Arizona's Top Hiking Trails
Buckle up, adventure junkies! Plan a hike up the enchanting trails of Arizona’s hills, creeks, and forests. When it comes to beautiful hikes, Arizona has no shortage of sights that will take your breath away. Check out the 15 best hiking trails below.
West Fork, Sedona, AZ
The high walled gorge is covered by thick forests on both sides of the trail. Also, the gentle streams and soaring cliffs offer a wonderful combination.
South Kaibab, Grand Canyon, AZ
This trail along the Grand Canyon offers a sunlit pathway with a plateau 1.5 miles away. The trail also rounds past the O’Neill Butte and Skeleton Point with a majestic view of the Colorado River.
Wildcat, Monument Valley, AZ
Wildcat trails are among the few passages that hikers can pass through independently without a Navajo guide. The trail is pretty close to the Mittens Formations.
Hugh Norris, Tucson, AZ
Hugh Norris offers a sweeping view of the looming mountains and steep cliffs. Set in the Saguaro National Park, the trail cuts through the beautiful Sonoran landscape leading to the Watson Peaks (highest in Tucson).
Horton Creek, Mogollon Rim, AZ
The Horton Creek is open all through the year and the nearby forests offer a spectacular trial. The mini falls and springs widen to a natural pool.
Heart of Rocks, Chiricahua National Monument, AZ
This trail hidden in the southeastern portion of Arizona, offers naturally sculpted columns, boulders, and exotic beauty. The shortest path is the heart of rocks that wanders through scenic rock gardens with stunning sculptures such as Thor’s Hammer, Duck on a Rock, and so on.
Sycamore Rim, Williams, AZ
The Sycamore Rim offers a lot of twists and turns running through the grasslands, pinecone forests, and wood cabins. The Dow Spring is the prettiest with water lilies blossoming along the way. You can also spot the usually dry Sycamore Falls on the way.
Monolith Garden, Kingman, AZ
The city of Kingman is peppered with pretty trails slashing across the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Areas. There are three trailheads and multiple forks in the path with boulders and heaps of volcanic ash.
West Baldy, Springerville-Eagar, AZ
From the meandering Colorado River to the green meadow and thick forests, West Baldy offers everything! The trail ends up to the Fort Apache summit that is open only to the tribal members.
Kachina, Flagstaff, AZ
Perfect for beginners, Kachina Trail follows a gentle rolling course across the San Francisco Peaks, with small cliffs and boulders in between. The conifer, maples, and other deciduous foliage along the passage opens up to a pretty view of the hills and nearby dwellings.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, AZ
A pretty trail along the Grand Canyons, Bright Angel Trail meanders to and fro the Colorado River. You can set up camps at the Indian Gardens where you have a steady supply of fresh water.
Browns Peak, Four Peaks, AZ
The Lone Pine Trailhead is set to the north east of Phoenix, about an hour’s walk. The narrow passages and rocky trails can be quite a challenge for hikers but the majestic view of Flagstaff’s snowy peaks is worth it.
Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ
The Camelback Mountain range can be spotted easily from the outskirts of Phoenix, the hike starts at Echo Canyon Trailhead and goes up to a whopping 1,262 feet! The path is sprinkled with rocks and boulders, an amateur hiker’s heaven!
Flatiron, Apache Junction, AZ
The high plateau like terrain at the end of the trail offers a breath taking view of the Four Peaks, the Superstition Mountains, and the city of Phoenix. The trail begins from the Siphon Draw Trailhead, but the frequently used path can be quite steep and challenging at times.
Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, AZ
The shockingly turquoise falls on the Grand Canyon lie in the Havasu Indian Reservation that requires a permit to cross. Explore the village of Supai about eight miles away from the trailhead.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Arizona offers a variety of beautiful hiking trails.
- West Fork in Sedona features a sunlit pathway with a view of the Colorado River.
- Wildcat in Monument Valley allows hikers to pass through independently.
- Hugh Norris in Tucson offers sweeping views of mountains and cliffs.
- Horton Creek in Mogollon Rim leads to a natural pool.
- Heart of Rocks in Chiricahua National Monument features stunning rock formations.
- Sycamore Rim in Williams runs through grasslands, pinecone forests, and wood cabins.
- Monolith Garden in Kingman has boulders and volcanic ash.
- West Baldy in Springerville-Eagar offers a variety of landscapes.
- Kachina in Flagstaff is perfect for beginners with gentle rolling terrain.
- Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon meanders to and fro the Colorado River.
- Browns Peak in Four Peaks offers a challenging hike with a majestic view.
- Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is a rocky path with a view of the city.
- Flatiron in Apache Junction offers a breathtaking view of the Four Peaks and Superstition Mountains.
- Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon features turquoise falls on the Havasu Indian Reservation.