9 Best Hiking in Arizona: My Personal Take on the Top Trails
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Being born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I have been able to enjoy many different hiking trails in this beautiful state. One of my favorite aspects of living in Arizona, other than our amazing weather, is the incredible landscapes, mountains, and thousands of hiking trails that Arizona has to offer. Whether you are looking for a strenuous hiking trail, like Camelback or a scenic trail like Havasu Falls, we honestly have everything for every hiker. In this guide, I will be highlighting some of the best hiking in Arizona to help you pick some amazing new trails to try out.
Introduction: Best Hiking in Arizona
Arizona is one of the few states that varies in climates, views, and just its overall landscape. You can be in snow covered mountains at 12,000 in the morning and then hiking in 70-degree weather in the Sonoran Desert in the afternoon. With our varied climate and diverse nature, I feel like this is what makes Arizona so great when it comes to hiking. The various trails, intensity, and landscapes makes some for some of the best hiking in Arizona. In this guide I will sharing insider tips, personal insights, and all the tips you need to know before you hit our amazing trails. Now, let’s dive in!
Phoenix Hiking Trails: Iconic Desert Treks
1. Camelback Mountain Hike: Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail
One of the most iconic hiking spots in Phoenix is Camelback Mountain. There are two trails on Camelback, one is the very strenuous Echo Canyon (the trail with the rail) and the second less strenuous bit slightly longer trail is the Cholla Trail. Both trails are not for beginner hikers as you will be hiking over large boulders, encountering steep elevation, and metal rails to pull yourself up. That being said, you will be met with some of the most amazing views in all of Phoenix, making that strenous hike well worth it.
Hiking Camelback, or any trail for that matter in the summer can be extremely dangerous so please be mindful of our extreme temperatures, especially in the summer, as it can take a toll you. Hiking early in the morning or later in the evening is preferred, but the temperatures int eh summer can still be well over 90 degrees even during that time. And always, always, always bring plenty of water and electrolytes with you!
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a rugged and strenuous hike, head to Echo Canyon. If you want something a little less intense, but still difficult, try Cholla train.
2. Piestewa Peak Hike: Summit Trail
One of my favorite trails to hike in Phoenix is the Piestewa Peak trail. This trail is a favorite amongst locals and visitors because of its stunning views from the summit. This is a medium length trail, but the elevation is quick, intense, and throughout most of your hike. The views are stunning, although once you are near the top its very rocky and can be challenging to sit. This is another great hike to do in the morning or evening when the temperatures are higher and an amazing hike any time of day during spring and winter. As always, bring lots of water, and try and not hike when the temperatures are extreme.
Sedona Hike: Red Rock Mysteries
3. Devil’s Bridge Trail
A few hours north of Phoenix in the incredibly beautiful city of Sedona, is Devil’s Bridge Trail. This trail is 4 miles in and out and leads to one of our most famous landscapes, which is a sandstone arch. In the usual Arizona fashion when it comes to hiking, this trail too offers a fun rock scramble where you need to crawl over boulders. But trust me, when you see the views. It is totally worth it!
Pro Tip: Visit Sedona and hike during the week for the least number of tourists and a more pleasant time on the trail. The trail does get duty with the red fine dirt so bring a mask or bandana, and always plenty of water.
4. West Fork Trail Sedona
Another one of my favorite trails to hike when I am in Sedona is the West Fork Trail. This trail is located in Oak Creek Canyon, famous for Slide Rock. What I love about this trail is that it offers plenty of shade for those warm days, there are water crossings through a lush forest, and the overall feeling of serenity I have when I am here. One of my favorite times to visit Sedona and hike is in teh fall because this is one of the few areas in Arizona, that you can see those amazing fall bright colors on the leaves.
Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, this trail offers shade, serenity, and water crossings through lush forest. It’s especially magical in fall when the leaves turn brilliant hues of orange and red.
Pro Tip: Bring not only hiking shoes but water shoes for those water crossings. Your feet will get wet and the water is cold, so be prepared.
Mountain Peaks & High Desert
5. Humphreys Peak: (via Inner Basin or Summit Trail)
About 2-2.5 hours north of Phoenix is Flagstaff, Humphrey’s Peak, which is home to Arizona’s highest peak, sitting at 12,633 feet. This all-day trail has a nice slow incline in the beginning, but Summit Trail is extremely steep and strenuous. If you are prone to altitude sickness, you may be symptomatic on this trail, so please come prepared. The closer you get to the peak, the colder it is, so dressing in layers is a must, and packing plenty of water is also critical on this hike.
