Arizona is a state known for its picturesque natural beauty, and one of the ways that locals like to take advantage of their surroundings is by getting outside and exploring the land. Beginners, don’t be scared! Check out a few shorter hikes in Arizona to prepare for these amazing journeys! While there are many different treks to travel on, here are nine of the best more-challenging treks that all hiking enthusiasts in Arizona must try at some point. Add them to your goals list – we did:
- Camelback Mountain, Phoenix
Flickr / Ed Suominen
Flickr / cobalt123 If you want to tackle one of Phoenix’s most iconic mountains, be sure to hike either the Cholla Trail or Camelback Mountain Summit Trail. These hikes are not long; the Cholla Trail is just over three miles long, but can be rigorous for beginners. It leads to some pretty fantastic views! The Camelback Mountain Summit Trail is slightly less intense, about 2.5 miles long, and accommodates the more casual hiker (especially on the lower sections), but you will still see some amazing sights. Camelback Mountain is a popular climbing spot, so parking space fills up quickly in the mornings; get there early! There are few spots that offer shade on either of these trails, so no matter when you go don’t forget to bring water! Oh, and there’s a castle there, too. Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
- Humphrey’s Summit Trail, Flagstaff
Flickr / Coconino National Forest, Ariz. For serious hikers, Humphrey’s Peak should be on your Arizona adventure bucket list. The trailhead is located near the town of Flagstaff and it is about a nine mile journey to the summit and back. Despite the difficult path, Humphrey’s Peak has some amazing views the entire way to the top, and on a clear day, it seems like you can see the world from there. Humphreys Summit Trail, Arizona 86001, USA
- Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley
Flickr / Rick McCharles
Flickr / Rick McCharles We know this Wildcat Trail isn’t as challenging in terms of difficulty, but it is included it here because the location itself is more challenging to explore due to the fact that surrounding area is privately owned and inaccessible to visitors. Monument Valley is a widely recognizable and distinguished area, as it has been featured in many movies, television shows, and on countless calendars and posters. The Wildcat Trail is a 3.2-mile loop and is the only trail in Monument Valley that you can take without a Native American guide. Visitors to the area love to do this hike at both sunrise and sunset - the scenery is perfect for taking some incredible photos of the incredible rocks! Get all the technical details on AllTrails. Wildcat Trail, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
- Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
Flickr / Grand Canyon National Park When people travel to the Grand Canyon, they always want to get the best vantage point for beautiful scenery, but rather than joining the crowds at the easy-access viewpoints, head to the trails for sights best seen by hiking. The Bright Angel Trail is one of the more developed paths that will take you all the way down into the canyon, but be prepared to work hard on the way back up if you didn’t get a camping permit! The distance is about 10 miles straight down to the bottom, but it is strongly advised that no one (even the fittest hikers) should attempt to do the whole trip in one day (and there are way too many beautiful spots to see them all at once). Many visitors choose to go to the halfway point at the Indian Gardens, which in itself can be a seven hour journey round trip… but there are great photo opportunities along the way! This trail is Arizona’s most dangerous trail, so please plan appropriately. Bright Angel Trailhead, 15 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
- Mount Wrightson, Santa Cruz County
Wikimedia / Mikesanchez1109
Flickr / wplynn Near the city of Green Valley (south of Tucson), there is a mountain well known to local hikers as a challenging beast: Mount Wrightson. This steep and strenuous trail isn’t for the faint of heart, as it will take you a good ten hours to climb the nine tough miles up to the peak, which sits at an elevation of 9,453 feet! Despite the difficult path, Mount Wrightson has some amazing vistas along the entire way to the top, and on a clear day, you can even see the Sea of Cortez in the distance! Visit AllTrails to learn more. Mount Wrightson, Mt Wrightson, Arizona 85624, USA
- Wasson Peak Trails, Tucson
Photo: Patti Kelsey
Photo: Patti Kelsey Wasson Peak is the tallest of the Tucson Mountains and offers some of the best desert views in Arizona. There are two ways to get up to the top: the Sweetwater Trail and the King Canyon Trail, both of which are about 7.5 miles long. These trails are great for a day hike that moderate hikers can complete in roughly four hours, but the unforgiving heat during the summer can make it a dangerous trip if you don’t plan ahead. Start your journey early in the morning (or wait for cooler seasons) for the most enjoyable experience. Once you make it up to the top of Wasson Peak you’ll get a view that is completely worth all that hard work put into getting there. East Wasson Peak Trail, E Wasson Peak Trail, Tucson, AZ 85747, USA
- Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale
