Here is a great list of the best hikes under 5 miles in Arizona, some even shorter than that. You can easily do any of these after work on Friday or before your Sunday brunch mimosa. Check them out:

Please note, White House Ruin Trail is temporarily closed.

1. Aspen & Marshall Gulch Loop, Tucson
peppergrasss/Flickr
This hike combines two trails--the Aspen and Marshall Gulch--to create a loop. This one is a great one to take if you're looking to escape some of that summer heat without needing to travel too far from the Tucson area.

Length: 3.5 miles
Information: Hike Arizona
2. Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Loop, Sedona
Alan English CPA/Flickr
If you're looking for an iconic Sedona view, this is the trail to take for both incredible sights and the easy trail. For that reason, this one happens to be popular and can be a bit crowded so you may want to head out early.

Length: 4.0 miles
Information: Coconino National Forest
3. Betatakin, Navajo National Monument
Alan English CPA/Flickr
At five miles, this trail is a moderately difficult trail that requires reservations for a guide since it moves through the old ruins found here. The tour starts at 8:15 a.m. Bring extra water!

Length: 5.0 miles
Information: National Park Service
4. Echo Canyon Trail, Camelback Mountain
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Looking for a strenuous hike in an urban setting? Echo Canyon trail on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is a popular option, but beware because it is deceptively difficult and tends to get crowded. The view, however, is worth it. Remember to hydrate, go on a weekday, and bring more water than you think you may need.

Length: 2.3 miles
Information: Hike Arizona
5. Echo Canyon Loop, Chiricahua National Monument
Austin Godber/Flickr
A moderately difficult trail, this actually combines three different trails: Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs trails. It gives you a fantastic view of the wilderness area, including an up close look at the striking hoodoos.

Length: 3.3 miles
Information: National Park Service
6. Freedom Trail, Piestewa Peak
Alan English CPA/Flickr
If you want the satisfaction of hiking along the base of a mountain, walking this loop at Piestewa Peak will be a good option. Early morning is a great time to hike here, especially when you come across the pockets of cool air when descending parts of the trail.

Length: 3.6 miles
Information: City of Phoenix

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7. Hunter Trail, Picacho Peak State Park
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
Need a REAL hiking challenge that can be done before lunch? The entire hike is a steep one and you'll need to watch your step since the trail can be pretty rough. Parts of the trail also has cables and railings to aid the climb up, and you'll have to go right back down these steep areas. This should tell you that your legs and your fortitude will get a MAJOR workout.

Length: 2.9 miles
Information: Arizona Highways
8. Lost Dutchman State Park Loop, Lost Dutchman State Park
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
It will be nearly impossible to get lost on this route, but I'm sad to say you won't encounter any of that fabled gold. It is one of quite a few hiking trails in the area, but this one is good for people new to the area.

Length: 2.8 miles
Information: Hike Arizona
9. Monolith Garden Trail, Kingman
Joshua Noble/Flickr
One of the more impressive hiking routes located in the Kingman area, this one is quick but not short on nature views.

Length: 1.8 miles
Information: Bureau of Land Management
10. West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Sedona
Alan English CPA/Flickr
The short distance and stunning views make this hiking trail one of the most popular in the state. While fall offers the most colorful experience, the combination of creek, birds, and red canyon walls make this a beautiful experience year round.

Length: 4.0 miles
Information: Coconino National Forest
11. White House Ruin Trail, Canyon de Chelly
Ronnie MacDonald/Flickr
If you want to combine the red rock beauty of Sedona with ancient ruins, this is a good trail to take. It is relatively short and the switchbacks will give you just enough of a workout to get you a little sweaty especially on the way back to the top of the canyon.

Length: 2.5 miles
Information: Hike Arizona
12. Woods Canyon Lake Trail, Payson
BM5k/Flickr
To be fair, this is probably less of a hike and can be more of a leisurely walk around a picturesque lake. It will give you mileage without breaking too much of a sweat, plus you don't have to worry about potentially getting lost in the woods.

Length: 3.9 miles
Information: Hike Arizona

What other hikes would you recommend that are five miles or less? If you’re up for more strenuous treks that are worth every step, here are some more great hiking trails in Arizona.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes Under 5 Miles In Arizona

Leah | October 23, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Arizona?

There are many Arizona hiking trails worth taking. If you truly want to experience hiking in the state, then the Arizona Trail is certainly the way to do it. It is a whopping 800 miles long, starting at the northern edge of the state and going all the way down to the US-Mexico border. You don't have to take on the whole thing, you can complete it in shorter segments. For a (much shorter) beautiful glimpse into the Sonoran Desert, take on the Siphon Draw Trail. You'll start at the base of the Superstitious Mountains and get a spectacular view of the scenery the whole way.

What are the best hikes with a view in Arizona?

Take on some jaw-dropping, scenic hikes in Arizona and you'll be glad you did. The Havasupai Trail is not an easy one to take, but it's worth it if you ever get the chance. The trail will lead you through the red rocks down in the Grand Canyon and to some truly magnificent views of a bright, turquoise river flowing through it. For some practically other-worldly views, take the 8.5-mile Big Loop Trail at the Chiricahua National Monument. The unique geological formations there - hoodoos - are impressive to hike through in person when you get to experience thousands of them in one place.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Arizona?

The whole family can enjoy these easy hikes in Arizona. If you're visiting Flagstaff, especially in the fall, try the Aspen Loop Trail, also known as the Aspen Nature Trail. It's a short and simple 2.5-mile loop that will take you through the shade of the trees. In the fall, it becomes a vivid gold. Take the family to the Tonto National Monument to explore stunning desert scenery and a historic cliff dwelling, all in one easy trail. The hike is just under a mile long, round trip, and it's entirely paved. You don't have to travel far from home if you live in the Valley to enjoy a hike with the kids. You can hike the Hayden Butte in Tempe, which is just over half a mile long, paved, and the view from the top is great.

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Featured Addresses
Tucson, AZ, USA
Bell Rock Access Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Tsegi Canyon Rd, Kayenta, AZ 86033, USA
Echo Canyon Trailhead, E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
Piestewa Peak, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Picacho Peak State Park, 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA
Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Monolith Garden Trail, Metwell Dr, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
West Fork Oak Creek, Arizona 86336, USA
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ, USA
Woods Canyon Lake Trail, Payson, AZ, USA