These 10 Day Hikes Will Show You The Very Best Of Arizona

It’s no secret that Arizona is home to tons of incredible hiking trails covering hundreds of miles of land. Some are long — like the 800-mile long Arizona Trail that runs the length of our state — and others can be tackled in just a few hours. Today, we’re going to take a look at hiking trails that not only show off the diverse beauty of Arizona but can also be easily done in a few hours. Put on your hiking boots and grab your day pack because you’re going to want to embark on these trails right away!

Alan English CPA/Flickr

The first hike on our list is a real workout but it also happens to have some absolutely stunning views along all 9.5 miles. This hike leads you through the beautiful landscape at Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona, and is home to spires, hoodoos, and other incredible rock formations. The trail will lead you through some of the best views over more than 9 miles, so make sure you eat and hydrate well before heading out on this hike.

Length: 9.5 miles round trip
Details: Chiricahua National Monument

Linda/Flickr

Hiking the Grand Canyon is something every Arizonan should do at least once, but if you don’t quite have the time to hike all the way down to the floor and back, you might want to give this trail a shot. This trail is steep but gives you a chance to get an unforgettable view of the canyon to complement your trip. We recommend hiking this in early fall or late spring when the weather is pleasant.

Length: 8 miles round trip
Details: Hike Arizona

Alan English CPA/Flickr

The Mogollon Rim is home to some gorgeous trails and this one near Kohls Ranch is no exception. This easy to navigate trail follows Horton Creek to the base of the Rim and has plenty of beautiful views along the way. Stop to enjoy the small waterfalls when you need a breather!

Length: 7 miles round trip
Details: Hike Arizona

Coconino National Forest/Flickr

This is the longest hike on this list and the only one that will take you up Arizona’s tallest peak. Extremely steep and rocky, it zigzags up the San Francisco Peaks to a delicate alpine tundra home to some rare plants. Because of the delicate environment here, it is important to stay on the trail and be prepared for cold temperatures.

Length: 10.25 miles round trip
Details: Coconino National Forest

Alan English CPA/Flickr

Another must-do trail at the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona, this trail leads you along the southern side of the mountain through towering trees and a beautifully green landscape. In the fall, this trail is a special treat with the alpines changing colors.

Length: 5 miles, one-way
Details: Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest/Flickr

Traversing through Arizona’s second largest canyon, Sycamore Canyon, this trail will help you navigate your way from the desert to the beginnings of a forest. You will love following the creek and dipping your toes in the spring before turning around to return to the trailhead.

Length: 8 miles round trip
Details: Coconino National Forest

U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr

Did you know there are beautiful waterfalls just beyond Tucson’s city limits? Located in the Santa Catalinas, this trail will take you to Seven Falls, a lovely seasonal waterfall that varies between a trickle and roaring. If you want to see the falls in full force, early spring is the perfect time to hike this trail.

Length: 8 miles round trip
Details: Hike Arizona

Tom and Lauren/Flickr

This trail is a pretty good workout towards the end, so make sure you’ve been working out your quads and hamstrings before hitting the trail. This is one of the best ways to see the Superstition Mountains and experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. It’s especially pretty in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming, but fall and winter can be quite lovely as well.

Length: 4 miles round trip
Details: Hike Arizona

Alan English CPA/Flickr

If you ask Arizonans to create a list of their favorite trails, this one near Sedona is sure to top the list. One of the most photogenic places in the state and also one of the most popular trails, West Fork of Oak Creek takes you through gorgeous scenery. It’s beautiful year round but most people love it best during the fall months when the leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are chilly.

Length: 6.4 miles round trip
Details: Coconino National Forest

Koen Schepers/Flickr

When you drive several hours to make it to Monument Valley, spending only a few minutes to take photos doesn’t seem like enough. Take this public trail through a portion of the park to get some of the best views of the famous mitten buttes and experience the stark landscape.

Length: 3.2 miles round trip
Details: Hike Arizona

While the weather is still warm out, you’ll want to take advantage of some fantastic trails along Arizona’s creeks and rivers! Read These 8 Water Hikes In Arizona Will Keep You Cool This Summer for suggestions!