Finding the perfect hike is easy!
The Map & Area Listings below include clickable, color coded markers (by difficulty) for quick hike previews. Zoom in or view full screen. The area hiking lists can be sorted by difficulty, length and more.
For detailed hike descriptions, use the Hikes dropdown menu (above) to find hikes by area.
(green:easy, blue: moderate, red:difficult. Descriptions below)
Phoenix Area Hikes
As one of the best hiking cities in the US, the mountains in and around Phoenix's greater metropolitan area provide an amazing array of stunning hikes - beneath endless blue skies. There are trails suitable for all skill levels: from families with young children to seasoned hikers. Phoenix area trails are best enjoyed during the ideal temperatures September through April (or in the wee hours of the morning May through August). It's essential to bring plenty of water and to avoid hiking during the very high temperatures of Summer.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bell Pass Trail | McDowell Mt. Preserve | Difficult | 4.7 | 1,184 | Yes |
Ballantine Trail | Mazatzals, N. of Ftn. Hills | Moderate | 3.4 | 1,460 | Yess |
Black Mesa Loop Trail | Superstition Mts. | Moderate | 10.41 (loop) | 1,195 | Yes |
Black Mountain Trail | Cave Creek | Difficult | 1.25 | 1,165 | Yes |
Butcher Jones Hiking Trail | Saguaro Lake, Matzazals | Moderate | 2.5 | 600 | Yes |
Cave Creek Cave Hike | Cave Creek | Easy | 1 | Minimal | No |
Dixie Mountain Loop Trail | Phx. Sonoran Preserve | Moderate | 4.2 (loop) | 636 | Yes |
Echo Canyon Trail | Camelback Mtn., Phoenix | Difficult | 1.2 | 1,280 | No |
Elephant Mountain Loop | Spur Cross, Cave Creek | Moderate / Difficult | 5.4 | 825 | Yes |
Gateway Hiking Trail Loop | McDowell Mt. Preserve | Moderate | 4.5 | 625 | Yes |
Go John Loop Trail | Cave Creek Reg. Park | Moderate | 5.8 (loop) | 800 | Yes |
Goat Camp Trail | White Mountains | Difficult | 6.3 | 1,730 | Yes |
Hieroglyphics Trail | Superstition Mountains, Gold Canyon | Easy | 1.2 | 600 | Yes |
Holbert Trail | South Mountain | Moderate | 2.5 | 1,100 | Yes |
Hole in the Rock Loop | Papago Park | Easy | 0.31 | Minimal | Yes |
Kiwanis Trail | South Mountain | Easy | 1.25 | 700 | Yes |
Jewel of the Creek & Dragonfly Loop | Jewel of Creek, Cave Creek | Easy | 2 | Minimal | Yes |
Marcus Landslide Trail | McDowell Mt. Preserve | Easy | 1.85 | 300 | Yes |
Mesquite Canyon Trail | White Tank Mt. Reg. Park, Waddell | Moderate | 5.0 | 1,483 | Yes |
Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley | South Mountain, Phoenix | Moderate | 3.7 | 860 | Yes |
North Mountain National Trail | Phoenix | Moderate | 0.72 | 615 | Yes |
Palo Verde Trail | Bartlett Lake Park | Easy / Moderate | 3.8 | Minimal | Yes |
Pass Mountain Loop | Usery Park | Moderate | 7.5 (loop) | 730 | Yes |
Peralta Trail | Superstition Mountains, Gold Canyon | Moderate | 2.45 | 1,400 | Yes |
Picketpost Hiking Trail | Superior | Difficult | 2.5 | 2,115 | No |
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail | Phoenix Mt. Preserve, Phoenix | Difficult | 1.2 | 1,200 | No |
Pinnacle Peak Trail | North Scottsdale | Moderate | 1.75 | 842 | No |
Pipeline Canyon Trail | Lake Pleasant | Easy to Moderate | 2 | 220 | Yes |
Quartz Trail | Cave Creek Rec. Area, Cave Creek | Moderate | 4.0 (loop) | 250 | Yes |
Rainbow Valley & Toothaker Loop | Estrella Regional Pk. | Easy | 6.2 | 365 | Yes |
Rock Springs Spur Trail | Black Canyon City | Moderate | 1.4 | 232 | Yes |
San Tan Loop Trail | San Tan Regional Park, Queen Creek | Easy | 7.5 (loop) | 234 | Yes |
Sears Kay Loop | Cave Creek | Moderate | 1.1 (loop) | 200 | Yes |
Sidewinder Ridgeback Ocotillo Loop | Phx. Sonoran Preserve | Moderate | 4.56 (loop) | 600 | Yes |
Siphon Draw | Lost Dutchman St. Park, Apache Junction | Difficult | 3.0 | 3,000 | Yes |
Sunrise Hiking Trail | McDowell Mt. Preserve | Moderate | 2 | 1,100 | Yes |
Thompson Peak Trail | McDowell Mt. Preserve | Difficult | 5 | 1,882 | Yes |
