These 12 Trails In Arizona Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ancient Ruins
There’s no better way to experience Arizona than through hiking. You get to see spectacular views, experience the weather, spot wildlife, and occasionally run into Arizonans doing the exact same thing. Sometimes, it will even introduce you to the history of the area through interpretive trails or, in this case, old ruins from decades or centuries ago. So, no matter your ability, here are some unique hiking trails in Arizona.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This kid-friendly park is located in Globe and offers some pretty incredible views of the ruins and interpretive displays. Most people don’t realize there’s also the Gila Pueblo Ruins just a couple miles away via a pathway along Pinal Creek. It’s a fairly easy walk and will show you just how close many of these sites are to each other.
The one public trail that leads you into the canyon also takes you right up to the White House Ruins, which dates to about 1200 A.D. The trail there is a bit steep and rocky but if you keep a steady pace, walking down and back can be done in less than an hour.
There are two trails you can take here and either will earn you a “Hike Through History” pin! See the visitor center for details. The Fort Bowie Loop is shorter and provides details about the area’s history. You’ll get to see several ruins along this trail.
The beautiful Mogollon Rim is home to some fantastic old cabins hiding in the trees once serving as fire guard stations during the early days of the Forest Service. This hike to Aspen Springs cabin is just one example. Here you can spot an old cabin, a fireplace that hints at the possibility of a nearby cabin once co-existing there, and even an old outhouse.
If you want to spot old ruins but someone in your party lacks the agility to hike way down into a canyon, then this short trail at Navajo National Monument may be just what you’re looking for. The Sandal Trail is paved and wheelchair-friendly. It leads you from the visitor center to an overlook where you can see the cliff dwelling through a spotting scope.
If you’re looking for a real workout, then try this trail that takes you down to see Keet Seel, also at Navajo National Monument. Make sure your knees are in good condition and that you can carry a couple days of water on your back; this is a tough one!
Secret Mountain is no secret but the views here are gorgeous. Secret Mountain Trail #109 is a hike that will probably take up a good part of your day but the excursion is worth the views and you’ll even get to see an old, abandoned cabin along the way.
This is less of a hike and more of a nice walk along a paved path but not everyone is able to go on a 3-hour tour! This pathway leads you up to and around the ruins that date back 1,000 years.
Aside from the steep incline, this trail is easy peasy, especially after the crazy drive along Apache Trail. A hike her starts at the visitor center and will lead you up to the ancient dwelling where you can explore the dwellings.
The hike here is longer and requires a reservation for a guided tour. The hike follows a creek before going through a series of switchbacks to the cliff dwellings. Because it is a guided tour, you’ll get some interesting information about the plants, wildlife, and people who’ve called this area home.
There are two trails at Walnut Canyon but we’ll be looking at the one that actually takes you down to the ruins. Island Trail directs you to the 25-room dwelling, where signs will provide details about the people who lived here. Just keep in mind that the trail is occasionally closed in winter, so check in advance if it is open.
A trip to see the Wupatki ruins near Sunset Crater is worth the time but if you really want a unique experience, then try to make reservations for the Crack-in-Rock hike. The two-day hiking excursion is strenuous but will give you incredible information about life in the area and a chance to see sites currently being excavated.
Those look pretty cool and accessible! Just remember to respect history by leaving these areas untouched and to always “pack it in, pack it out” when visiting natural or historic areas of our state.
Address: 1276 S Jesse Hayes Rd, Globe, AZ 85501, USA
Address: Chinle, AZ, USA
Address: 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, AZ 85605, USA
Address: Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA
Address: AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054, USA
Address: Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Address: 25 Tuzigoot Rd, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
Address: 26260 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA
Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Address: 25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Hiking Trails In Arizona
August 28, 2020
Leah
What are the best outdoor adventures in Arizona?
Let out your inner explorer by experiencing some outdoor adventures in Arizona. Antelope Canyon is one of the most iconic spots in the state, with its wave-like naturally eroded walls. You need a special permit and guide to see it, but the hike there is well worth it when you see it in person. A trip to Monument Valley is an outdoor-must in Arizona. See the iconic Mitten Buttes for yourself while hiking the trails around there and you won’t regret it. And, of course, we can’t leave out a suggestion for a visit to the Grand Canyon. No matter which side you visit, from the top or deep down into it, it’s an outdoor adventure you don’t want to miss.
Can I visit any abandoned places in Arizona?
Exploring the ancient ruins in Arizona can be both fun and a learning experience. The state’s history is a long one, back to long before it became a state. If you’re looking for more abandoned spots to visit, we put together an Arizona Abandoned Places Road Trip you might be interested in. The trip includes old pueblos, decaying Route 66 icons that have been left to rot, and old trading posts that haven’t seen use in decades. It’s a thrilling trip for people who enjoy seeing remnants of yesteryear.
What are the oldest ruins in Arizona?
With so many well-preserved and incredible ancient ruins throughout the state, you might wonder which of them are the oldest. It can be hard to tell as there are many ruin sights, some incredibly preserved and others nothing but the outlines of buildings long since gone. You might be surprised to know that some of the oldest ruins in the state are located in the middle of Phoenix and are surrounded by the modern city sights. The Pueblo Grande is thought to have been established sometime around 450 AD and lasted for a thousand years. There are prehistoric irrigation canals and a mound preserved as well as reconstructions of the buildings you would have found here back then. You can visit it for yourself at the Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park right next to Sky Harbor.
Address: 1276 S Jesse Hayes Rd, Globe, AZ 85501, USA
Address: Chinle, AZ, USA
Address: 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, AZ 85605, USA
Address: Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA
Address: AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054, USA
Address: Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Address: 25 Tuzigoot Rd, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
Address: 26260 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA
Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
Address: 25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, 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.
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