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 suggestions for great little (or not so little) trails to see a piece of Arizona history.

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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.

Miles: 3.57 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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.

Miles: 2.5 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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.

Miles: 3.0 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

Alan English CPA/Flickr

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.

Miles: 3.5 one way

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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.

Miles: 1.3 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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!

Miles: 17 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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.

Miles: 10.5 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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.

Miles: 0.5 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

Alan English CPA/Flickr

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.

Miles: 0.9 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

Alan English CPA/Flickr

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.

Miles: 3.1 round trip

Hike details: Hike Arizona

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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.

Miles: 1.0 round trip

Hike details: National Park Service

Alan English CPA/Flickr

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 t see sites currently being excavated.

Miles: 16 round trip

Hike details: National Park Service

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.

If you want to check out some more abandoned places that requires less physical activity, you might be interested in reading You’d Never Know These 7 Ghost Towns Are Hiding In Arizona’s Most Populated County.