Tom's Thumb | McDowell Mt. Preserve, North Scottsdale | Moderate / Difficult | 2.15 | 1,420 | Yes |
Treasure Trail | Superstition Mts. | Moderate | 2.4 (loop) | 500 | Yes |
Vulture Peak Trail | Wickenburg | Moderate | 2 | 940 | Yes |
Waterfall Trail | White Tank Mt. Reg. Park, Waddell | Easy | 0.9 | Minimal | Yes |
Wave Cave Trail | Superstition Mts. | Moderate | 1.75 | 980 | Yes |
Wild Burro Trail | Lake Pleasant | Easy | 2 | 200 | Yes |
Wind Cave Trail | Usery Park, Mesa | Moderate | 1.5 | 800 | Yes |
Windgate Pass Trail | N. Scottsdale | Moderate | 4.5 | 858 | Yes |
Yavapai Point Trail | Lake Pleasant | Moderate | 1.5 | 400 | Yes |
Sedona Area Hikes
Quintessentially Arizonan, the majestic Red Rocks of Sedona offer exquisite hikes through tall vermillion canyons dotted with fragrant Manzanita and Juniper. Towering weather-carved buttes and arches rest before expansive southwestern landscapes. Although these hikes are open all year, they're best enjoyed September through May. Expect surprisingly cool 45-60 degree temperatures during winter days with a possible dusting of snow. Bring plenty of water to hike in this arid climate.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gained | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baldwin Loop Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy | 1.6 (loop) | 150 | Yes |
Bear Mountain Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Difficult | 2.3 | 1800 | Yes |
Bell Trail to Wet Beaver Creek Crossing | Beaver Creek Wilderness, Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy-Moderate | 3.3 | 520 | Yes |
Boynton Canyon Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy | 3.0 | 450 | Yes |
Brins Mesa Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy | 3.2 | 540 | Yes |
Cathedral Rock Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Difficult | 0.75 | 600 | Yes |
Devil's Bridge Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Moderate | 1.8 | 400 | Yes |
Doe Mtn. Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Moderate | 0.7 | 430 | Yes |
Huckaby Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Moderate | 2.6 | 210 | Yes |
Jordan Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy | 1.5 | 200 | Yes |
Mescal Hiking Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy | 2.5 | 220 | Yes |
Soldiers Pass Caves Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Moderate | 1.7 | 450 | Yes |
Soldier Pass Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Moderate | 2.4 | 465 | Yes |
Sterling Pass Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Difficult | 2.4 | 1050 | Yes |
West Fork Trail | Coconino Nat. Forest | Easy | 3 | Minimal | Yes |
Tucson Area Hikes
Tucson is surrounded by the beautiful Santa Catalina, Rincon and Tucson Mountains. Hikes here traverse Saguaro studded deserts, dramatic gorges, and lead to incredible hidden waterfalls or high summits with hundred mile views. Higher elevations get snow in Winter. And desert hikes are best enjoyed in Winter, Spring and Fall.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bear Canyon Trail to Seven Falls | Sabino Canyon / Santa Catalina Mts. | Moderate | 4.1 | 917 | No |
Blackett's Ridge Trail | Sabino Canyon / Santa Catalina Mts. | Difficult | 3 | 1,685 | No |
Bog & Kent Springs Loop | Santa Rita Mts | Moderate | 5.1 (loop) | 1,880 | Yes |
Butterfly Trail | Mount Lemmon | Moderate | 5.6 | 3,600 | Yes |
Grotto from Echo Canyon Trail | Chiricahua Nat. Monument | Moderate | 4.2 | -1,050 | No |
Heart of the Rocks from Massai Point | Chiricahua Nat. Monument | Moderate | 7.5 | -1,050 | No |
Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak | Picacho State Park | Difficult | 2 | 1,785 | Yes (to first saddle) |
Kings Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | Saguaro Nat. Pk. West, Tucson Mts. | Moderate | 3.5 | 1,785 | No |
Romero Trail to Romero Pools | Catalina State Park | Moderate - Difficult | 2.8 | 900 | No |
Tanque Verde Falls Trail | Rincon Mts. | Moderate | 1.6 | -500 | Yes |
