Arizona

Looking for the best running in Arizona? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Arizona. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Arizona

  • North Rim, Arizona

    Hike Point Imperial Trail

    5.38 mi / 676 ft gain
    Point Imperial is the highest point in the Grand Canyon, lying in the North Rim, at 8800ft and offering incredible views of staggered mountains. The trail itself is relatively easy.  If you're not acclimated to the elevation you'll feel short of breath, but beyond that it mostly takes you through...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Shaw Butte Trail

    5.0
    4.22 mi / 866 ft gain
    The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top.  Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Secret Slickrock Trail

    5.0
    0.71 mi / 30 ft gain
    Wanting a short and sweet sunset or sunrise spot in Sedona away from some of the crowds? This easily accessible trail is great for people wanting picnics, a quick photography spot (we saw a couple from their wedding doing a photo shoot here), and a cool spot to watch the sun rise or set with the ...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hole in the Rock

    3.9
    0.27 mi / 33 ft gain
    Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak

    4.6
    3.73 mi / 1037 ft gain
    Sunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Mojave Connector Trail #202

    2.18 mi / 820 ft gain
    The best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. At .4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summ...
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  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Hike and Camp at Arizona's A1 Mountain

    4.7
    6.6 miles west of downtown Flagstaff off the I-40 West is the A1 Mountain Road. Continue over the cattle guards and enter into the A1 Mountain Area—perfect for hiking, camping, and trail running.The main road is well established for a dirt road, and many of the hiking trails branch off from it. T...
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  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Bike along the San Francisco Peaks on Waterline Road

    4.0
    20 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Waterline Road is a closed service road that follows along the southern and eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ. You will pass through several miles of charred ponderosa pine as well as expansive groves of aspen trees as you make your way to the Inner Basin.The road follows...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Baldwin Trail Loop

    3.3 mi / 105 ft gain
    Enjoy the beautiful Baldwin Trail Loop in red rock country as you take in the majestic views of Cathedral Rock! As with most areas in Sedona, you will need to have purchased a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead, which is located just south of Verde Valley Road. The trailhead, starting at an ...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon

    5.0
    40.78 mi / 15778 ft gain
    This run is an extreme adventure and requires lots of planning and training. The risk for injury or heat related illness is high, so take precautions and don't run alone. Group sizes of 12-30 require a $175 permit from the NPS. These trails are popular with runners, hikers, and backpackers; pl...
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  • Waddell, Arizona

    Hike Goat Camp Trail

    16 mi
    This is one of the less traveled trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  If you're looking for a solid day hike in the west valley, try this one.  It isn't a loop, but it ultimately connects with some of the other long trails so if you're up for a long hike, you have options.  This starts f...
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  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Hike the Aspen Nature Loop at Humphrey's Peak

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 300 ft gain
    This is a great hike that has amazing views at all times of the year. This trail might be closed for skiing season, but I am not sure. I went in October, just before Halloween and the weather was perfect. The leaves were changing and there was a nice brisk breeze. The short loop makes it accessib...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    North Mountain Trail

    4.7
    1.42 mi / 571 ft gain
    Beginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area.  Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top.   Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...
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  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Go John Trail

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 804 ft gain
    As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Hike the Wild Burro Trail

    4 mi / 112 ft gain
    Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail

    2.5
    2.4 mi
    This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...
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