26 Best Hikes in Arizona (For Every Type of Adventurer & From a Local)

I spent 27 of my first 29 years in Arizona. As I grew older, I quickly realized the desert around Phoenix, Arizona, was beautiful, and if you drove just two hours away, you had a plethora of scenic places to explore. From red rocks to saguaros and hidden gems, I ended up finding some of the best hikes in Arizona.

As my understanding of the desert grew, my view of Arizona changed. I realized there are some fantastic Arizona hikes to tackle when you set your mind to it. Below are some of my favorite Arizona hiking trails—both hard and easy.

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The best hikes across the state of Arizona

1. Flatiron – Superstition Mountains

flatiron arizona day hikes best hiking trails in arizona

Arguably, Phoenix’s most demanding and most popular hike (if that were a Venn Diagram). Flatiron is about 50 minutes outside of Phoenix in Lost Dutchman State Park. They have an entrance fee, but it’s worth it for the hiking views.

The six-mile round-trip trail gets you 2,500 feet above the desert floor, and you’ll love soaking up the views from the top. I recommend this to people visiting as one of the best hiking trails in Arizona.

Flatiron Tips:

Keep an eye out for the blue and white dots. They will help direct you.
Also, keep left as you go
There’s a 10-foot rock wall to scale near the top. Nothing complicated, but take your time.

2. Trekking to Havasupai – Grand Canyon

a solo hiker stands in the water below havasu falls — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Havasupai is one of the best hikes Arizona and the West have to offer. Starting at the rim of the Grand Canyon, you hike 10 miles to an oasis in the desert. With waterfalls, turquoise water, and giant canyon walls, it is like being transported to an entirely new world.

I’ve done this backpacking trip twice. The first time, in high school, when Havauspai was known, but not crazy known. Then I did it in 2018 on my birthday. Now, it’s almost $500 for three nights in paradise.

Ultimate Guide to Havasupai
Exploring Mooney and Beaver Falls
All of my Havasupai articles, including day-by-day reports from 2018

3. Humphrey’s Peak – Coconino National Forest

best hiking trails in arizona humphreys peak

Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest point in Arizona, rising to 12,600 feet. The peak resides above the Snowbowl Ski Resort and is accessible year-round, though the traditional hiking season is June through October. If you’re looking for a good litmus test of how strong you are, here’s one of the best hiking trails in Arizona.

Tips for this summit:

Start early, so you’re off the summit when afternoon thunderstorms appear
Bring a change of clothes and change at the top
Please bring plenty of water AND drink it. This is the best way to beat the elevation
If you feel sick, stop and rest. If it doesn’t get better, head down.
If you’re hiking in May or June, microspikes are a good idea.

4. Cathedral Rock – Sedona

cathedral rock sedona arizona day hikes — Arizona hiking trails

One of the most popular hikes in Sedona, which means you’ll want to arrive early (where’s my sunrise people at?) or show up for sunset. I’d HIGHLY recommend avoiding midday, as the parking lot is small.

The trail is easy to follow, though it has some steep/slick rock sections halfway up. Other than a couple of spots, it’s suitable for the entire family!

Cathedral Rock Tips:

Keep going around the bend to the spires/vortex
This is an excellent place for astrophotography, too
Definitely one of the best hikes in Arizona

5. South Kaibab to Skeleton Point – Grand Canyon National Park

I’ve always said, “The best way to appreciate the Grand Canyon is to get down into it.” While I honestly love hiking to the bottom, not everyone has the ability or time, so any hike is reasonable.

Most people will go down the South Bright Angel Trail, as it’s closer to the hotel and shops, but the South Kaibab offers a more expansive, natural canyon view for an Arizona day hike. You’ll feel the burn on the way up, but it is worth it, making it one of the best hikes in Arizona.

Grand Canyon Tips:

Sunrise and sunset will be spectacular, and also keep the heat to a minimum
There’s no water on this trail, so bring what you need
Remember, every step down means you have to hike back up
The summer heat can be brutal. I don’t recommend doing it during peak hours.
It’s one of the best hiking trails in Arizona because you beat the crowds. Now go for it!

6. Wilson Mountain – Sedona

This Sedona trail is one of the best if you’re looking to beat the crowds. Thanks to a small parking lot and not many places to park in the area, if you hike this trail, it’ll just be you and nature.

The entire trail is exposed, so be prepared with plenty of sun protection and water. But once you start gaining elevation, the views of Red Rock in all directions are staggering. Then, once you reach the summit plateau, you’re in for a show!

Trail guide for an overnight backpacking trip

Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon

The devils corkscrew at the bottom of the grand canyon. — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Had to throw the most classic of the Grand Canyon hikes in here. Bright Angel is far more popular as it’s easier to access and has water every 1.5 miles going down. Additionally, it’s less steep, making it easier on your knees going down and easier on your lungs going up.

Depending on how fit you are or how long you want to hike, I recommend at least going down to the 1.5-mile house. If you’re feeling strong, keep going down. But remember, if you go down, you must come up.

7. West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon – Sedona

fall colors in west oak creek canyon in sedona — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

One of the truly great Arizona hikes we have in the state. You can do this year-round (though winter will be chilly with river crossings). The West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon starts out pretty pedestrian, but after a half mile of walking, you enter a gorgeous canyon.

In the fall, these trees turn all sorts of colors, creating a spectacular showing of Arizona fall colors.

And in the summer, when temperatures are in the 80s or 90s, it’s a fantastic hike to cool off.