Ventana Canyon Trail to Window Rock | Santa Catalina Mts. | Moderate - Difficult | 6.4 | 2,760 | No |
Flagstaff Area Hikes
With a starting elevation of 7,000 feet, and a seasonal climate, the Flagstaff area is hiking paradise Spring through Fall. Family-friendly trails lead through alpine meadows filled with fragrant wildflowers during Spring and Summer, while moderate hikes ascend through tall pines and glistening aspen groves. Ambitious hikers can trek the steep 5.5 mile trail to the summit of Mount Humphreys, Arizona's highest Peak (at an elevation of 13,000 feet). During late summer thunderstorms can quickly roll in, so come weather prepared. In winter there will be snow, and many trails close for the season.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bear Jaw & Abineau Trail Loop | San Francisco Peaks | Moderate | 6.8 (loop) | 1,960 | Yes |
Elden Lookout Trail | San Francisco Peaks | Difficult | 3.0 | 2,400 | Yes |
Fatmans Loop Trail | San Francisco Peaks | Easy | 1.25 | 690 | Yes |
Inner Basin Trail | San Francisco Peaks | Moderate | 4.0 | 800 | Yes |
Kachina Trail | San Francisco Peaks | Easy | 5.4 | 700 | Yes |
Kendrick Mountain Trail | San Francisco Peaks | Moderate | 4.6 | 2,640 | Yes |
Lava River Tube Trail | North of Flagstaff | Easy | 1.0 | Minimal | possible not recommended |
O'Leary Peak Trail | North of Flagstaff | Moderate | 4.85 | 1,995 | Yes |
Pumpkin Hiking Trail | North of Flagstaff | Moderate | 4.8 | 2825 | Yes |
Red Mountain Trail | North of Flagstaff | Easy | 1.5 | Minimal | Yes |
Sandys Canyon Trail | South of Flagstaff | Easy | 2.7 | 600 | Yes |
Schultz Creek Trail | North of Flagstaff | Mostly Easy | 4.25 | 875 | Yes |
Strawberry Crater Loop Trail | North of Flagstaff | Moderate | 2.2 (loop) | 250 | Yes |
Viet Springs Loop | North of Flagstaff | Easy | 1.7 | 200 | Yes |
Grand Canyon Area Hikes
Drawing people from around the globe, the Grand Canyon is one of the world's most awe inspiring places to hike. From flat easy rim trails, to long strenuous paths leading from rim to rim, this destination is bucket-list-worthy! The Grand Canyon is best hiked in Spring or Fall - as temperatures dip below freezing in Winter and climb above 120 degrees at the base in Summer. As a reverse hike (heading down and then back up) hikers need to be extra-aware of their abilities. The 18-mile round trip to the base and back is not recommended as a day hike.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bill Williams Hiking Trail | Williams | Moderate | 3.85 | 2,400 | Yes |
Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens | Grand Canyon Nat. Pk. S. | Difficult | 4.5 | -3,060 | No |
Cliff Springs | Grand Canyon Nat. Pk. N. | Easy | 0.75 | -179 | No |
Havasu Trail to Havasu Falls | Havasupai Reservation | Moderate (after Difficult) | 10 | -3,350 | No |
Havasu Trail to Mooney & Beaver Falls, Colorado River | Grand Canyon Nat. Pk. S. | Moderate (after Difficult) | 8 | -1,000 | No |
Horseshoe Bend Trail | Page | Easy | 0.75 | Minimal | Yes |
N. Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs | Grand Canyon Nat. Pk. N. | Difficult | 4.7 | -3,050 | No |
Plateau Point Trail | Grand Canyon Nat. Pk. S. | Easy (after Difficult) | 1.5 | Minimal | No |
Sycamore Rim Loop | Williams | Easy | 1 to 11 | 500 | Yes |
Widforss Trail | Grand Canyon Nat. Pk. N. | Easy | 4.8 | 300 | No |
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Trails | Vermillion Cliffs, Utah | Easy (with hard spots) | 1.7 to 13.5 | Minimal | Yes |
Payson, Pine, Strawberry Area Hikes (Mogollon Rim)
Spanning the edges of the dramatic 200 mile long Mogollon Rim, hikes in this area can be surprisingly lush - hop scotching babbling streams, chancing upon underground springs and high waterfalls and ascending hillsides lined with pine and oak. Atop the rim, small lakes are plentiful and the views can be astounding, providing scenic paths and recreational areas perfect for family time together.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barnhardt Trail | South of Payson | Difficult | 6 | 1823 | Yes |
