Arizona's Hiking Experience

ARIZONA'S HIKING EXPERIENCE

Arizona offers one of the most diverse landscapes in the country allowing you to experience all levels of hiking at many different elevations and climates. In the valley, you get the Sonoran Desert views located around sea level while if you head not too far north you get cooler weather with lush forest landscapes.
Arizona indeed has some of the most unique hiking available in the United States. With over 160 miles of state hiking trails, there's never a shortage of where to hike next. Arizona holds 22 national parks and monuments, 35 state parks and monuments and should be noted that our Saguaro Desert is the only place on earth where the Saguaro Cactus grows. When you first think of hiking in Arizona your first thought may be pictured as a hot desert with tumble weeds blowing across the trail. Contrary to popular belief, the diversity of hiking available in Arizona even includes hiking trails to water falls, one of the world wonders and even a place called "devils bridge". Let's dive into some of the best spots and explore your next hiking experience.

In the valley or Phoenix area, you are surrounded by mountain views and trails. No matter where you are in the Phoenix area, you are just a short drive to one of these great hiking trails. It should be noted that during our warmer summer months temperatures can rise to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. be sure to take precautions and be extra prepared with lots of water during these months. The summer months are a good time to take a weekend trip to the north country to enjoy a cooler climate and scenery change to satisfy your love for hiking.

Here are some of the best hiking trails for you to explore in the Phoenix area.
  • Piestewa Summit Trail in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenix, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from October until March.
  • Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Apache Junction, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from September until June. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
  • Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a short switchback trail from Tom's Thumb trailhead up to Tom's Thumb spur at the intersection of the Windgate Trail. Hikers are treated to gorgeous views of the southern Mcdowell Mountains and urban Phoenix. The trail is managed by Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. There is no water at the trailhead so bring plenty of liquid to stay hydrated.
  • Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hiking and rock climbing destinations in Phoenix, Arizona and offers spectacular views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area northwest of Scottsdale and between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and the town of Paradise Valley. The mountain was previously a Native American reservation and has special historical significance.
  • Dixie Mountain Loop in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve provides plenty of options for either a short walk or a longer hike. The elevation gain is accumulated through small ups-and-downs along the trail. Look for the Teddy Bear Cholla forest between mile posts 2.6 and 2.75. The Sonoran Preserve is located in the transition zone to the Arizona Upland, which has higher amounts of rainfall than other Phoenix area hikes, increasing both the lushness and diversity of plant life.
A quick drive north of the Phoenix area you will find cooler climate change and see your environment move to a more dense, lush scenery. Some destinations located in Northern Arizona include the famous Sedona which is known for its unique red rocks and views, Prescott where you will find Watson Lake lined with granite boulders and Flagstaff, where winters can be harsh and home to Northern Arizona University. These northern destinations offer some of the best hiking experiences available in Arizona with majestic views.

Here are some of the best hiking spots for you to explore in Northern Arizona.

  • Havasupai Falls is part of a multi-day backpacking trip through Havasu Creek Canyon. Hikers must get permits to hike this area. There are no day-hikes, so you must stay overnight if you enter the canyon. This is a very popular route, so permits are hard to come by. Please contact the Havasupai Indian Reservation for permits. Depending on your physical ability/timeframe, there are several different variations you can take. Most hikers stay at either the Havasupai Lodge in Supai or the Havasupai Campground near Havasu Falls. Two miles past Supai you will come across Havasu Falls, then Mooney Falls, then Beaver Falls. Some adventurous hikers may choose to go all the way to the confluence with the Colorado River.
  • Grand Canyon National Park has 99 great hiking trails, running trails, views trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Gearing up for a challenge? There are 54 hard trails in Grand Canyon National Park ranging from 2.6 to 72.6 miles and from 2,490 to 8,894 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!
  • Horseshoe Bend sees hundreds of visitors every day and is an attraction you have to stop by and check out. It is absolutely beautiful no matter what time it is however the most picturesque time would be during sunset. People may disagree, but when I went, the whole horseshoe bend lights up and becomes stunning. While I was there during sunset, I also saw many wedding photos being taken, so if that doesn’t convince you that sunset is the right time to go, I don’t know what would! Make sure to stand on the edge and look down, it’s an experience you just don’t want to miss!
  • Monument Valley is quite restricted, especially within the Navajo Tribal Park. The only path in the park that can be walked without a guide is the Wildcat Trail, an easy, 3.2 mile loop around West Mitten Butte. All other routes, or any hiking away from the Valley Drive, must be in the company of a Navajo guide, at a rate of around $50 per hour, though an alternative is to sign up for a group excursion which typically cost $50 to $150 per person for trips lasting up to one day. Commonly visited locations include Mitchell Mesa, Hunts Mesa, Teardrop Arch, Douglas Mesa and Mystery Valley. Many companies offer such tours, in addition to travel by jeep and horseback, and some trips include one or more nights camping
  • Antelope Canyon is mysterious and haunting and also known as "Corkscrew Canyon", one of the few slot canyons in the area, awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular yet little known attractions of the Lake Powell area. A tour to this awe inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike. Come see nature's surprising masterpiece of color.

Interested in learning more?

As an Arizona lifestyle and real estate native, I am here to help guide you every step of the way as you navigate exploring communities for your next home.
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