Hiking is definitely a favorite Arizona activity but not everyone wants—or is able—to participate in the impressively long and arduous trails. If you’re looking for the best hikes in Arizona that are easy enough for your whole family to enjoy, you will definitely want to check out these trails found throughout the Grand Canyon state. Check out what we were able to find!
- Aspen Nature Loop, Flagstaff
Beth Staub/Flickr This hike is a short one—it’s only 2.5 miles overall—but for what it lacks in mileage, it makes up for in gorgeous views. This is absolutely one of the most scenic hikes in Arizona. The trailhead is located by the Snowbowl and winds through a short portion of the eastern part of the mountain. It has a slight descent and ascent so it’s something that should be relatively easy for most visitors.For more information, check out the USDA Forest Service here. Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
- Baldwin Trail, Sedona
Margie Savage/Flickr This popular trail is 2.5 miles long and guides you through the pretty areas of Sedona’s red rock country without feeling like you’re on a backpacking trip. This trail also gives you a great view of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek, so no wonder it’s a popular choice! For more information, check out AllTrails here. Baldwin Trail, Sedona, AZ 86351, USA
- Beverly Canyon Trail, Phoenix
JC Olivera/Flickr This trail at South Mountain is a popular one and I’ve taken my young niece on this trail a couple of times. The trail measures just over 3.5 miles in total length and is located on a dirt road that has a slight incline. Just watch your step for loose rocks!For more information, check out AllTrails here. Beverly Canyon Trail, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
BellaEatsBooks/Flickr Another easy trail in Sedona, this 4 mile hike in Munds Mountain Wilderness gives you a spectacular view of Bell Rock. The trail is wide and sloped just enough to engage your leg muscles.For more information, check out AllTrails here. Courthouse Butte Loop Trail, Arizona, USA
- Blue Mesa Trail, Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest/Flickr Want to see some beautiful blue landscapes in Arizona? This 1 mile trail in Petrified Forest National Park is a good option if you’re looking for a short walk on a paved trail with a small climb at the very end. For more information, check out AllTrails here. Blue Mesa Trailhead, Chambers, AZ 86502, USA
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior
Steven Tomsic/Flickr What? A hike through an arboretum? While it may not be quite the adventure most hikers dream of, it does offer very valuable knowledge about the local plants and, at 2.25 miles, the loop is one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Arizona.For more information, check out AllTrails here. 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
- Dreamy Draw Nature Trail, Phoenix
Alan English CPA/Flickr Located at the base of Piestewa Peak, this is a nice little spot to visit in the early morning hours if you want to squeeze a nature walk in before the day really gets started. This trail is about 1.5 miles long and is a pretty easy walk. If you want to add in some mileage, you can also walk some of the bikeway, which is paved but pretty hilly.For more information, check out the City of Phoenix here. Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, 2421 E Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
- Lava Flow Trail, Sunset Crater
Perry Quan/Flickr This interpretive trail is 1 mile long and meanders through some of the Bonito lava flow at the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. For those in a wheelchair or with disabilities, you’ll be happy to know that a portion of the trail is paved and has few hills. For more information, check out AllTrails here. Lava Flow Trail, Loop Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
- Monolith Garden Trail, Kingman
Joshua Noble/Flickr This trail is sweet and easy. At nearly 6.4 miles in length. you may not want to do the whole loop but It shows off some of the lovely rock features you’ll find in Kingman and that many people pass up for more popular alternatives. The path is well-marked and if you plan your trip right, you might get to see some beautiful wildflowers blooming along the path!For more information, check out AllTrails here. Monolith Garden Trail, Metwell Dr, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
- Springs Trail #633, Pinetop
Devon Christopher Adams/Flickr The White Mountains has plenty of beautiful sights and this little trail is one that can definitely be done within a couple of hours. It totals 3.5 miles, takes you past a couple of local creeks, and is perfect for viewing local wildlife. With almost no elevation gain this is numbered among the easy hikes in Arizona.For more information, check out AllTrails here. 101 Sky Hi Rd, Pinetop, AZ 85935, USA
- Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley
Alexander Russy/Flickr This trail along the Arizona-Utah border measures 3.2 miles long and is a relatively easy route that gives you an amazing view of the iconic mittens at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. With the long drive to the park, who wouldn’t want a chance to walk around and experience the beauty for themselves? Also, note that this is also the only trail in the park that does not require a guide. For more information, check out AllTrails here. Wildcat Trail, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Have you tried out any of these easy hiking trails? They may be easier, but they are still some of the best hikes in Arizona. What are some others you would recommend?