Horton Creek Trail | Kohl's Ranch area | Easy-Moderate | 3.5 | 1,060 | Yes |
Maxwell Trail | HappyJack area | Moderate-Difficult | 0.7 | -682 | Yes |
Railroad Trail | Mogollon Rim | Moderate | 1.5 | -790 | Yes |
Rim Lakes Vista Trail | Kohl's Ranch area | Easy | 3.5 | Minimal | Yes |
See Canyon Trail | Christopher Creek | Moderate | 3.5 | 1,500 | Yes |
See Spring Trail | Christopher Creek | Easy | 1.5 | Minimal | Yes |
Tonto Natural Bridge, Gowan & Pine Creek Trails Loop | Pine area | Easy-Moderate | 0.92 (loop) | 185 | No |
Water Wheel Trail | Payson area | easy | 1.6 | 150 | Yes |
Waterfall Trail to Fossil Creek | Camp Verde area | Easy | 1.2 | Minimal | Yes |
Woods Canyon Lake Trail | Kohl's Ranch area | Easy | 3.7 (loop) | Minimal | Yes |
Prescott Area Hikes
Located in the midst of central Arizona's milder high desert plains, the Prescott area is home to beautifully scenic mountains, small hidden lakes and rolling granite dells. With such varied terrain, hikes range from easy lakeside loops to craggy mountain ascents complete with hundred mile views. This area is hike-able almost year round - excepting a few 100-degree-summer or snow-crusted-winter days.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Badger Springs Trail | Aqua Fria Nat. Monument | Easy | 0.8 | Minimal | Yes |
Dandrea Trail to Mt. Union | Potato Patch | Moderate | 2.1 | 750 | Yes |
Drinking Snake Trail | Mayer | Easy | 5 | 200 | Yes |
Granite Mountain Trail | Granite Mt. Wilderness, Prescott Nat. Forest | Moderate | 4.1 | 1,600 | Yes |
Granite Mtn. Hotshots Memorial Trail | Yarnell | Moderate | 3.5 | 1200 | Yes |
Groom Creek Loop Trail | Prescott National Forest | Moderate | 9 (loop) | 1,375 | Yes |
Lynx Lake Recreation Loop Trail | Lynx Lake | Easy | 2.3 (loop) | min. | Yes |
Thumb Butte Loop Trail | Prescott National Park | Moderate | 2.1 (loop) | 600 | Yes |
Watson Lake Loop Trail | Watson Lake | Mostly Easy | 4.8 (loop) | 162 | Yes |
Willow Lake Loop Trail | Heritage Park, City of Prescott | Easy | 5.2 (loop) | 480 | Yes |
Woodchute Trail | N. of Jerome | Mostly Easy | 3.5 | 600 | Yes |
Pinetop Area Hikes (White Mountains)
The geography of central Arizona's eastern mountains looks nothing like what most people imagine for the state. In lieu of dry desert, here tall Spruce, Pine and Aspen covered mountains rise above cold blue lakes and perennial streams. Roads are often closed during winter, due to deep snowfall. But in spring and summer the area is wonderfully cool, lush and green. And fall brings in a blast of autumn color. Hikes southeast of Pinetop (or outside the tiny ranching towns of Alpine, Greer and Nutrioso) wander through the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, White Mountains or stunningly rugged Blue Range Primitive Area. Expect an abundance of summer wildflowers and potential wildlife sightings, including deer, fox, turkey, trout or an occasional bear or wolf.Hike | Park / Area | Level | Miles (1-way) | Foot Gain | Pets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Escudilla Trail | N. of Alpine | Moderate | 3 | 1,317 | Yes |
Thompson Trail | S. of Greer | Easy | 3.25 | 240 | Yes |
Hiking Level Guide
Green / Easy (0-10° inclines): Perfect for those just getting started, families with young children, and anyone uncomfortable with lengthy stairs or steeply angled walkways.
Blue / Moderate (10-20° inclines): Great for people in fairly good physical condition, comfortable with going up stairs, and with children 10 years of age or older. May include easier rock and boulder scrambles.
Red / Difficult (20° plus inclines): Best for hikers in good physical condition and endurance, comfortable tackling sometimes lengthy inclines and stepping up and down rocks 18 inches or higher. May include more challenging rock scrambles and uneven trail surfaces.
2 Responses to Hike Finder
This is a very comprehensive, very useful guide. Thanks for pulling it together!
Thanks so much Jeremy. Glad it is helpful. I love sharing hikes in this beautiful state.