Looking for an excuse to get outside for a hike but find yourself short on time? Don’t worry, because we have a list of some beautiful places around the state that are perfect for a quick hike you can do in two hours or less. So, hydrate, put on your favorite hiking outfit, and get ready to enjoy nature even on the tightest schedule.

1. Aspen Nature Loop (Flagstaff)
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
When escaping into the mountainous landscapes in Flagstaff, this is a nice, easy trail that takes you into the dense aspen forest surrounding the Peaks. The loop can be done in less than an hour but take your time enjoying the swaying trees, wildflowers, and beautiful views.

Length: 1.5-mile loop. Get all the trail information on Hike Arizona!
2. Blue Mesa Trail (Petrified Forest National Park)
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
Visavis./Flickr
Planning a trip to Petrified Forest? There are plenty of incredible trails that are short and can be done in less than an hour but one of our favorites is Blue Mesa Trail, which takes you on a lovely trip through the colorful badlands in shades of blue. You’ll also see petrified wood and fossils strewn around the area.

Length: 1-mile loop. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
3. Cathedral Rock Trail (Sedona)
Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Back O Beyond Road, Sedona, AZ, USA
Geoff Livingston/Flickr
Ah, there’s nothing quite like seeing Sedona’s beautiful views with red rock buttes, blue skies, and plenty of lovely trees. Cathedral Rock is one of many popular trails in the Sedona area that doesn’t skimp on views and is fairly easy until the very end when you’ll encounter some pretty steep climbs.

Length: 1.5-miles round-trip. Check out this awesome article for more details about this awesome classically Arizonan hike!
4. Hayden Butte (Tempe)
Tempe, AZ, USA
Manuel Millway/Flickr
Also known as "A" Mountain, this short hike is a bit steep but a popular trek. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll reach the top that offers spectacular views of the surrounding area!

Length: 0.9-mile round-trip. Get all the details on AllTrails.

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5. Massai Point Nature Trail (Chiricahua National Monument)
Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
Alan English CPA/Flickr
This quick and easy trail will take you to one of the most stunning vistas you’ll ever see! The hoodoos of Chiricahua National Monument can be best seen from Massai Point, which is accessible via a drive through the park. You’ll also get to learn about the history of how the unique area was created.

Length: 0.5-mile loop. Learn more on the official National Park Service website.
6. Tom Moody Loop at Picture Canyon (Flagstaff)
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Friends of the Rio de Flag/Facebook
This hike is fast and amazing. Featuring some amazing scenic views of the northern Arizona countryside, this loop is well worth the trek. You'll find all sorts of cool stuff, like various petroglyphs and lots of cool natural wonders.

Length: 3.7-mile loop. Learn more about this awesome hike on AllTrails.
7. White House Ruin Trail (Canyon de Chelly National Monument)
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ, USA
Brian Wheeler/Flickr
The one public hiking trail at Canyon de Chelly, White House Ruin will take you down to the canyon floor and right up to the centuries-old White House cliff dwelling. The hike is pretty easy (unless you have bad knees) and will give you a chance to see one of the prettiest places in the state.

Length: 2.5-miles round-trip. Learn more on Hike Arizona.
8. Wildcat Trail (Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park)
Navajo Tribal Park Toll, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Rick McCharles/Flickr
If you want to see Monument Valley up close, then you’ll want to check out this public trail that is fairly easy. This trail loops around one of the mittens and gives one spectacular view that you won’t want to miss!

Length: 3.2-mile loop. Get the details on Hike Arizona.

How many of these hiking trails have you participated in? Do you have any other favorites, whether long or short? Want to read about more fun hikes that are short and easy? Read some of our suggestions in 8 Amazing Arizona Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in Arizona

Tori Jane | March 02, 2022

What are some easy kid-friendly hikes around Arizona?  

For this purpose, let’s define a “kid-friendly” hike as one that’s rated as easy and spans less than two miles. In that case, there are hundreds to choose from all over the Copper State and it can be hard to know where to begin. If you’re a fan of northern Arizona, check out the beautiful Sugarloaf Loop Trail, which is nestled within the Coconino National Forest and spans 1.9 miles. It features some truly awesome views of Sedona and its legendary red rocks and cliffs, and it’s a must-do for any Arizonan while being simple enough to bring the small ones along. Nearby the Valley, there’s the awesome White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and inside the park is a 1.8-mile hike from heaven called the White Tank Waterfall Trail, which features – you guessed it – a waterfall, depending on recent rainfall. Finally, try out the Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park for some awesome views the little ones will think are totally awesome.  

What are some of the best scenic hikes in Arizona? 

Arizona is home to more than 3,000 awesome hiking trails, and an incredible number of those trails are intensely scenic. It’s pretty hard to narrow it down to just a few; if you’re in northern Arizona, check out the incredible West Fork Trail, which is nestled within Oak Creek Canyon along the 89A south. It’s 6.5 miles long, moderately challenging, and absolutely worth every moment. It’s been repeatedly called one of the best hikes in the United States, and frequently makes the “best-of” lists. Next is Bright Angel Trail, which is located within the Grand Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park and is rated as very hard. The difficulty is a tiny price to pay, though, for the views you’ll have along the way. Bright Angel is THE way to explore the canyon. Finally, hike Camelback Mountain in the Phoenix Metro. It’s got incredible views, isn’t terribly hard, and will remind you of what makes the desert so magical. Want some more ideas? Check this article out for a list of awesome hikes that involve creeks, rivers, and waterfalls.  

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