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Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine #15-4 (July 2025 - August 2025)

Mid Summer Issue (Current Issue July-August) Subscribe Free at https://discovertheregion.com/subscribe/ to Gain Access to the Entire Book Now! On The Cover: Kevin Costner 108 Pages Dear Readers, As summer peaks in the Valley, the city hums with monsoon storms, laughter on shaded patios, and the quiet beauty of museum halls. On our cover, we celebrate Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, where Kevin Costner was honored with the Western Spirit Award—highlighting a decade of preserving Western heritage. This season isn’t just about staying cool, but living smartly. “Cool Home, Hot Savings” shares tips to keep homes comfortable and energy bills down, while “Splash Safely” and “Prevent Drowning” offer must-know pool safety advice. And for pet owners, “Fur-ever Friends” helps cats and dogs live together peacefully during lively summer days. Food lovers will find plenty to savor. “Sweet Escapes with a View” reveals Phoenix’s coolest indoor dessert spots, and “Summer Happy Hours” lists the best dining deals in Old Town Scottsdale. Adventurous readers can explore “Exotic Culinary Delights,” featuring goat stew with cassava and vegan lavender ice cream. Beyond dining, we spotlight movement and conservation: “Workout Cool” showcases the inclusive Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, while “Saving Every Drop of Water!” highlights SRP’s innovative efforts to protect our desert’s most vital resource. When the city heat lingers, “High Country Treks” invites you to cooler trails in Northern Arizona. And indoors, our “Book Reviews” recommend titles like “The Wide Wide Sea,” “Original Sin,” “Never Flinch,” and “Nightshade”—perfect reads for summer afternoons. What truly makes Phoenix summers special isn’t just how we cool off, but how we come together as neighbors, families, and explorers. We hope this issue inspires you to discover, taste, and celebrate the best of our region. Warmly, Marie Taylor Editorial Director Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine

DTPR MAGAZINE #15-4: July - August 2025

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When the desert

heat in Phoenix

climbs into triple

digits,

there’s nothing quite like heading north

to Flagstaff’s forested trails, volcanic

landscapes, and alpine peaks. From

Arizona’s highest summit to very quiet

petroglyph sites and lava fields, these

trails offer the perfect escape into

nature’s cool embrace. Whether you’re

an experienced hiker or simply looking

for a scenic stroll, here’s a closer look

at some of the best trails to lace up

your boots for this season.

Humphreys

Peak Trail:

Conquer Arizona’s Roof

Trail rating: Hard | Distance: 9.5 mi | Elevation

gain: 3,000+ ft

Standing at 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak

is Arizona’s highest point and the crown

jewel of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.

The rocky trail, rated difficult, climbs on

and on relentlessly through alpine forest,

windswept tundra, and rugged switchbacks.

Summer hikers can catch glimpses of colorful

wildflowers dotting the slopes, while

late-season snow adds an extra challenge.

On clear days, the view from the summit

stretches as far as the Grand Canyon’s

rim—80 miles away. Be prepared for

common afternoon thunderstorms and

chilly temperatures even in July. Hiking

poles, layered clothing, and extra water

are essentials for this iconic Arizona

adventure.

Source: Coconino National Forest & U.S. Forest Service

Fatmans Loop Trail:

Lava, Junipers, and Views

Trail rating: Moderate | Distance: 2.5

mi | Est. time: ~1h 20m

Named for a narrow rock passage that

hikers can squeeze through (or skip

around), Fatmans Loop Trail is a local

favorite. The path ascends gently over

a historic 500,000-year-old lava flow,

framed by ancient alligator junipers—

some over 900 years old. Kids love

climbing the scattered boulders, and the

hilltop rewards hikers with panoramic

views of Flagstaff and Mount Elden.

Tip: Early morning hikes offer cooler

temps and fewer crowds, especially

during summer weekends.

Source: Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS)

Photography by: HBP Photos

The steel structure of Midgely Bridge on Arizona

SR89A between Sedona and Flagstaff. The

bridge span crosses Wilson Canyon where it

joins the Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona

in northern Arizona

The steel structure of Midgely Bridge on Arizona SR89A between Sedona and Flagstaff. The bridge span crosses Wilson Canyon where it joins the Oak Creek

Canyon just north of Sedona in northern Arizona - Photography by: HPB Fotos