Hiking & Outdoor

“Before that, I didn’t even know living donation was a thing,” Alex said. “I was signed up as a donor on my license … I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get tested and see if we were a match, and we just happened to be.”

The whole process started in April 2019, and the donation, which went smoothly, happened that November.

Alex had seen the organization, Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA), which “promotes the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience of kidney donation” (kidneydonorathlete.org). KDA offers an annual One Kidney Climb event, in part to bring awareness to living donation and demonstrate what is possible post-donation.

In 2024, Alex saw that KDA’s 2025 event was the 3 Volcano Challenge, where athletes would summit three volcanoes in Guatemala—climbing more than 8,000 feet in one week.

“I love everything outdoors and also love the physical challenge,” Alex said. “The idea of meeting other people who have also donated their kidney, seeing who they are and where they came from,” appealed to her.

Like so many of us living here, what I love most about Prescott is its unparalleled beauty and access to natural space. In 2011, my husband and I bought our home in the Dexter neighborhood, near the confluence of Miller and Butte Creeks. At that time, I made a vow to be a caring steward of this land. To this day, I continue that commitment.

The Hike Shack isn’t just a gear store—it’s a hub for Prescott’s outdoor community. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just discovering trail life, The Hike Shack offer the equipment, knowledge, and local passion to make every adventure safer and more fun. Owners Amanda Lane and Raigan York-Fundalewicz and their team of outdoor enthusiasts provide personalized advice, locally tested gear, and insight into Prescott’s unique terrain—from the granite boulders of the Dells to the pines of the Bradshaws. 

With roots dating back to 1901, the Arizona Rangers have served communities in various capacities as an armed, uniformed, volunteer law enforcement auxiliary. The group provides additional services at the request of federal, state, county or local law enforcement.

Locally, Arizona Rangers have made appearances at Shop With A Cop, National Night Out, the Boys and Girls Club events, and with families of fallen officers. To preserve its mission nationally and historically, the group relocated and expanded the Arizona Rangers State Museum to its new location in the town of Tombstone.

Lt. Col. Lisa Penney, currently based in the Tombstone Company, stated, “Coupled with the strong trust, mutual respect, and close relations we’ve built with the Marshal’s Office and our community, Tombstone is filled with historical artifacts and stories that honor the legacy of the Rangers.”

People often inquire about my top trail pick, a question that’s not easy to answer. My favorite trail varies depending on the season, the time available, my energy level, and the company I’m with. I’ve compiled a diverse list of trails I enjoy, each offering a unique experience.

For Maryah Dilbeck, owner of Born To Be Wild Adventures, starting a business that allowed her to spend time with her daughter while earning a living was key. “I brought my daughter to work from the beginning. Now that she’s six, she still joins me when she’s not at school. She helps with the signing of waivers and hands out paddles and vests. Her favorite thing to do is hand out glow sticks for moonlight kayaking.”

With a tiny emerging business-owner-in-training, Maryah added, “The greatest aspect of having my own business is to be able to be present, raise my daughter, and pass along my passion of adventure and nature.”

Legends from multiple cultures describe a cosmic turtle carrying the world on its back. I’d suggest that the closest a human can get to feeling the weight, responsibility, and power the turtle might experience is to take a baby on a backpacking adventure.

When I experienced a painful miscarriage in 2021, I went to the backcountry with a friend of mine. Trudging a canyon in silence, laughter, or intense dialogue. Weighted down with food, water, and shelter … with a fellow woman. This is exactly what I needed to heal.

The Bean Peaks Gravity Flow trail system is being developed about three miles south of town on White Spar Road. A gravity flow trail system involves a series of one-way trails designed for mountain bikers to be able to climb a gradual hill and then enjoy a series of trail options to descend.

Some trails will involve more technical features, while others will allow beginners to get a taste of technical features that can also be rolled over at slower speeds.

The idea is to give mountain bikers a place to safely enjoy some faster downhill riding without the concern of yielding to other users—on these trails, they have the right of way. Everywhere else in town, mountain bikers are expected to yield to all other trail users no matter what direction they are traveling. The Bean Peaks area will have trails that are designated for climbing and will be multi use; while the descending trails will be one direction single use trails for mountain bikes only. Signs and user education materials will be a major component to ensure the safety of all users.