Hikes in Arizona
Arizona is a famous sun destination, and a great location for a holiday between autumn and spring. Of course, you’ll find the world famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, but that’s not all. While the state is well known for golfing and pools, there are also a lot of outdoor activities for tourists who want to explore the incredible landscapes Arizona has to offer.
Most tourists go to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. This incredible National Park amazes visitors, and exploring the Grand Canyon on foot or horse is the best way to see this natural wonder. Equally beautiful is the stunning Sedona area, perfect in spring and autumn, with stunning natural features and great towns to explore.
We also love just hanging out in Phoenix. The town of Scottsdale is a particular favourite, with nice hotels and stunning views from the many patios, which are ideal places to enjoy a meal outdoors and the sunset over the beautiful mountains.
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South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail is one of the hardest hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park and makes for an unforgettable challenge if you’re up to the task! You’ll be provided with incredible views over the park for most of the way and then enjoy some backcountry camping at the scenic Bright Angel Campground.
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Devil’s Bridge Hike
Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge in Sedona, Arizona. This geological feature is the star on this very popular moderate trail. Climb out onto the bridge and gaze over a great view of the iconic red rocks of Sedona. This is a fun hike for most ages and definitely one to bring a camera for.
This hike is either 2.0mi long or about 45.0mi long depending on which trailhead you start at. With a 4X4 vehicle, you can drive up to the actual trailhead for the hike for a shorter walk. Without a 4X4, you’ll need to hike up one of two access roads. This guide starts from the Dry Creek Road trailhead, which is where most hikers without a 4X4 vehicle start (those with one can drive up Dry Creek Road). Expect heavy traffic on this very popular trail. Arriving early is a must in the busy season (April-May and October).
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Water Wheel Falls Hike
Water Wheel Falls is a hike in the Tonto National Forest near Payson that has become increasingly popular because of its excellent swimming opportunities. The trail was named for an old water wheel you can see from the trailhead, and the route follows the East Verde River to a gorge used by cliff jumpers and a short waterfall into a swimming hole.
There are lots of points along this route where you can take a swim, but the swimming hole at the confluence of the two creeks is the best spot. This easy hike might not be well-marked, but it’s an exceptionally fun adventure for families or for any hiker on a hot Arizona day. Small children might need a hand on some of the rockier parts of the trail
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Tumamoc Hill Hike
Tumamoc Hill is one of the most popular hikes in Tucson thanks to its great city views, relatively short length, and night hiking opportunities. The route is paved, which is a plus for hikers who prefer or require even footing. Because Tumamoc Hill is on university property, it’s the only hike in the Tucson Mountain Range that is open for night hiking. If you want to watch the sunset or sunrise, this is the place to be!
The route is 3.1mi long, but some hikers turn around at the midpoint instead of going the entire way. Expect a 5ft paved route with plenty of signage. Some parts of the trail are steep, which could make using a stroller or wheelchair very difficult without some assistance. Overall we rate this trail as moderately difficult. If you come in hot weather, please ensure you’ve got lots of hydration and some sun protection with you.
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Humphreys Peak Hike
Humphreys Peak is one to put on the top of your Arizona hiking bucket list, as this mountain is the tallest point in the entire state at 12633ft. It’s a challenging route with stiff elevation gain, but most strong hikers can find their way to the top thanks to the lack of technical challenges (aside from some light scrambling) and the clearly defined trail. From the top, you’ll enjoy an expansive view of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.
Humphreys Peak can be hiked year-round, but the winter months make for a more demanding climb. You’ll need snowshoes and you may benefit from packing ice axes and microspikes, too. Navigating the route is more difficult in the winter when the trail is covered in snow. Try the summer ascent first, which is generally easier to follow and more suitable for less experienced hikers. Bring a camera for that top-of-the-state view!
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Blue Mesa Trail
Blue Mesa Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park. With dazzling views of the neatly striped hills and mesas, giant fossils of petrified wood, and a convenient paved trail, this hike is a great pick for hikers of any skill level and age in the park. It’s a short loop, but it definitely packs in the scenery. Use this as a first introduction to the park since it’s right in the middle of the park road, or enjoy it on its own. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
The Blue Mesa Trail is best done in the morning when the sun is at a low slant. This illuminates the colors of the hills and prevents shadowing from the hills on the western side of this loop (which you’d experience in the afternoon). Don’t stress if you can’t do this hike in the morning, though, it’s just a suggestion!
