10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Arizona
Whether you are a local or a tourist, you’ve probably been advised to treat yourself to some hiking along the 800-mile Arizona Trail. As fantastic as that hike may seem to some people, for others the idea of taking weeks to finish hiking seems a little… crazy. If you’re a beginning hiker or just someone who likes to do it when you have a few spare hours in the week, you’ll want to check out some easy hikes in Arizona. Believe it or not, the state is full of these short and sweet treks! Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.
If you make a trip up to Mount Lemmon but aren’t quite up for a long hike (altitude adjustment, et al.) then this short loop hike is one you will want to try. It measures a total of 3.5 miles and the trail is well-marked. The trail is still recovering from the Aspen Fire in 2003 but things are looking better every year! This pretty trail can be found in the Butterfly Peak Natural Area in Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619.
This easy trail in Flagstaff doesn’t actually take you through the aspen trees. Instead it maneuvers its way west from the Arizona Snowbowl through pines and then eventually makes its way back to the parking lot. This is a good way to get away from the crowd and enjoy nature even if you’re short on time. This gorgeous trek is located in the Coconino National Forest at Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
When it comes to easy hikes in Arizona, a mountainous trek probable wouldn't come to mind. However, this 3.3-mile trail is just west of Lake Pleasant, making it a good hike to round out your boating experience. Once you reach the top of the short peak, you get a lovely view of the lake and the surrounding desert. Find this spot off of Lake Pleasant Access Rd, Peoria, AZ 85342.
Feeling fearless? The most difficult part of this trail is crossing the arch, which can look a bit daunting to those with a fear of heights. Overall, trek up the trail and back will be less than 2 miles and does have a steep elevation climb but the view is worth it! Find this spot near Sedona, AZ 86336.
Are you longing for the beauty of the Coronado National Forest? This loop trail takes you 3 miles around a portion of the Kartchner Caverns Trail and up to the summit of one of the low peaks. The hike is a pretty easy one and gives you quite the view! Find this pretty spot in Tucson, AZ 85701.
This hike looks steep but is a short one that college students and families enjoy. The trip up and back is less than a mile and the path is well-maintained. This trek along the Tempe Butte is one of the most striking yet easy hikes in Arizona! find it near Tempe, AZ 85281.
This trail leads you between the two Rim Country towns and is a little under 4 miles one-way. You’ll encounter a switchbacks when you first start the trail at Strawberry but from there it’s smooth sailing. You can find this pretty spot near Strawberry, AZ 85544.
For a Flagstaff trail with a very slow elevation climb, you’ll want to give this one a try! It curves along a fraction of Mount Elden before stopping at Schultz Tank, which is what you see above. The stream is seasonal, so plan your hike around the snowmelt or after a rainy day if you plan on seeing it. Otherwise, enjoy the nature sights along this 7-mile trail. Find this pretty spot in the Coconino National Forest.
This popular trail at Usery Park in Mesa constitutes a 3.2-mile round trip that can be a little steep but offers some beautiful views of the desert! Plus the destination is pretty cool... you'll arrive at a small and scenic cave! Find this spot near Wind Cave Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207.
Most people tend to fly right past Mingus and Woodchute Mountains when driving along Highway 89A. That’s a shame because they’re missing out on a treat. Woodchute Trail is the longest on our list at 13.5 miles round trip but don’t feel you have to hike to the end and back in one go! You could opt to hike to the edge of the mesa (3.5 miles one way) before turning around. Completing the hike, however, will show you what pretty sights are hiding in the Verde Valley.
There is so much to love about these easy hikes in Arizona, especially if you’re looking to take little ones out to get to know the great outdoors. Which of these hikes is your favorite? Are there any you would add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re on the lookout for more hiking trails around Arizona, you might also want to check out this easy one in Prescott which once was part of a railroad line.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
Address: Lake Pleasant Access Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342, USA
Address: Devil's Bridge Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Address: Coronado National Forest, Arizona 85602, USA
Address: Tempe Butte, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Address: Strawberry Mountain, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
Address: Coconino National Forest, Arizona 86017, USA
Address: Wind Cave Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207, USA
Address: Prescott National Forest, Arizona 86305, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Easy Hikes In Arizona
May 03, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there any other easy hiking trails in Arizona?
With a nickname like The Grand Canyon State, your mind likely doesn’t immediately envision easy treks. Nonetheless, some of the best hiking trails in Arizona are fairly effortless. There are many short hikes in Arizona… just ask around if you’re not sure where to look!
What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona?
If you’re in search of kid-friendly hikes in Arizona, you’re in luck! There are many local parks that the whole family will come to cherish. Take Wolf Creek Falls, for example. This trail is under one mile, and it will take you to a lovely waterfall.
What are the best short hikes in Arizona?
There are so many short and sweet hikes in this area that you just might find yourself surprised! If you see a park, don’t be afraid to pull off the road and pursue a bit of adventure. Many have trail maps near their parking lots, so you can often find the easiest hike without much research.
Arizona In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
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.
