The top 25 hikes in Arizona

The Southwest has never looked so good, thanks to these Arizona hikes!

Outbound

San Francisco, California · January 10, 2017

From the Grand Canyon's desert oasis, to the trails around Phoenix and the red rock cliffs of Sedona, Arizona hikes are some of the best in America. Head south for a retreat from the winter cold or embrace the summer heat at one of the amazing swimming holes and waterfalls. Whatever type of Arizona hike you're chasing, there are plenty of options!

You can't miss these Arizona hikes

1. Hike the Broken Arrow Trail to Chicken Point

Red rock towers frame the sides of this image and a rocky mountain sits in the distance. — Photo: Nick Tort

Distance: 2.79 miles
Elevation: 420 feet
Type: out-and-back

This Sedona Arizona hike features incredible red and white rock views. Expect to see beautiful pinyon pines, juniper, and cypress groves along the way. This is a hot spot for hiking along with mountain biking and jeep tours.

2. Hike Piestewa Peak

The sun is rising or setting over sharp rocky peaks. There are some clouds and the sky is mostly yellow, orange, and light blue. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 2.25 miles
Elevation: 1,050 feet
Type: out-and-back

If you’re looking for a relatively quick workout, this is the adventure for you! This hike is conveniently located right in the heart of Phoenix and boasts incredible panoramic views of the city. It’s the perfect spot for sunset lovers!

3. Hike to Devil’s Bridge

Dark red rocks are topped with dessert plants and dark red rock towers rise in the distance. — Photo: Will Cebron

Distance: 3.94 miles
Elevation: 400 feet
Type: out-and-back

This adventure will reward you with sweeping views of Sedona and lead you to the picture-worthy Devil’s Bridge – an iconic landmark and the largest natural sandstone arch in Coconino National Forest.

4. Hike to Shoshone Point

Tall rock mountains filter sunlight into a valley. — Photo: Matt Eaton

Distance: 2.14 miles
Elevation: 100 feet
Type: out-and-back

Along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, experience the exposure and stunning views of Shoshone Point. Added bonus, this trail is Plan this hike around sunset to take the views to the next level!

5. Hike Tom’s Thumb

A tall rock tower is surrounded by boulders and sand. The sky is full of dark grey crowds. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 1,236 feet
Type: out-and-back

View the infamous “thumb” rock formation in Scottsdale, Arizona’s McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve. It’s quite a stunning sight rising right from the desert. Expect to see wildlife and be sure to bring plenty of water with you!

6. Hike the Bell Rock Trail

A tall red rock chimney is highlighted by the sun. Wide rock chimneys are in the background and the sky is blue and dotted with clouds. — Photo: Kathleen Buenviaje

Distance: 0.78 miles
Elevation: 210 feet
Type: out-and-back

This is a well maintained trail in Sedona with breathtaking views of rocky formations along the northern face of Bell Rock the whole way through.

7. Hike to Humphreys Peak Summit

A grove of very tall trees. — Photo: Sri Gangam

Distance: 9.57 miles
Elevation: 2,759 feet
Type: out-and-back

Enjoy views from Humphreys Peak– the highest point in Arizona! The widespread display of Aspen trees makes this a fantastic hike to do during the Fall when the leaves are bursting with color.

8. Hike Pinnacle Peak

A person wearing a backpack is climbing across a massive rock boulder. There is a green valley with a river in the middle behind them. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 3.87 miles
Elevation: 896 feet
Type: out-and-back

This is a nicely groomed trail with plenty of desert wildlife, scenic views, and climbing opportunities. Take in surreal views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, Granite Mountain, and the Cone Mountains while on this adventure.

9. Hike to Cibecue Falls

A tall waterfall cascades down tall red rocks and into a green and teal pool. — Photo: Matt Yanchek

Distance: 2.94 miles
Elevation: 600 feet
Type: out-and-back

This adventure proves that Arizona hikes aren’t all about the desert– there are certainly some amazing waterfall oases awaiting you! Take on this hike among a gorgeous canyon and desert landscape to experience pure serenity.

10. Hike to Robbers Roost

The view out of a hole in a massive rock face looking out over a desert with tall wide chimney rocks in the distance. — Photo: Aaron Maltby

Distance: 0.95 miles
Elevation: 148 feet
Type: out-and-back

Though a short hike, you’ll get to relish in spectacular sights of Desona’s red rock formations. Picnic with a cliff side view or in a secluded cave for some shade.

11. Hike to Horseshoe Bend

A massive rock structure sits in the middle of a river bend. The shore is covered in tall rock structures, creating a horseshoe shape with the water. — Photo: Seth Berry

Distance: 1.52 miles
Elevation: 157 feet
Type: out-and-back

You may have seen a photo of this spot on Instagram or heard about its beauty from friends who have been to Horseshoe Bend and with good reason. Horseshoe Bend is a short and quick hike to stunning views like the one above, which is definitely worth the stop if you find yourself near Lake Powell.

12. Hike Coal Mine Canyon

A person is standing on rock boulders looking out over a valley and rock chimneys in the distance. The sun is rising or setting so the sky is purple, pink, orange, and yellow. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 364 feet
Type: out-and-back

This is a remote gem that boasts spires, hoodoos, gullies, and cliffs of vibrant colors as far as the eye can see. With minimal crowds, this is the perfect spot for some amazing photo opportunities.

