7 Amazing Arizona Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love
Feel like going out and about this weekend? Instead of spending another weekend on your bum in front of the TV, at the theater, or in the car, get up and go for a hike! Here’s a look at a handful of great hikes that are short and relatively easy; Arizona is full of awe-inspiring hikes for everyone, including those of us who are feeling laid-back today. Here are some of the best hikes in Arizona, all of which are three miles long or less:
If there’s any trail from this list that is a must-do, this would be it. One of the many popular trails in Sedona, this just happens to be short, sweet, and absolutely gorgeous. The trail will take you to the bridge, which you can cross if you have the guts to do so!
This super easy trail is perfect for those looking for a quick trek into nature that won’t take all day. Seated right along the base of Mount Elden, the trail gives you an incredible view of the old lava flows that still sit on the mountainside and the wide trail makes this easy to navigate.
You’ll find a couple trails at this state park that will introduce you to the desert landscape that sits above the beautiful caverns. For the most part, this trail is an easy walk with gradual inclines. However, there is one section that will take you to Mountain Viewpoint and is a particularly steep climb. If you worry your knees won’t make it up, don’t worry, you can always skip that section and continue on your way.
Want to see some incredible rock formations without putting your body through a rigorous hike? Monolith Garden near Kingman is a collection of towering rock formations—hence the name—and is a great way to see some of the lovely desert landscape around the area. It’s especially pretty when the wildflowers are blooming, making this area appear more colorful and more magical than you might expect!
This easy trail is the starting point for a collection of other trails and is a good introduction to the area if you’ve never had the chance to hike the Peaks before. The trail is wide, smooth, and mostly shady for a slow elevation climb up Mount Elden.
When the day temperatures are cool, you’ll want to check out this easy hike at Lost Dutchman State Park. This loop trail takes you around the base of the Superstition Mountains and is a great introduction to the rugged landscape.
Located just off the banks of Lake Pleasant, this short trail offers some great views of the lake and mountains nearby. The last 1000 feet are pretty steep but it’s a short portion with views that make the trek worth the effort.
Miles: 1.4 miles one-way
Trail information: Hike Arizona
Address: Fatman's Loop Trail, 5098 US-89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Address: Sandy Seep Trailhead, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Address: Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
Address: Treasure Loop Trail #56, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Address: Lake Pleasant, Arizona, USA
Address: Devil's Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA
Address: Monolith Garden Trail, Metwell Dr, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Arizona
March 04, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best hiking trails near me?
Well, this depends on where you’re starting from! If you’re in the Phoenix Metro area, check out awe-inspiring hikes like the Echo Canyon Trail, which you can find on Camelback Mountain, or maybe the awesome Hole-in-the-Rock Hike at Papago Park. Hole-in-the-Rock is a much easier trek than those on Camelback Mountain, so make sure to plan accordingly. If you’re in southern Arizona, be sure to explore Saguaro National Park for some of the most amazing hikes in the state like the Cactus Forest Trail, the Signal Hill Trail, or the Valley View Overlook Trail. The Catalina Mountains nearby also have some amazing hikes, as does the town of Sonoita. If you’re in northern Arizona, you’re in the best place of all for all sorts of hiking adventures, from the countless epic hikes at Grand Canyon National Park like the Bright Angel Trail to iconic hikes to places like Horseshoe Bend on the Horseshoe Bend Trail. No matter where your starting point is, you’re in for an amazing time with just about any hike you choose in the Copper State.
What are some wonderful easy hikes in Arizona?
A few of the hikes we mentioned above just so happen to be pretty easy, like the Horseshoe Bend Trail. That trek is just one and a half miles long and features some of the most incredible views in the entire desert southwest. Fay Canyon Trail is a great one located within the Coconino National Forest, and while you’re in that area, head to Sedona for some amazing, world-class hikes like no others on this earth. You’ll love the Seven Sacred Pools (via Soldier Pass) Trail, which offers amazing red rock views and is just over one mile long. Another great trail in the Coconino National Forest is the Sugarloaf Loop, which is very popular for families with kids. Want some more awesome ideas for your next hiking trip? Check out this list of awe-inspiring hikes leading to amazing arches in Arizona.
Address: Fatman's Loop Trail, 5098 US-89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Address: Sandy Seep Trailhead, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Address: Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
Address: Treasure Loop Trail #56, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Address: Lake Pleasant, Arizona, USA
Address: Devil's Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA
Address: Monolith Garden Trail, Metwell Dr, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
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Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