8. North Kaibab Trail – Grand Canyon

Looking for the ultimate adventure in Arizona? Hike Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon. At 24 miles, it’s one heckuva day (or multi-day) hike, but you’ll see 99% more of the canyon than most visitors do.

While I did it in a day, if you can get permits to spend a couple of nights below the rim, it’ll make for a more enjoyable trip.

One thing to note is that due to the fire on the North Rim in 2025, that area is closed, and it’s unknown what will happen going forward.

9. White Pocket – Northern Arizona

things to do in page white pocket guide — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Probably my favorite off-the-grid location in Arizona. This is hardly a hike (about 3/4’s of a mile each way), but the payoff is incredible. Even after two trips here, I could come again and again.

The hike to White Pocket is sandy, but once you reach the checkerboard rocks, you can gallivant around on the colored rocks until your heart is content.

It’s definitely a cool place to explore, but it’s even cooler if you’re into photography. With wild compositions, great night photography, and stunning sunsets, White Pocket will surely blow you away!

10. Fremont Saddle and Weavers Needle – Superstition Mountains

a hiker smiles at the camera at fremont saddle in arizona

Another fantastic hike in Arizona and in the Superstition Mountains.

Getting up to Fremont Saddle is a rite of passage for most Arizonans. Less than six miles round trip, it’s doable for most hikers, and the views are surreal. If you’re looking to explore a bit more, keep hiking out to the lone tree on the right side in front of Weavers Needle.

It also makes for a pretty cool place to backpack – just remember there’s no water, so you’ll have to bring your own.

11. Bear Mountain – Sedona

expansive views from the bear mountain trail in sedona arizona — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

This is a GREAT hike in Sedona. It’s actually my favorite one. It’s never that crowded, offers a good workout, and won’t take all day. Plus, the views up top are 10/10 with red rock in all directions.

Remember to bring plenty of water as it’s exposed and there’s no water on the trail or in the area.

12. Butcher Jones Trail – East of Phoenix

Butcher Jones Trail Saguaro Lake hikes Arizona — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

On the edge of Saguaro Lake east of Phoenix, the Butcher Jones Trail provides lake, saguaro, and mountain views. For a pretty easy-to-access and hike trail, that’s an eye-popping trifecta!

I did this for the first time back in 2021 for sunset and loved watching the sunset change the colors of the lake. From what I remember, this would be a great hike for the entire family!

13. The Wave – Northern Arizona

One of the most iconic trails and locations in the desert southwest. Unfortunately, I’ve never won a permit here. One day, I will. Until then, I’ll dream about it. But if you do win, you’re in for a magical day.

14. Hieroglyphic Trail to the Petroglyphs – Supersition Mountains

hieroglyphics in the superstition mountains — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

A fun trail out in the Supes that will take you to a couple of water pools (seasonally dependent) and easy-to-access petroglyphs.

For the most part, the hike is pretty easy to follow and do. Near the end, you’ll have to walk on rocks, but it’s nothing too shabby.

If you want a longer hike, keep going beyond the petroglyphs. It opens up into a beautiful canyon with tons of cacti.

Great adventures to do near Mesa

15. Boulder Canyon Trail – Canyon Lake

a female hiker stands on a rock overlooking the Arizona desert and mountains

This is a really great hike from the north side of the Supersitious Mountains. At only five miles round trip, you get epic views of Weavers Needle and the surrounding areas. Plus, you’ll get to drive the Apache Trail out to Canyon Lake, which is a treat in itself.

views of weavers needle on the horizon from the boulder canyon trail

11 More Great Hikes to Do in Arizona

Gateway Loop Trail
Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch
Soldier’s Pass Trail and 7 Sacred Pools
Devil’s Bridge
Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak (downtown Phoenix)
Romero Pools (extend it all the way to the summit of Mount Lemmon)
Tom’s Thumb Trail (either direction)
Treasure Loop (Lost Dutchman State Park)
Lockett Meadow (great for fall colors)
Dreamy Draw (nice trail running opportunity in Phoenix)
Supersition Peak 5057 (via Carney Springs)

Bonus: Paria Canyon/Buckskin Gulch – Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

buckskin gulch paria canyon arizona hiking — Arizona hiking trails

This one isn’t technically in Arizona, but it’s literally on the border of Arizona/Utah. It’s a GEM of a place. It’s the only slot canyon on public lands in the area, with many others controlled by Native Tribes.

Accessing it can be somewhat confusing, as there’s a Buckskin Gulch trailhead. This is not the best place to start your hike.

Keep driving to Wire Pass Trailhead. From here, you’ll have a mile walk to the slot canyon. (FYI: This is also the trailhead for The Wave.) You’ll love this and consider it one of the best hikes in Arizona.

Buckskin Gulch Tips:

Keep an eye on the weather. Rain can turn into a disaster situation in the slot canyons while Arizona hiking.
Please practice Leave No Trace.
The time of day will affect your photos.
Most cars should be able to make it down to the trailhead. Higher clearance obviously will be more comfortable/more straightforward.

Find Summer Hiking Gear You Can Count on

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Final Thoughts on the Best Hikes in Arizona

It’s not the Colorado Rockies or the Washington Cascades, but hiking in Arizona has its charm and its pros. It is incredibly diverse and offers year-round hiking depending on where you go. If you haven’t given Arizona a chance, I ask that you do.

I genuinely think you’ll be impressed by these best hikes in Arizona.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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The Ultimate Guide to the 26 Best Hikes in Arizona