Flickr / CEBImagery At the edge of Scottsdale, you will find a tall pyramid-shaped mountain that any native could recognize as Pinnacle Peak. This trail is one that is often recommended to visitors coming from out of town, as the 3.9-mile journey is one that represents the iconic Arizona scenery with spectacular panoramic views of the desert and cacti. There are also guided night hikes at Pinnacle Peak that happen on full moon evenings, and they’re an awesome way to experience the desert in the dark under the bright, starry Arizona skies! Find out more on AllTrails to plan your adventure. Pinnacle Peak Park Main Trail, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Finger Rock Canyon Trail, Tucson
Flickr / Ryan
Flickr / JR P If you are up for the challenge, you must check out the Finger Rock Canyon Trail. Finger Rock is a unique feature in Tucson’s Catalina Mountains, as it’s the one that looks exactly like what it’s named for: a fist with a index finger pointing up to the sky. Visitors and locals alike enjoy hiking up this trail because it has some incredible views of the city below and is a challenge to get up to the top! This 8.8-mile trek is difficult, so pack appropriately before you go and plan to hit the trails early! Learn more about this challenging hike on AllTrails! Finger Rock Trail Head, Pontatoc Canyon Trail, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
- Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona
Flickr / Geoff Livingston
Flickr / Coconino National Forest, Ariz. Sure, the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona is only 1.1 miles long, but it’s a steep climb to the top! This hike gives you everything you could ever want from a good hike, including some of the most incredible up-close views of the otherworldly geological formations in Arizona. If you are looking to add distance to your hike, you can approach this short trail via the Templeton Trail that follows a lower elevation route around the red rocks. This spot is special because you can actually hike right up to Cathedral Rock itself, which is the most recognizable formation in Sedona. The extra push to the top is definitely not one for those afraid of heights! Please be careful here; wear study shoes and be mindful of your skill level. Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
If you are looking for adventures, amazing views, and some of the best hikes in Arizona, these trails must climb to the top of your to-do list. While they will take some extra time and may require some practice to conquer them all, the incredible experiences you will find along the way are absolutely worth the effort. Arizona is famous for its unmatched views and unbelievable natural beauty, and there is no better way to appreciate this spectacular state than to get out there and explore it! What’s your favorite challenging trail? Tell us about it in the comments!
Flickr / Ed Suominen
Flickr / cobalt123
If you want to tackle one of Phoenix’s most iconic mountains, be sure to hike either the Cholla Trail or Camelback Mountain Summit Trail. These hikes are not long; the Cholla Trail is just over three miles long, but can be rigorous for beginners. It leads to some pretty fantastic views! The Camelback Mountain Summit Trail is slightly less intense, about 2.5 miles long, and accommodates the more casual hiker (especially on the lower sections), but you will still see some amazing sights. Camelback Mountain is a popular climbing spot, so parking space fills up quickly in the mornings; get there early! There are few spots that offer shade on either of these trails, so no matter when you go don’t forget to bring water! Oh, and there’s a castle there, too.
Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
Flickr / Coconino National Forest, Ariz.
For serious hikers, Humphrey’s Peak should be on your Arizona adventure bucket list. The trailhead is located near the town of Flagstaff and it is about a nine mile journey to the summit and back. Despite the difficult path, Humphrey’s Peak has some amazing views the entire way to the top, and on a clear day, it seems like you can see the world from there.
Humphreys Summit Trail, Arizona 86001, USA
Flickr / Rick McCharles
We know this Wildcat Trail isn’t as challenging in terms of difficulty, but it is included it here because the location itself is more challenging to explore due to the fact that surrounding area is privately owned and inaccessible to visitors. Monument Valley is a widely recognizable and distinguished area, as it has been featured in many movies, television shows, and on countless calendars and posters. The Wildcat Trail is a 3.2-mile loop and is the only trail in Monument Valley that you can take without a Native American guide. Visitors to the area love to do this hike at both sunrise and sunset - the scenery is perfect for taking some incredible photos of the incredible rocks! Get all the technical details on AllTrails.
Wildcat Trail, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Flickr / Grand Canyon National Park
When people travel to the Grand Canyon, they always want to get the best vantage point for beautiful scenery, but rather than joining the crowds at the easy-access viewpoints, head to the trails for sights best seen by hiking. The Bright Angel Trail is one of the more developed paths that will take you all the way down into the canyon, but be prepared to work hard on the way back up if you didn’t get a camping permit! The distance is about 10 miles straight down to the bottom, but it is strongly advised that no one (even the fittest hikers) should attempt to do the whole trip in one day (and there are way too many beautiful spots to see them all at once). Many visitors choose to go to the halfway point at the Indian Gardens, which in itself can be a seven hour journey round trip… but there are great photo opportunities along the way! This trail is Arizona’s most dangerous trail, so please plan appropriately.
