Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level in Arizona

Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to every skill level. From the towering red rocks of Sedona to the rugged landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s trails promise stunning vistas and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a leisurely walk or an experienced hiker seeking a challenging trek, there’s a trail in Arizona for you. Here are some top hiking trails in Arizona for every skill level.

Easy Trails

1. West Fork Trail - Sedona

Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Highlights:

• Located in Oak Creek Canyon, the West Fork Trail is one of the most picturesque hikes in Sedona (it's the cover for this article!).
• The trail follows a creek and features numerous stream crossings, making it a fun and engaging hike.
• Surrounded by lush forests and towering red rock walls, this trail offers ample shade and stunning views.

2. Devil’s Bridge Trail - Sedona

Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Highlights:

• Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area.
• The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual incline leading to the arch.
• The final ascent to the arch involves a short, steep climb, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it.

3. Papago Park - Phoenix

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Highlights:

• Papago Park is an urban park located near downtown Phoenix, offering easy trails with scenic views.
• The park features unique red rock formations and desert landscapes.
• Popular trails include the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail and the Elliot Ramada Loop.

Moderate Trails

4. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail - Phoenix

Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,280 feet
Highlights:

• Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix’s most iconic hikes, offering challenging terrain and spectacular city views.
• The Echo Canyon Trail is steep and rocky, requiring some scrambling.
• The effort is rewarded with 360-degree views of the Phoenix metropolitan area from the summit.

5. Cathedral Rock Trail - Sedona

Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 750 feet
Highlights:

• Although short, the Cathedral Rock Trail is steep and requires some scrambling over rocks.
• The trail offers stunning views of Sedona’s red rock formations.
• The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views, making it a popular spot for sunset hikes.

6. Peralta Trail - Superstition Mountains

Distance: 6.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
Highlights:

• The Peralta Trail is a popular hike in the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix.
• The trail leads to the Fremont Saddle, offering incredible views of Weaver’s Needle, a prominent rock spire.
• The hike features diverse desert vegetation and interesting rock formations.

Difficult Trails

7. Bright Angel Trail - Grand Canyon

Distance: 12 miles round trip to Plateau Point
Elevation Gain: 3,195 feet
Highlights:

• The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the Grand Canyon.
• The trail descends steeply from the South Rim to the Colorado River, with several turnaround points for shorter hikes.
• The hike to Plateau Point offers stunning views of the Inner Canyon and the Colorado River.

8. Humphreys Peak - Flagstaff

Distance: 10.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,343 feet
Highlights:

• Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, standing at 12,633 feet.
• The trail is challenging, with a steep and rocky ascent through alpine forests and meadows.
• The summit provides unparalleled views of northern Arizona, including the Grand Canyon on clear days.

9. Havasu Falls - Havasupai Reservation

Distance: 10 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Highlights:

• Havasu Falls is famous for its stunning turquoise waterfalls and pools.
• The hike begins at Hualapai Hilltop and descends into the Havasu Canyon.
• Permits are required to visit, and the area offers camping opportunities near the falls.

10. South Kaibab Trail - Grand Canyon

Distance: 14.6 miles round trip to Skeleton Point
Elevation Gain: 4,860 feet
Highlights:

• The South Kaibab Trail is a steep and strenuous trail offering dramatic views of the Grand Canyon.
• The trail has fewer water sources than the Bright Angel Trail, so hikers need to be well-prepared.
• Skeleton Point offers a fantastic turnaround point with breathtaking views of the Colorado River.

Conclusion

Arizona’s diverse landscapes offer hiking opportunities for adventurers of all skill levels. Whether you’re exploring the easy trails of Papago Park or taking on the challenging ascent of Humphreys Peak, each trail provides its unique beauty and sense of accomplishment. You can even enjoy wonderful swimming holes depending on which hike you go on. I would recommend doing a few! Maybe a hard hike one day and an easy hike the next? 

Regardless, lace up your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and set out to discover the natural wonders of Arizona.