van wyk journeys Below are each of the hikes with a description of each preceding the slide shows.
In April 2014 we journeyed to Phoenix for a spring vacation that would include several hikes in the general Phoenix area and to destinations near Payson and Sedona, AZ. While the hikes around Phoenix were interesting Sedona provided amazing red rock vistas that were breathtaking.
Horton Creek Trail east of Payson, Arizona
Horton Creek Trail is a 6.8 mile (11Km) moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Payson, Arizona that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Horton Creek Trail 
McDowell Mountain North Trail
Very Easy flat trail through the desert scrub with Saguaro, barrel and Ocotillo cactus being quite common. North Trail is a 2.9 mile (5KM) lightly trafficked loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, birding, and mountain biking and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Bell Rock Trail Sedona, Arizona
Bell Rock Pathway Loop is a 4 mile (6.5KM) heavily trafficked loop trail located near Sedona, Arizona that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
Dixie Mine Trail Fountain Hills Arizona
Dixie Mine Trail is a 3.8 mile (6KM) moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Fountain Hills, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from October until April.
Butcher Jones Trail – North East of Fountain Hills, Arizona
Butcher Jones Trail is a 8.9 mile (~14KM) lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Mesa, Arizona that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Granite Mountain Loop McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Granite Mountain Loop is a 5.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Reata Pass, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Boynton Canyon Trail Sedona, Arizona
Boynton Canyon Trail is a 5.8 mile (9.5KM) lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sedona, Arizona that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Scenic Trail McDowell Mountai AZ
Scenic Trail is a 4.4 mile (7KM) moderately trafficked loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