Bright Angel Trailhead, 15 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Wikimedia / Mikesanchez1109
Flickr / wplynn
Near the city of Green Valley (south of Tucson), there is a mountain well known to local hikers as a challenging beast: Mount Wrightson. This steep and strenuous trail isn’t for the faint of heart, as it will take you a good ten hours to climb the nine tough miles up to the peak, which sits at an elevation of 9,453 feet! Despite the difficult path, Mount Wrightson has some amazing vistas along the entire way to the top, and on a clear day, you can even see the Sea of Cortez in the distance! Visit AllTrails to learn more.
Mount Wrightson, Mt Wrightson, Arizona 85624, USA
Photo: Patti Kelsey
Wasson Peak is the tallest of the Tucson Mountains and offers some of the best desert views in Arizona. There are two ways to get up to the top: the Sweetwater Trail and the King Canyon Trail, both of which are about 7.5 miles long. These trails are great for a day hike that moderate hikers can complete in roughly four hours, but the unforgiving heat during the summer can make it a dangerous trip if you don’t plan ahead. Start your journey early in the morning (or wait for cooler seasons) for the most enjoyable experience. Once you make it up to the top of Wasson Peak you’ll get a view that is completely worth all that hard work put into getting there.
East Wasson Peak Trail, E Wasson Peak Trail, Tucson, AZ 85747, USA
Flickr / CEBImagery
At the edge of Scottsdale, you will find a tall pyramid-shaped mountain that any native could recognize as Pinnacle Peak. This trail is one that is often recommended to visitors coming from out of town, as the 3.9-mile journey is one that represents the iconic Arizona scenery with spectacular panoramic views of the desert and cacti. There are also guided night hikes at Pinnacle Peak that happen on full moon evenings, and they’re an awesome way to experience the desert in the dark under the bright, starry Arizona skies! Find out more on AllTrails to plan your adventure.
Pinnacle Peak Park Main Trail, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Flickr / Ryan
Flickr / JR P
If you are up for the challenge, you must check out the Finger Rock Canyon Trail. Finger Rock is a unique feature in Tucson’s Catalina Mountains, as it’s the one that looks exactly like what it’s named for: a fist with a index finger pointing up to the sky. Visitors and locals alike enjoy hiking up this trail because it has some incredible views of the city below and is a challenge to get up to the top! This 8.8-mile trek is difficult, so pack appropriately before you go and plan to hit the trails early! Learn more about this challenging hike on AllTrails!
Finger Rock Trail Head, Pontatoc Canyon Trail, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
Flickr / Geoff Livingston
Sure, the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona is only 1.1 miles long, but it’s a steep climb to the top! This hike gives you everything you could ever want from a good hike, including some of the most incredible up-close views of the otherworldly geological formations in Arizona. If you are looking to add distance to your hike, you can approach this short trail via the Templeton Trail that follows a lower elevation route around the red rocks. This spot is special because you can actually hike right up to Cathedral Rock itself, which is the most recognizable formation in Sedona. The extra push to the top is definitely not one for those afraid of heights! Please be careful here; wear study shoes and be mindful of your skill level.
Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Arizona March 08, 2022 Tori Jane What are some nice, easy hikes in Arizona? Arizona is home to more than 3,200 hiking trails. Each one is amazing and truly worth it in its own right, but some are a lot easier than others, and sometimes you just kind of want to take it easy while still enjoying the great outdoors. Enter some of Arizona’s most amazing easy hikes, like the legendary Horseshoe Bend Trail near Page. It’s one-and-a-half miles of easy going until you reach one of the southwest’s most iconic natural wonders – Horseshoe Bend. Fay Canyon Trail is south of there, though also in northern Arizona; it’s 2.3 miles long and leads hikers through some of Arizona’s most beautiful red-rock country. Sedona in general is an amazing place to hike; we highly recommend it for hikers of all skill levels – there’s something for everyone! If you prefer to stay within the Phoenix Metro area, you’re in luck; there happens to be plenty of easy hikes within city limits for those who don’t want to stray too far. Try the Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park; it’s less than half a mile long (0.3 miles) and features amazing panoramic views of the whole city! Want more ideas? Check out this list of seven of the best beginner-friendly trails in Arizona. What are some of the most scenic hikes in Arizona? We’re glad you asked – Arizona is an amazingly scenic state, and one could argue that most of our trails are pretty scenic! Some of the ones famous for their beauty, however, include gems like the West Fork Trail, nestled within Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. It’s been repeatedly called one of the “top ten most beautiful” hikes in the U.S. by several sources, and we’re inclined to agree. Another super-scenic (and very difficult) hike in Arizona is the world-famous Bright Angel Trail, which is at (and in) the Grand Canyon. It’s long and best left to experienced hikers, but it’s an amazing trail to add to your bucket list. You can always work up to it! Other very scenic hikes in Arizona include the Shoshone Point Trail, also at the Grand Canyon (and rated as easy) and the White Tank Waterfall Trail west of Phoenix is amazing as well (and it’s got a seasonal waterfall).
