Arizona is a southwestern US state renowned for its dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Native American cultures, and iconic natural wonders. Home to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most visited natural sites, Arizona offers visitors a stunning contrast of red rock formations in Sedona, towering saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, forested mountains around Flagstaff, and the otherworldly mesas of Monument Valley.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Bright Angel Trail
The most popular trail in the Grand Canyon drops from the South Rim (6,860 ft) to the Colorado River (2,480 ft), passing through geological layers spanning 2 billion years. Rest houses at 1.5 miles and 3 miles offer water and shade. Do NOT attempt rim-to-river and back in one day in summer.
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2
South Kaibab Trail
The most dramatic Grand Canyon trail follows ridge lines with continuous panoramic views — no forest cover to block the vistas. Ooh Aah Point (0.9 miles) and Skeleton Point (3 miles) are excellent turnaround points for day hikers.
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3
Camelback Mountain — Echo Canyon Trail
Camelback Mountain is Phoenix's signature hike — a steep scramble up 2,707-foot Camelback Peak using metal handholds on near-vertical rock faces. The views of the Phoenix metro from the summit are spectacular. One of the most heavily used trails in the US.
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4
Camelback Mountain — Cholla Trail
The slightly less crowded approach to Camelback's summit from the northeast side, the Cholla Trail offers slightly longer distance with similar scrambling challenges. The upper third of the trail requires careful use of your hands and feet on steep red sandstone.
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5
West Fork of Oak Creek Trail
Consistently rated one of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona, the West Fork Trail follows a stunning red rock canyon along a clear stream, crossing the creek numerous times on stepping stones. The canyon walls narrow dramatically in the upper section. Fall foliage is spectacular in October.
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6
Cathedral Rock Trail
A short but intense scramble up Cathedral Rock — Sedona's most photographed formation — using red rock ledges and metal handholds. The summit area offers panoramic views of Sedona's red rock landscape. This is one of Sedona's four recognized energy vortex sites.
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7
Bell Rock Trail
Bell Rock is one of Sedona's most recognized formations — a massive red sandstone butte resembling a bell. The trail circumnavigates and climbs partway up the rock, with outstanding 360° views. One of Sedona's four energy vortex sites, with Courthouse Butte also visible.
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8
Tom's Thumb Trail
One of Scottsdale's most rewarding hikes, Tom's Thumb Trail climbs through boulder fields to a distinctive granite thumb formation with outstanding views of the Valley of the Sun and McDowell Mountains. The Sonoran Desert plant life is extraordinary along the route.
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9
Humphreys Peak Trail
The trail to Arizona's highest point (12,633 ft) begins at Snowbowl ski area and climbs through spruce-fir forest, past the treeline, and across a tundra-like saddle to the summit with views across four states. Sacred to both Navajo and Hopi peoples.
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10
Kachina Trail
A beautiful traverse of the San Francisco Peaks through mixed conifer forest offering quieter mountain hiking than the Humphreys Peak trail. Beautiful views of Flagstaff and the high desert plateau below.
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11
Romero Canyon Trail
A beautiful desert mountain trail climbing from saguaro-studded bajada through desert scrub to a series of seasonal pools fed by Romero Creek. In spring, the desert wildflowers and flowing water create one of Tucson's finest hiking experiences.
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12
Sabino Canyon Trail
Sabino Canyon offers one of Tucson's most accessible natural escapes — a gorgeous desert canyon with a flowing creek, saguaro forests, and dramatic rocky walls. A narrated tram ($12) carries visitors up the canyon road; you can hike back down or walk the full length.
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13
Saguaro National Park — Valley View Overlook Trail
A short, accessible trail through dense saguaro forest to a hilltop overlook with views across the Avra Valley. Ideal for visitors who want to experience the saguaro landscape without a strenuous hike. The saguaro density here is exceptional.
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14
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
The second highest summit in Phoenix's mountain parks after Camelback, Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) offers an intense rocky scramble on the popular Summit Trail #300 with outstanding city views and a genuine workout for a short distance.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Arizona.
- Phoenix Low Desert
- Best October through April, Avoid May through September (heat dangerous), Winter note Perfect hiking weather, 60-75°F; occasionally wet in December-February
- Sedona High Desert
- Best March-May and September-November, Summer Manageable in mornings due to 4,350 ft elevation; afternoon heat 95-100°F, Winter Cool to cold; possible frost at night; snow rare but possible
- Flagstaff Mountain
- Best June through October, Snow season November through April — winter hiking with microspikes possible but plans may be limited by snow
- Grand Canyon
- Rim year round South Rim accessible year-round; winter snow creates dramatic beauty, Below rim summer Dangerous June-August; canyon temperatures exceed 115°F, Below rim best March-May and September-November, North rim Open mid-May through mid-October
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: The primary killer in Arizona's desert. Temperatures can exceed 115°F in Phoenix in July-August. Never hike in the low desert after 10am in summer.
Hazard: Narrow canyon trails can fill with rushing water in minutes even when storms are miles away. Canyon de Chelly, Antelope Canyon, and slot canyon hikes are especially vulnerable.
Hazard: Present on most Arizona trails, especially in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Most active at dawn and dusk.
Hazard: Jumping cholla cactus attaches to clothing and skin with hooked spines. Use two sticks to remove segments — never use your hands.
Hazard: Humphreys Peak (12,633 ft) and the Grand Canyon North Rim (8,241 ft) can cause altitude sickness in visitors coming from lower elevations.