Pro Tip: Hike in early fall when then leaves start to change colors, and before the mountain gets snowfall (yes it snows in Arizona). Be prepared for altitude effects and afternoon storms, as they quickly roll in at higher elevations.
6. Bright Angel Trail Grand Canyon
The Bright Angel Trail is an iconic trail in Arizona that begins in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and descends deep into the canyon itself. While you don’t have to go all the way to the river, even a partial descent offers amazing views, and you feel the sense of history while on the hike. Depending on how I am feeling, I usually go down to the 1.5 mile of 3-mile rest house depending on how I feel and how much time I have. The weather also plays a huge role in that decision.
Pro Tip: You will go down much faster than you will go up, so factor that into your timing and always bring plenty of salty snacks and at least 3 liters of water with electrolytes for this hike.
Grand Canyon Hikes: Best Hiking in Arizona
7. Havasupai Falls Hike: Havasu Creek Trail
One of the most memorable hikes that I have ever done in my entire life, was getting to hike Havasupai Falls. This was more than a hike, it was an incredible experience. This 10-mile hike was actually not too strenuous at all going into the campsite and offered amazing views at every turn. About 8 miles in you come to the tribal city, and here you can get food, water, and relax before you make your final trek to camp.
On my way into camp, I got to sit and just stare at the iconic turquoise waterfall that we see in all of the magazines, and it was even more magical seeing it in person. I camped two nights here and was able to explore Mooney and Beaver Falls the next day, which were fantastic, before we made our way out the next day. The hike out wasn’t great, due to the amount of hiking I did the previous two days, and the last few mils of switchbacks about made me collapse. Would I do it again? Yes! But I would 100% take the helicopter out regardless of the cost (as I lost seven toenails on this hike)!
Pro Tip: Hiking permits are hard to come by, and you have to get them well in advanced. But once you secure one, you will have the hike of your life!
8. Antelope Canyon Hiking: Guided Tour Only
Antelope Canyon is famous for the swirling sandstone walls that you see all over Instagram. While this experience and visit is short, it is visually unforgettable and something you don’t see every day. This is a guided access only area, and despite that and despite the crowds, walking through really makes you feel like you are walking through a sandstone dream. This is another one that books early and far in advanced so come prepared and book early!
Hiking in Arizona: Other Hidden Gems
9. Arizona Trail: Baldy East & West (Near Flagstaff)
If you are in or near the Flagstaff area and Humphrey’s may be too strenuous of a hike for you, then the Baldy East and West may be more your style. This if often a quieter and more remote trail, offering you a hiking experience though the lush pines that Flagstaff is known for. The East trail is about 12 miles round trip and the West trail is nearly 15 miles, so depending on your timing, you can choose accordingly.
Pro Tip: In true Frue northern elevation, the climates due change as you rise in altitude so always come prepared with layers and plenty of water.
When It’s Best to Hike in Arizona
Fall to Spring: This time of year, is perfect for the Phoenix hikes like Camelback and Piestewa and the weather is perfect in the city for hiking. Hiking in Sedona during the fall is also recommended if you want to see the beautiful fall colors.
Summer: Hiking in the summer is best for higher altitudes like Flagstaff and Sedona due to the cooler temperatures in the higher elevations.
Early Mornings/Weekdays: The best way to beat the crowds and the heat year-round.
Always: Remember to always wear sunscreen, even in the winter, pack plenty of water with electrolytes, and bring layers if you are hiking in higher elevations.
Conclusion: Best Hiking in Arizona
One of my favorite things about living in Arizona is our incredible landscapes and the hundreds and hundreds of hiking trails that we have. You could honestly hike a new trail every day for a year and never hit the same trail twice. Whether you are looking for a strenuous hike like Camelback or Humphrey’s or something a little milder, we have it all.
Our hiking is more than just about the views; it’s the entire experience from start to finish. I am hoping this post has inspired to you try a new trail or maybe visit one that you have hiked in a while. If you try one of my favorite trails, I would love to hear your thoughts!