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Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail
Camelback Mountain is Phoenix’s most dominant peak, begging to be climbed as it rises above the city, resembling a camel laying down. This approach to the mountain is a point-to-point route, but you can simply double the distance and climb it as an out and back if you don’t have a car shuttle. The beginning of your hike starts from the Echo Canyon Trailhead, following Echo Canyon Trail up the west side of the mountain, descending via Cholla Trail. You’ll have an incredible view of the city and the surrounding mountains since this is the tallest peak in the Phoenix area.
Camelback Mountain is not a beginner or kid-friendly hike. There are multiple rescues on this mountain every season and hikers have died from dehydration and accidents up here. If you’re a new hiker or you’re not used to hiking in desert conditions, save this one for the future.
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Bright Angel Trail
Completing the Bright Angel Trail in one-day is only for the fittest of all hikers. We debated including this hike, as it is so dangerously tough. Better yet consider getting a backcountry camping permit and staying at the Bright Angel Campground! Even though it's a challenging hike, we think the Bright Angel Trail is one of the best hikes in the USA.
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Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona… Maybe even the most popular! This hike offers gorgeous scenery, getting you up close to one of the region’s most recognizable sandstone features. This trail has the magical energy that so many parts of Sedona do, and you’ll be in awe at the natural beauty of nature’s church.
This hike is short but difficult for some, with hands-on sections that require some climbing. We don’t recommend this trail for small children and dogs will likely struggle to make it up.
Expect heavy traffic on this very popular trail. Arriving early (before 7:30 AM) is a must in the busy season (April-May and October), especially since the parking lots are small. You can also reach Cathedral Rock from Baldwin and Templeton trails for a quieter experience.
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Wave Cave Trail
You probably didn’t think you could surf in Arizona, did you? The Wave Cave is a unique cave where a “wave” of rock protrudes out into the cave opening. It’s one of the many fascinating rock formations and caves that make Arizona’s landscape so fun to explore. The hike to the cave is moderate, with a few short, steep sections. Most hikers will be able to complete this trail.
If you want the perfect photo op in the cave, try hiking early in the morning before the route gets busy. You’ll also want to bring plenty of water and prepare for the heat of the desert, perhaps avoiding hiking from June through September altogether if you’re not used to the temperatures in this part of the world.
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Tanque Verde Falls Trail
Tanque Verde Falls Trail is a popular hike near Tucson that climbs up the Tanque Verde Wash to an 80-foot waterfall. Along the way, you can take advantage of other small waterfalls and swimming holes. Most of this trail is quite easy and kid-friendly. Near the end, there’s some climbing over boulders required to reach the waterfall directly. Those unable to climb or those with young kids can skip the end of the hike in favor of a picnic at one of the smaller pools on the way.
As with all hikes in the Arizona desert, some months of the year may be too hot to safely adventure outside. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and head home if you start to feel unwell or overheated. Starting early in the day can help you finish your hike before the heat of the day. Finally, avoid this hike if there’s a flash flood warning or heavy rain in the forecast.
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Lava River Cave Hike
Over 700,000 years ago, the Lava River Caves in Flagstaff were formed when molten rock erupted from a volcanic vent near Hart Prairie. The lava flow cooled from the outside in, while the center continued to flow, creating the hollowed-out caves that are present today. Evidence of this molten-hot activity can be found in the stone icicles that hang from the ceiling, which were formed when blasts of heat melted the rock ceiling, allowing it to drip down as it cooled.
The hike itself is very unique. You’ll climb down the rock into the cave, which is pitch-black without the help of headlamps and flashlights. Consistently about 42 degrees year-round, it’s a dark, cool environment to explore. Sturdy boots are a must due to the sharp rock footing, and you definitely need to come prepared with two or three sources of light. A dead battery down here will leave you over a mile from the nearest light source.
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Painted Desert Rim Trail
The Painted Desert Rim Trail is potentially the best available viewpoint of the Painted Desert, a unique geological feature that extends through the Petrified Forest National Park towards the Grand Canyon. The Painted Desert is an undulating desert of orange, green, and beige formed by the erosion of the sandstone deposits left by a Triassic river system. This trail is flat, easy, and suitable for all. Expect heavy traffic.
