Top 10 Hiking Trails in Arizona
Arizona is a hiker's paradise with its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to stunning desert vistas. Here are the top 10 hiking trails in Arizona, followed by 5 runner-ups that are also worth exploring.
- Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
- Length: 9.5 miles one way to the river
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Descend into the Grand Canyon, stunning views, access to the Colorado River.
- Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona
- Length: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Highlights: Iconic red rock formations, panoramic views of Sedona.
- Havasu Falls, Havasupai Reservation
- Length: 10 miles one way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Spectacular turquoise waterfalls, lush canyon oasis.
- Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trail), Phoenix
- Length: 2.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Sweeping views of Phoenix, challenging rocky climb.
- Piestewa Peak (Summit Trail), Phoenix
- Length: 2.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Panoramic city views, steep ascent.
- Wave Cave Trail, Superstition Mountains
- Length: 3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Unique wave-shaped rock formation, scenic desert views.
- Devil's Bridge Trail, Sedona
- Length: 4.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Natural sandstone arch, stunning photo opportunities.
- West Fork Trail, Oak Creek Canyon
- Length: 6.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Lush forest, creek crossings, fall foliage.
- South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
- Length: 6.8 miles one way to the river
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Dramatic canyon views, less crowded than Bright Angel Trail.
- Bear Mountain Trail, Sedona
- Length: 5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Sedona and surrounding red rock formations.
5 Runner-Up Trails
- Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Superstition Mountains
- Length: 5.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Steep, challenging climb, stunning views from the top.
- Lava River Cave, Coconino National Forest
- Length: 1.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Unique underground lava tube, cool temperatures year-round.
- Seven Falls Trail, Tucson
- Length: 8.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Beautiful waterfall, scenic canyon views.
- Bell Rock Pathway, Sedona
- Length: 3.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Iconic red rock formations, great for all skill levels.
- Humphreys Peak, Flagstaff
- Length: 10.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Highest point in Arizona, panoramic views of northern Arizona.
These trails showcase the best of Arizona's natural beauty, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the serene forests of Flagstaff. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, Arizona has something to offer for every hiker.