Arizona's Best Trails & Outdoor Adventures
Explore 92+ trails, state parks, and lakes. Click any marker for details.
Year-Round Hiking
300+ days of sunshine with trails at every elevation — from desert floor to 12,000-foot peaks
Diverse Landscapes
Red rock canyons, saguaro forests, alpine meadows, and desert lakes — all within a few hours' drive
Dog-Friendly Trails
68 dog-friendly trails, parks, and lakes where your four-legged friend can join
Top 5 Hiking Trails in Arizona
Our curated selection of must-hike trails that showcase the best of Arizona's outdoor beauty
Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail
Phoenix's most iconic summit hike. The Echo Canyon Trail is a steep, rocky scramble to the 2,704-foot summit with panoramic Valley views. One of the most photographed landmarks in Arizona.
Cathedral Rock Trail
A short but steep scramble up slickrock to one of Sedona's most photographed red rock formations. Known as a powerful vortex site with breathtaking 360-degree views.
Bright Angel Trail
The Grand Canyon's most famous trail descending from the South Rim with rest houses and water stations. One of the most iconic hikes in America — every step down must be hiked back up.
Devil's Bridge Trail
Sedona's most popular hike leading to the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. The bridge spans 54 feet across a canyon — one of the most photographed spots in Arizona.
Humphreys Peak Trail
Arizona's highest point at 12,637 feet. An above-treeline alpine hike through the San Francisco Peaks with views stretching to the Grand Canyon on clear days.
Trail Finder
Browse and filter all trails, state parks, and lakes across Arizona
Showing 40 trails
Romero Pools Trail
Popular Tucson hike through saguaro-studded foothills to seasonal rock pools
Havasupai Falls Trail
Legendary Grand Canyon descent to turquoise waterfalls — permits required
Wilson Mountain Trail
Sedona's toughest summit with 360-degree views of Red Rock Country
Weatherford Trail
Historic San Francisco Peaks trail through aspen forests with stunning fall colors
Butcher Jones Trail
Scenic lakeside trail along Saguaro Lake with beach access and mountain views
Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail
Summit the Tucson Mountains through the world's densest saguaro forest
Ventana Canyon Trail
Tucson classic ascending to 'The Window' — a natural rock arch framing the desert
Seven Falls Trail
Tucson's premier waterfall hike through Bear Canyon with cascading pools
Devil's Bridge Trail
Sedona's most popular hike to a dramatic 54-foot natural sandstone arch
Fossil Springs Trail
Descend to a lush canyon oasis with crystal-clear turquoise swimming pools
Humphreys Peak Trail
Summit Arizona's highest peak at 12,637 ft with views to the Grand Canyon
South Kaibab Trail
Grand Canyon ridge trail with the most expansive, unobstructed canyon views
Bright Angel Trail
The Grand Canyon's most famous trail — descend into one of the world's great wonders
Boynton Canyon Trail
Lush box canyon hike surrounded by towering red rock walls — a Sedona vortex site
West Fork Oak Creek Trail
Stunning canyon hike with 13 creek crossings — Arizona's best fall foliage trail
Bell Rock Trail
Easy loop around Sedona's iconic bell-shaped red rock formation
Sunrise Trail
Popular sunrise hike with expansive views of Verde River and Four Peaks
Pinnacle Peak Trail
Scottsdale's signature desert trail with pristine scenery and panoramic views
Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail
Phoenix's toughest day hike — 2,500 ft gain to the iconic Superstition summit
Tom's Thumb Trail
Hike to a distinctive granite spire with sweeping Sonoran Desert views
Hieroglyphic Trail
Family-friendly hike to ancient petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall pool
Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle
Dramatic Superstition Wilderness hike with iconic Weavers Needle views
Cathedral Rock Trail
Steep slickrock scramble to Sedona's most iconic red rock formation
Camelback Mountain - Cholla Trail
The longer route up Camelback Mountain with guardrails and Paradise Valley views
When to Hike in Arizona
Arizona offers year-round hiking, but knowing when and where to go makes all the difference
Fall (Oct - Nov)
Perfect hiking weather returns. Desert trails are comfortable, and Sedona's red rocks glow in the golden light. The most popular season for hiking.