This route follows part of the rim of a mesa that juts out into the desert. The rugged landscape changes a bit with the seasons; you’ll see more greenery after heavy rain, potential snow in the wintertime, and a hot, dry expanse in the summertime. One constant out here is the wind! Bring a windbreaker and keep your hats in the car or you just might lose them in the desert’s near-constant wind.
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Papago Park Golf Course Loop
Papago Park is a popular recreation area just minutes from downtown Phoenix, and the adjacent golf course is an equally popular spot for residents and snowbirds to get a round in. Papago Park was a reservation in past years, then a fish hatchery in the Great Depression, a prisoner of war camp in WWII, and a VA hospital. Talk about a storied past! Today, it offers hiking opportunities and access to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens.
The Papago Park Golf Course Loop circles the west end of the park and the golf course grounds. It’s a flat, relaxed route that makes for an ideal morning stroll or Sunday afternoon outing with family and friends, especially at sunrise.
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Dripping Springs
This less trodden trail leaves from Hermits Rest and bring you to a secluded and shaded spring that seeps down from a hole in the roof of a small overhang. This hike gets very little sun, and the solitude of the picturesque spring is well worth the physical effort!
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Chapel Trail
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is an iconic sight. This church was designed by Marguerite Brunswig, a local rancher and sculptor who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect who aided in the design of the church. The Chapel Trail begins from the chapel and takes you around East Twin Butte optionally extending to the Chicken Point viewpoint.
This hike is easy and family-friendly. The trail ends at a junction with Little Horse Trail, making it easy to continue further if you want a longer hike. Make sure you stop into the chapel to admire the stained glass windows and dramatic view.
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Box Canyon Trail
When the temperatures start to soar, you need a chilled-out afternoon in a refreshing swimming hole. The Box Canyon Trail is a quick 0.8mi hike that leads you down into a box canyon with a swimming hole in it. The red granite walls are gorgeous and the water feels perfect when the sun is shining.
This route is good for families, with only a bit of steep climbing needed to get down into the canyon. Additionally, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem that doesn’t see much traffic. You might just get the place to yourself, which is always a plus.
Note that the parking area and trailhead for this hike can both be tough to find. Bring a GPS track or a map with you to help you find your way.
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Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail
Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail is a real gem. This 8.3mi moderately difficult trail is located at the base of Thimble Peak in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. It’s excellent for its ease of access from the city and for its diverse, beautiful terrain. You’ll hike next to towering saguaros and prickly pears, witness the area’s astounding bird population fly by, and end your hike at the Broadmoor Seven Falls. At the falls, there is a series of gorgeous pools that can be used to cool off.
This canyon can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Since this is such a popular hike, midweek visits are recommended if possible.
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Buffalo Park Trail
Buffalo Park might just be one of the prettiest parks in all of Arizona, and Flagstaff residents can stroll its wildflower-lined walkways without needing to leave the city. In fact, this park is accessible from most parts of the city without too much hassle. Buffalo Park sits atop a mesa with a wonderful view of Elden Mountain, and the Buffalo Park Trail is a very easy loop that allows users of all ages and skill levels the chance to appreciate the park.
Buffalo Park is one of Flagstaff’s busiest and most-used parks, and as a result, the trails are very nicely maintained. They’re suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, as well as bikes and dogs. The park is open throughout the year, so stop by whenever you like. We especially enjoy exploring it when the wildflowers are blooming.
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Crystal Forest Trail
The Crystal Forest Trail is a must-do hike in Petrified Forest National Park, especially if you’re really after the petrified wood fossils this park is known for. This route takes you past hundreds of massive fossils left from trees that lived over 200 million years ago. The petrified wood looks almost like gemstones, with gorgeous colors and patterns visible on the wood. The hike itself is very easy and straightforward, and it’s suitable for all skill levels and ages.
When you’re observing the fossils, remember that they’re meant to stay in the park. Theft of the fossils is prosecuted, and yes, removing any amount of petrified wood from the park is considered theft. Leave these fascinating fossils as you found them, resist the urge to touch them, and make sure they stay as they are for generations to come.
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