13. Hike to “The Crack” at Wet Beaver Creek

A tannish red dog is looking at a person jumping off a rock cliff. — Photo: Brooke Van Poppelen

Distance: 7.61 miles
Elevation: 500 feet
Type: out-and-back

Located in Yavapai County, this is the spot for cliff jumping enthusiasts. It’s also a great Arizona hike for those looking to get some relief from the hot desert sun as there’s an opportunity to take a dip in a swimming hole.

14. Hike the West Fork Trail

Tall rocks fill the photo. They have horizontal striations at the top and vertical striations toward the bottom. — Photo: Wendy Wernet

Distance: 6.49 miles
Elevation: 1,102 feet
Type: out-and-back

Right in Sedona, set foot on a trail that features a stunning canyon rich in reds and browns. You’ll encounter various stream crossings and for an extra treat, do this hike in the Fall when the Aspen trees are bursting with color.

15. Hike Cathedral Rock

A series of tall red rock towers cover the left four fifths of the image with some scrubby trees at the bottom. — Photo: Justin Ritucci

Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation: 925 feet
Type: out-and-back

This is known to be one of the most scenic hikes in Sedona. Expect to have your breath taken away by the stunning landmark that is Cathedral Rock. For an extra special experience, watch the sunset from the top.

16. Hike Siphon Draw to Flatiron Summit

A lush green valley sits at the base of a cliff face on the right that is lit up by the sun. This is the view from an Arizona hike. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation: 3,415 feet
Type: out-and-back

On this hike, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin, and the potential for an amazing sunset watching experience. At the top, you’ll certainly want to bask in the view and whip out your camera. Note that there are a few places to stop and eat nearby if you want to treat yourself to a nice cold beer and munch post hike!

17. Summit Weavers Needle

A tall rock chimney is lit up orange and surrounded by additional rocks. The sun is rising or setting, so the sky is blue, pink, orange, and purple. — Photo: Nick Tort

Distance: 8.02 miles
Elevation: 2,602 feet
Type: out-and-back

Located in Gold Canyon, Arizona, you won’t want to miss the beauty and wow-factor that is Weavers Needle. It’s one of the most breathtaking stone formations in the area that appears to rise from the desert floor. This hike is a rare opportunity to get out into the true wilderness and witness nature in its purest beauty.

18. Hike Sedona’s Fay Canyon

Rock chimneys on each side of the image are dotted with scrubby trees. The bottom of the valley between the rocks is full of greenery and the sky is blue and dotted with clouds. — Photo: Kathleen Buenviaje

Distance: 2.56 miles
Elevation: 666 feet
Type: out-and-back

This Arizona hike has minimal crowds and is a hidden gem. It's a great hike if you want to get in touch with nature and find some peace. The spectacular views of Fay Canyon and the surrounding landscape are well worth it.

19. Hike and Stargaze at SP Crater

Two people wearing headlamps are on an Arizona hike walking up a slope at night. The milky way is bright and dots the purple, black, and orange sky. — Photo: Moe Lauchert

Distance: 1.96 miles
Elevation: 341 feet
Type: out-and-back

Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, this is an adventure that will reward you with views of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the top. Flagstaff is one of the top rated “Dark Sky Cities” with minimal light pollution, making it an incredible destination for some stargazing at night. Take precaution while hiking in the dark.

20. Hike up Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail

The view from on top of a rocky mound looking down at greenery and a city. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 2.68 miles
Elevation: 1,158 feet
Type: out-and-back

Located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, this hike up Camelback Mountain offers fantastic views of the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Expect to do some rock scrambling during the final stretch to the top.

21. Hike to Beaver Falls

Bright teal water cascades down several short pools surrounded by rocks and greenery. — Photo: Jeremy Meek

Distance: 5.28 miles
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Type: out-and-back

On this adventure located in Supai, Arizona, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the beauty of cascading pools and swim in the breathtakingly turquoise waters of Havasu Creek. Havasupai is closed to visitors for 2022, but we hope it will open again in the near future.

22. Hike to Mooney Falls

A tall waterfall flows over rocks and into a bright teal pool. — Photo: Jeremy Meek

Distance: 1.36 miles
Elevation: 200 feet
Type: out-and-back

This is the picture-perfect Arizona hike that you won’t want to pass up. You will be breath taken by the 200-foot Mooney Falls and the unbelievably blue waters below. Note that to get down to the pool at the waterfall’s base, you’ll need to hike down the cliff face using chains and ladders. As this can be dangerous, please take extreme caution. Havasupai is closed to visitors for 2022, but we hope it will open again in the future.

23. Hike Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail

Rocky red cliffs are turning purple in the rising or setting sun. — Photo: John Stambaugh

Distance: 12.27 miles
Elevation: 3,000 feet
Type: out-and-back

This is a fantastic spot for watching the sunset and offers the unique opportunity to view the Grand Canyon from the inside looking out.

24. Hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Loop Trail

A person is standing on a rocky peak overlooking a city. It's dawn or dusk and the city is lit up. — Photo: Kevin Kaminski

Distance: 3.63 miles
Elevation: 873 feet
Type: loop

Right in Phoenix, this is a dog-friendly Arizona hike featuring amazing vistas overlooking the city and unique rock formations.

25. Hike Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley

A towering rock chimney is silhouetted by the sun on this Arizona hike. — Photo: Jared Blitz

Distance: 3.98 miles
Elevation: 397 feet
Type: loop

This is a picture-worthy adventure in Monument Valley that doesn't require the services of a Navajo guide. You’ll have the opportunity to get close to the 1500-foot behemoth rock structures. This trail will leave you fully exposed to the elements so be prepared with plenty of water in the summer and wear a warm jacket in the winter– yes it does get cold!

Cover photo: Kevin Kaminski

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