Popular Hiking Trails
Below are some of the most popular hiking trails found throughout Arizona. These range in difficulty from easy to hard. We'll provide some information about the trails and a map:
- Devil's Bridge
- Bright Angel Trail
- Blue Mesa
- Camelback Mountain
- Flatiron
This trail is located in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. It is a 1.8 mile hike to the iconic natural rock arch made out of sandstone. There's over 500 feet of elevation gain and the trail is well maintained by the National Park. This hike is considered to be easy-moderate difficulty. This is also a very popular hike, so there will be plenty of other hikers on the trail.
This trail is one of many located near the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona. Following the 15.3 mile route, hikers can experience all there is to see in the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world! Due to the length of the trail and the 4500 feet of elevation gain, this is considered a very difficult hike. Be sure to pack plenty of water and plan ahead if this journey interests you!
This is a relatively easy 1 mile loop trail in the Petrified Forest National Park just outside of Holbrook, Arizona. The average completion time is about 25 minutes and only has 115 feet of elevation gain. This trail may be shorter than others on this list, but it is a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
This is a moderately difficult 2.6 mile trail located in Scottsdale, Arizona. While it is considered a challenging climb, it's one of the most popular trails in the area and there's likely to be plenty of other hikers. Completing the 1500 foot climb up Camelback Mountain offers a stunning view of the surrounding valley.
The last entry on this list is a 5.5 mile trail up the face of Superstition Mountain. This is a fairly challenging route, as there are hardly any switchbacks and over 2600 feet of elevation gain. Some sections of the trail require a little bit of rock climbing, so good hiking shoes and some gloves are a must. While the difficulty of the trail can be intimidating, the view and journey make it well worth the challenge.
For a more in depth view of each trail, check out AllTrails! Remember to plan your trip ahead of time to avoid getting lost or confused, as not all trails may be in the best condition. The Arizona desert can reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to pack at least 1 liter of water per hour outside. Finally, use the Buddy System if possible. It's always a good idea to travel in pairs, in case an emergency or accident occurs.