Winter (Dec - Feb)
Ideal for lower-elevation desert hikes. Northern Arizona trails may have snow. Wildflower season begins in late February in the Sonoran Desert.
Spring (Mar - May)
Arizona's most spectacular hiking season. Desert wildflowers bloom across the state. Start early as temperatures climb. Last chance for comfortable desert hiking before summer.
Summer (Jun - Sep)
Escape to higher elevations! Northern Arizona offers cool pine forests and alpine meadows. Avoid desert trails — heat can be deadly. Monsoon storms bring dramatic skies in July-August.
Desert Hiking Essentials
Arizona's desert terrain demands proper preparation. Here's what every hiker needs.
Hydration Pack
Essential for Arizona desert hiking. Carry at least 1 liter per hour in summer.
Shop at REI Co-opSun Protection
Wide-brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and UV-blocking sunglasses are non-negotiable.
Shop at REI Co-opHiking Boots
Sturdy, ankle-supporting boots for rocky desert terrain. Break them in before your hike.
Shop at REI Co-opTrail Maps & GPS
Download offline maps before you go. Cell service is unreliable on many Arizona trails.
Shop at AllTrailsFirst Aid Kit
Include snake bite supplies, blister treatment, and electrolyte packets for desert conditions.
Shop at REI Co-opLinks may earn SeekZona a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hiking in Arizona
Q:What are the best hiking trails in Arizona?
Arizona offers world-class hiking across diverse terrain. Top trails include Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon and Cholla trails) in Phoenix, Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge in Sedona, Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails at the Grand Canyon, Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff (Arizona's highest point at 12,637 ft), and the Flatiron via Siphon Draw in the Superstition Mountains. Each offers unique desert, red rock, canyon, or alpine scenery.
Q:When is the best time to hike in Arizona?
The best hiking season depends on elevation. For desert trails (Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale), October through April offers comfortable temperatures of 60-85°F. Summer hiking in the desert can be extremely dangerous with temperatures exceeding 110°F. For summer hiking, head to Northern Arizona — Flagstaff, Prescott, and the White Mountains offer cool 75-85°F temperatures and pine forests.
Q:Are dogs allowed on Arizona hiking trails?
Many Arizona trails welcome leashed dogs, but some popular ones do not. Dog-friendly trails include Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Tom's Thumb, Pinnacle Peak, and most regional parks. However, dogs are prohibited on Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak summit trail, all Grand Canyon trails below the rim, West Fork Oak Creek, and most national park trails. Always check specific trail rules before heading out with your pet.
Q:How much water should I bring hiking in Arizona?
In the Arizona desert, plan to drink at least 1 liter (32 oz) of water per hour of hiking during warm months. For a typical 3-hour hike, bring at least 3 liters. In summer, increase to 1.5 liters per hour. A hydration pack is highly recommended. Also bring electrolyte supplements to prevent hyponatremia. Many desert trails have no water sources, so carry everything you need.
Q:What should I know about rattlesnakes on Arizona trails?
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes. They're most active from April through October and prefer rocky, shaded areas. Stay on marked trails, watch where you step and place your hands, wear closed-toe boots, and give snakes at least 6 feet of space. If bitten, remain calm, immobilize the limb, and call 911 immediately. Most encounters are avoidable with awareness.
Q:Are Arizona state parks worth visiting for hiking?
Absolutely! Arizona's 27 state parks offer incredible hiking and outdoor experiences. Highlights include Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon (swimming + hiking), Kartchner Caverns (cave tours + trails), Lost Dutchman State Park (Superstition Mountain views), Red Rock State Park in Sedona (creek-side trails), Picacho Peak (challenging summit hike), and Tonto Natural Bridge (the world's largest natural travertine bridge). Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.