Beth Staub/Flickr
This hike is a short one—it’s only 2.5 miles overall—but for what it lacks in mileage, it makes up for in gorgeous views. This is absolutely one of the most scenic hikes in Arizona. The trailhead is located by the Snowbowl and winds through a short portion of the eastern part of the mountain. It has a slight descent and ascent so it’s something that should be relatively easy for most visitors.For more information, check out the USDA Forest Service here.
Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Margie Savage/Flickr
This popular trail is 2.5 miles long and guides you through the pretty areas of Sedona’s red rock country without feeling like you’re on a backpacking trip. This trail also gives you a great view of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek, so no wonder it’s a popular choice! For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Baldwin Trail, Sedona, AZ 86351, USA
JC Olivera/Flickr
This trail at South Mountain is a popular one and I’ve taken my young niece on this trail a couple of times. The trail measures just over 3.5 miles in total length and is located on a dirt road that has a slight incline. Just watch your step for loose rocks!For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Beverly Canyon Trail, Phoenix, AZ, USA
BellaEatsBooks/Flickr
Another easy trail in Sedona, this 4 mile hike in Munds Mountain Wilderness gives you a spectacular view of Bell Rock. The trail is wide and sloped just enough to engage your leg muscles.For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Courthouse Butte Loop Trail, Arizona, USA
Petrified Forest/Flickr
Want to see some beautiful blue landscapes in Arizona? This 1 mile trail in Petrified Forest National Park is a good option if you’re looking for a short walk on a paved trail with a small climb at the very end. For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Blue Mesa Trailhead, Chambers, AZ 86502, USA
Steven Tomsic/Flickr
What? A hike through an arboretum? While it may not be quite the adventure most hikers dream of, it does offer very valuable knowledge about the local plants and, at 2.25 miles, the loop is one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Arizona.For more information, check out AllTrails here.
37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Located at the base of Piestewa Peak, this is a nice little spot to visit in the early morning hours if you want to squeeze a nature walk in before the day really gets started. This trail is about 1.5 miles long and is a pretty easy walk. If you want to add in some mileage, you can also walk some of the bikeway, which is paved but pretty hilly.For more information, check out the City of Phoenix here.
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, 2421 E Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
Perry Quan/Flickr
This interpretive trail is 1 mile long and meanders through some of the Bonito lava flow at the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. For those in a wheelchair or with disabilities, you’ll be happy to know that a portion of the trail is paved and has few hills. For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Lava Flow Trail, Loop Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Joshua Noble/Flickr
This trail is sweet and easy. At nearly 6.4 miles in length. you may not want to do the whole loop but It shows off some of the lovely rock features you’ll find in Kingman and that many people pass up for more popular alternatives. The path is well-marked and if you plan your trip right, you might get to see some beautiful wildflowers blooming along the path!For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Monolith Garden Trail, Metwell Dr, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
Devon Christopher Adams/Flickr
The White Mountains has plenty of beautiful sights and this little trail is one that can definitely be done within a couple of hours. It totals 3.5 miles, takes you past a couple of local creeks, and is perfect for viewing local wildlife. With almost no elevation gain this is numbered among the easy hikes in Arizona.For more information, check out AllTrails here.
