10 Awesome Hiking Trails In Arizona (2024)
What do you picture when you think about trekking in Arizona? Barren and deserted landscapes with scorching warmth and heat? Well, this is only the tip of the [canyon] with regards to the view that Arizona’s best hikes deliver. There is such an abundance of absolute magnificence to be admired in Arizona, from the profundities of the Grand Canyon to the cascade accompanied desert springs encompassing it, the red precipices of Sedona, and pine tree woods around Flagstaff, everything in Arizona is a masterpiece in itself. And not just that, in this state, you can explore waves, hoodoos, precipices, and space gullies framed by a long period of time of wind and water disintegration, and indeed, even the desolate deserts and transcending prickly plants down south. But most of these wonders in Arizona can be explored only through the means of undertaking a hike or a trek. It does not matter whether you want to trek for the purpose of adventure or for exploration, whatever sort of experience that you want to pursue; Arizona has a very sizable amount of trek for it. But with so many options to explore, often time it gets difficult to choose which ones to undertake and which ones not. So, to ease you off this mind load, we’ve created this ultimate list of the top 10 hiking trails in Arizona that you can undertake to satisfy the adventure junkie inside you.
10 Awesome Hiking Trails In Arizona
- Rim to Rim Trail, Grand Canyon: The Rim-to-Rim hiking trail is perhaps the best hike in the Grand Canyon, as you get the chance to investigate the gorge from inside as well as from both the north and the south rim (which are at a 5-hour drive from each other). But this is an incredibly arduous hike and combined with heat and warmth, it isn’t the one to be taken lightly; however on the off chance when you get to see what’s in store and take this 3 day climb, it will become probably the best hike of your life! You start at the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim and from that point you will drop 14.3 miles and 5,761 feet in height to Bright Angel Campground at the lower part of the gully. While in transit to Bright Angel Campground, you’ll pass by Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, the Cottonwoods Campground, and Ribbon Falls. From the Bright Angel Campground, you will start your second day adventure and will get to see the best change in height (4,380 feet all above), rising about 9.5 miles out of the gully to South Rim. On the third day of the rim to rim climb, you’ll climb back out towards the North Rim by means of the North Kaibab Trail. The trail is 14 miles long and upon arriving at your vehicle, you deserve a pat on your back for finishing one of the hardest short-term hiking trips in Arizona! Image Source
- Deadmans Pass Trail, Sedona: The Sedona territory is quite possibly the most sensational and entrancing spots to undertake a trek in the whole Arizona. This is a district known for red rocks, immense scenes, and puzzling vortexes and a simple trek to take here is the Deadmans Pass Trail, which associates Boynton Canyon, the Mescal Trail, and Long Canyon. The most convenient spot to start this climb is at the Boynton Canyon Road Trailhead, however different alternatives are available as well. The climb takes around 30 minutes single direction or an hour full circle. You’ll discover an assortment of scenic locations on this path and some single-track mountain biking roads here.
- Tumamoc Hill, Tucson: There are a huge number of incredible hikes around Tucson, however a simple one to add to your list is Tumamoc Hill. This hike is a little more than three miles full circle and gives exquisite perspectives of the city. Come here first thing in the morning or dusk to get mesmerized by the absolute best perspectives. Night hiking is also permitted here, so you will not have to stress over for beginning early or staying out late. The climb has a delicate slope and for the most part goes along a cleared street. This path is in Sentinel Peak Park and stretches out for about 2.9 miles as an out-and-back trail. The best time to climb this path is during September and May because of the great warmth of the midyear months.
- Nature Trail, Phoenix Mountains: This natural trail is an extraordinary spot to explore the wonders of nature and get an amazing exercise. The hike is just about 1.5 miles long and goes along the eastern side of the mountain. It’s not the most adventurous path on this rundown, but rather it is an apt option for novices who need to challenge themselves. The path is rough, however what’s incredible about it is that you can find out about local plants and creatures from the signage en route. There are additionally a few seats on the way in case you decide to take a break in between. But it gets busy during weekends, so prepare accordingly.
- Waterfall Trail, Waddell: You will not need to travel excessively far off from the Arizona town of Waddell to climb the Waterfall Trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The path is about 1.9 miles long, and as the name proposes, there is a cascade on the way. However, try to climb this path between the long stretches of November and April because of the great summer heat. Pet owners especially appreciate taking this beautiful hike, and it’s likewise a decent spot for mountain biking and trail running. But be exhorted that there is a little entry fee needed to enter this park. Also, you can see some Native American petroglyphs en route and find out about what they might mean.
- Aspen Nature Loop, Flagstaff: The Grand Canyon unquestionably isn’t the only motivation to visit the Flagstaff region! There are some extraordinary hikes here, and the temperatures are a lot cooler than in the most southern districts of the state. One trek here that is overall quite simple is the Aspen Nature Loop. You’ll go about 1.5 miles and see wonderful perspectives en route. It’s close to the Snowbowl and truly grandstands the trees that the other parts of Arizona basically don’t have. The trek is a part of the Coconino National Forest, and provides a vast number of hikes to encounter the glades, volcanic field and even the mountain tops.
- Treasure Loop Trail, Phoenix: To get comfortable with the Superstition Mountains, there are a couple of simple climbs that are consistently famous among local people and travelers. One of them is the Treasure Loop Trail, which is about 2.4 miles long and takes you through the desert and past intriguing stone arrangements. The path is very much paved and can be gotten to from the Lost Dutchman’s State Park. On the off chance that you visit in springtime, you may even see the desert plants in sprout.
- Blue Mesa Trail, Petrified Forest Park: Any first-time guest to Arizona should definitely visit the Petrified Forest National Park, which has a huge assortment of historically and geologically significant petrified wood. The Blue Mesa Trail really looks blue to the eye and goes along a cleared path. The path is about a mile long. You can take the path to see bits of petrified wood, and it drops to the blue, dark, and white-hued barren wasteland.
- Sabino Lake Trail, Tucson: A famous trek close to Tucson that is incredible for amateurs is the Sabino Lake Trail. This hike is about 3.6 miles long and a good one for climbers of all expertise levels. There’s an elevation rise of around 351 feet and is incredible for trekking or even running. The path is pet friendly and well marked with signs.
- Double Butte Loop Trail, Phoenix: The Double Butte Loop Trail reaches out for about 2.3 miles and is undertaken inside the Papago Park. The recreation center is very near to Phoenix and extremely easy to get to in case you’re coming from the city. Pets are permitted on this path, and you can even spot wonderful wildflowers on the way during the springtime. The best time to climb in this area is during April and October. Plan to go for about an hour on the path in the event that you are walking a pet, or 30 minutes or less in the event that you are trail running. The Big Butte Loop Tail is available from the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, and it’s a little more than a mile long. You can start this climb at the Eliot Ramada, pass the amphitheater on McDowell, and advance back to the beginning stage. You’ll get pleasant perspectives on the valley without going too far off from the city.
FAQs For Tourists Planning To Undertake A Hike In Arizona:
Q1: Are Guides Available For Help During Hiking?
Ans: Yes, guide service is available at most of the trekking spots for help and better guidance.
Q2: What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Arizona For Trekking?
Ans: Although you can visit Arizona at any time of the year but the most ideal time to visit for the sole purpose of trekking is during the months of October to March.
Q3: What Are Some Of The Essential Things To Carry While Trekking?
Ans: They are: a water bottle, backpack, a pair of comfortable trekking shoes and basic first aid kit.