time, the leaves are bright yellow and completely canopy the path. I highly recommend doing this hike in September and early October for the gorgeous coloring and doing this hike during the months of April-August for a great hike and beautiful views.
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These pictures are so beautiful!
Thanks, Nicole!!
XOXO,
Jonica
All of those hikes look so beautiful!
They were! I already want to go back and do them all again!
XOXO,
Jonica
These hikes look amazing, my husband would love this!
They were! You guys should come visit 🙂
XOXO,
Jonica
Such amazing photos! Xox
Thanks, girl!! The scenery was amazing!
XOXO,
Jonica
Oh my gosh it seems like you get to go to all of the coolest places! This looks amazing, all of the pictures are beautiful!
Xo, Mackenzie
mackenziebay.com
I love to travel and visit new places! It was so amazing, the pictures don’t even do all of these places justice. Thanks so much!!
XOXO,
Jonica
Omg! These pics are absolutely amazing!
I’VE BEEN DYING TO GO TO ANTELOPE CANYON! Looks so incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing!!!
Xo,
Anita
http://www.oh-anita.com
You HAVE to go!! It is absolutely amazing! Thank YOU for checking it out 🙂
XOXO,
Jonica
AZ looks so pretty!! Id love to visit some day!
http://www.kailenicole.com