101 Sky Hi Rd, Pinetop, AZ 85935, USA
Alexander Russy/Flickr
This trail along the Arizona-Utah border measures 3.2 miles long and is a relatively easy route that gives you an amazing view of the iconic mittens at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. With the long drive to the park, who wouldn’t want a chance to walk around and experience the beauty for themselves? Also, note that this is also the only trail in the park that does not require a guide. For more information, check out AllTrails here.
Wildcat Trail, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Arizona March 11, 2022 Libby Monson What are the most beautiful lakes in Arizona? Most people don’t think of lakes when they think of the desert state of Arizona, but we have many beautiful lakes. Cataract Lake and Dogtown Lake, both in Coconino County, are stunning high country lakes. Lake Havasu and Lake Mead in Mohave County are picturesque lakes in a desert landscape. If you are close to Phoenix in Maricopa County, visiting Tempe Town Lake or Lake Pleasant is convenient without giving up the natural beauty. These lakes offer all the water sports you can dream of, and with so many sunny days, it’s always the right time to visit one of the beauties. Does Arizona have any natural wonders? If you only think of the Grand Canyon when you think of natural wonders in Arizona, you are missing out on a whole state full of wonders! Visit Chiricahua National Monument near Wilcox to see the hoodoos. To see the largest travertine bridge in the world, visit Tonto Natural Bridge near Payson. Find examples of petrified wood when you visit Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. Ever wonder what happens when a meteor hits the earth? Check out Barringer Crater in Winslow. Go on an underground adventure at Kartchner Caverns. Learn more about these wonders and even more great places, then get out there and enjoy all the natural wonders Arizona has to offer.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Arizona
March 11, 2022
Libby Monson
What are the most beautiful lakes in Arizona? Most people don’t think of lakes when they think of the desert state of Arizona, but we have many beautiful lakes. Cataract Lake and Dogtown Lake, both in Coconino County, are stunning high country lakes. Lake Havasu and Lake Mead in Mohave County are picturesque lakes in a desert landscape. If you are close to Phoenix in Maricopa County, visiting Tempe Town Lake or Lake Pleasant is convenient without giving up the natural beauty. These lakes offer all the water sports you can dream of, and with so many sunny days, it’s always the right time to visit one of the beauties. Does Arizona have any natural wonders? If you only think of the Grand Canyon when you think of natural wonders in Arizona, you are missing out on a whole state full of wonders! Visit Chiricahua National Monument near Wilcox to see the hoodoos. To see the largest travertine bridge in the world, visit Tonto Natural Bridge near Payson. Find examples of petrified wood when you visit Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. Ever wonder what happens when a meteor hits the earth? Check out Barringer Crater in Winslow. Go on an underground adventure at Kartchner Caverns. Learn more about these wonders and even more great places, then get out there and enjoy all the natural wonders Arizona has to offer.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most people don’t think of lakes when they think of the desert state of Arizona, but we have many beautiful lakes. Cataract Lake and Dogtown Lake, both in Coconino County, are stunning high country lakes. Lake Havasu and Lake Mead in Mohave County are picturesque lakes in a desert landscape. If you are close to Phoenix in Maricopa County, visiting Tempe Town Lake or Lake Pleasant is convenient without giving up the natural beauty. These lakes offer all the water sports you can dream of, and with so many sunny days, it’s always the right time to visit one of the beauties.
Does Arizona have any natural wonders?
If you only think of the Grand Canyon when you think of natural wonders in Arizona, you are missing out on a whole state full of wonders! Visit Chiricahua National Monument near Wilcox to see the hoodoos. To see the largest travertine bridge in the world, visit Tonto Natural Bridge near Payson. Find examples of petrified wood when you visit Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. Ever wonder what happens when a meteor hits the earth? Check out Barringer Crater in Winslow. Go on an underground adventure at Kartchner Caverns. Learn more about these wonders and even more great places, then get out there and enjoy all the natural wonders Arizona has to offer.