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Arizona
March 08, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some nice, easy hikes in Arizona? Arizona is home to more than 3,200 hiking trails. Each one is amazing and truly worth it in its own right, but some are a lot easier than others, and sometimes you just kind of want to take it easy while still enjoying the great outdoors. Enter some of Arizona’s most amazing easy hikes, like the legendary Horseshoe Bend Trail near Page. It’s one-and-a-half miles of easy going until you reach one of the southwest’s most iconic natural wonders – Horseshoe Bend. Fay Canyon Trail is south of there, though also in northern Arizona; it’s 2.3 miles long and leads hikers through some of Arizona’s most beautiful red-rock country. Sedona in general is an amazing place to hike; we highly recommend it for hikers of all skill levels – there’s something for everyone! If you prefer to stay within the Phoenix Metro area, you’re in luck; there happens to be plenty of easy hikes within city limits for those who don’t want to stray too far. Try the Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park; it’s less than half a mile long (0.3 miles) and features amazing panoramic views of the whole city! Want more ideas? Check out this list of seven of the best beginner-friendly trails in Arizona. What are some of the most scenic hikes in Arizona? We’re glad you asked – Arizona is an amazingly scenic state, and one could argue that most of our trails are pretty scenic! Some of the ones famous for their beauty, however, include gems like the West Fork Trail, nestled within Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. It’s been repeatedly called one of the “top ten most beautiful” hikes in the U.S. by several sources, and we’re inclined to agree. Another super-scenic (and very difficult) hike in Arizona is the world-famous Bright Angel Trail, which is at (and in) the Grand Canyon. It’s long and best left to experienced hikers, but it’s an amazing trail to add to your bucket list. You can always work up to it! Other very scenic hikes in Arizona include the Shoshone Point Trail, also at the Grand Canyon (and rated as easy) and the White Tank Waterfall Trail west of Phoenix is amazing as well (and it’s got a seasonal waterfall).
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona is home to more than 3,200 hiking trails. Each one is amazing and truly worth it in its own right, but some are a lot easier than others, and sometimes you just kind of want to take it easy while still enjoying the great outdoors. Enter some of Arizona’s most amazing easy hikes, like the legendary Horseshoe Bend Trail near Page. It’s one-and-a-half miles of easy going until you reach one of the southwest’s most iconic natural wonders – Horseshoe Bend. Fay Canyon Trail is south of there, though also in northern Arizona; it’s 2.3 miles long and leads hikers through some of Arizona’s most beautiful red-rock country. Sedona in general is an amazing place to hike; we highly recommend it for hikers of all skill levels – there’s something for everyone! If you prefer to stay within the Phoenix Metro area, you’re in luck; there happens to be plenty of easy hikes within city limits for those who don’t want to stray too far. Try the Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park; it’s less than half a mile long (0.3 miles) and features amazing panoramic views of the whole city! Want more ideas? Check out this list of seven of the best beginner-friendly trails in Arizona.
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Arizona?
We’re glad you asked – Arizona is an amazingly scenic state, and one could argue that most of our trails are pretty scenic! Some of the ones famous for their beauty, however, include gems like the West Fork Trail, nestled within Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. It’s been repeatedly called one of the “top ten most beautiful” hikes in the U.S. by several sources, and we’re inclined to agree. Another super-scenic (and very difficult) hike in Arizona is the world-famous Bright Angel Trail, which is at (and in) the Grand Canyon. It’s long and best left to experienced hikers, but it’s an amazing trail to add to your bucket list. You can always work up to it! Other very scenic hikes in Arizona include the Shoshone Point Trail, also at the Grand Canyon (and rated as easy) and the White Tank Waterfall Trail west of Phoenix is amazing as well (and it’s got a seasonal waterfall).
