Posted in Arizona Nature, Waterfalls February 25, 2022 by

The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Arizona Who Loves Waterfall Hikes

Let’s face it, by the end of monsoon season, some parts of Arizona are teeming with places that are ideal to get out and chase waterfalls. What follows is a handy list of the seven waterfalls that belong on the bucket list of any Arizonan who loves waterfall hikes. How many have you already hiked to, and which ones do you need to see?

1. Havasupai Falls
Flickr/- Adam Reeder -
Perhaps we're just biased, but we believe this fantastic waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in the U.S. And the fact that obtaining a coveted permit to hike in to see it in person and sleep in the campground at the base is so hard to come by just makes it all the more desirable. Learn more in this previous article.
Havasu Falls, Arizona 86435, USA
2. Fossil Creek
TripAdvisor/Bob19512014
You won't hike for hours upon hours to reach the waterfalls, cascades, and blue lagoons found along Fossil Creek. It's a mere 1.2 miles to reach this unforgettable oasis. Get the deets in this previous article.
Fossil Creek, Arizona, USA
3. Beaver Falls
Google Maps/Nazmi Dehni
The magical cascading pools filled with turquoise water are an oasis everyone should swim in at least one in their lifetime. The eight-mile hike is also an experience you'll never forget. Grab all the details on the hike and see more photos in this full length, previously published article.
Beaver Falls, Arizona 86435, USA
4. Sycamore Falls (a.k.a. Paradise Forks)
Wikimedia/Kaibab National Forest
This seasonal waterfall may not be filled with yummy-looking turquoise water, but it's the surround that make this waterfall a must-see. Known among rock climbers as a beautiful spot for the sport, the top of the canyon, and visibility of the falls, can be seen from the trail leading through the Kaibib National Forest along the Sycamore Rim Trail. Learn more and see the amazing rock formations in this previously published Only In Arizona article.
Sycamore Falls, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
5. Chocolate Falls
Flickr/Michael Wilson
Although only filled with water during certain seasons — and only accessible via vehicle or on foot during certain seasons, Arizona's Chocolate Falls are a must-see. Read on to get all the details on when, where, and how to make it happen.
Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
6. Tonto Natural Bridge
Flickr/Scottb221
An easy trail over a series of boardwalks and several sets of stairs winds down and around to the base of a waterfall that sometimes trickles and sometimes pours over the top of the natural travertine bridge found within this park. Learn more in this previous article.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Nf-583A, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
7 Mooney Falls
Flickr/Devin Ford
Perhaps one of the most challenging waterfalls to reach on foot, Mooney Falls requires some major technical hiking skills to reach this remote Arizona waterfall. We're talking ladders, chains, ropes... the whole nine yards. But the payoff at the end of the trail is out of this world. Get the scoop and see photos from the hike into Mooney Falls at this link.
Mooney Falls, Supai, AZ 86435, USA

As with any hike into the Arizona wilderness, please be prepared with plenty of water, food, and shelter from the sun. Most waterfall hikes in Arizona require some kind of hiking permit in order to access the roads leading to the trailhead or to access the trails themselves. Each of the articles’ links provided above should have ample information regarding permits and the best seasons in which to attempt accessing the waterfalls on this bucket list.

Looking for more of the best hikes in Arizona? You’ll love the easy hikes to these six natural arches in Arizona.

How many have you already seen in person? We’d love to know!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Arizona

March 02, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some awe-inspiring hiking trails near me? 

Well, naturally, this depends on where you’re located! If you’re in the Phoenix area, check out the amazing (but challenging) Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300. It’s just over two miles long and it’s tough, but the incredible panoramic view of Phoenix from the top is worth every drop of sweat. If you prefer it a littler easier, check out Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park, which is just about a quarter-mile long and quite easy (but with amazing views you’ll feel like you should have worked harder for). When in northern Arizona, hike the amazing Bell Rock Trail in Sedona, which is 0.8 miles long and fairly easy with epic red rock views. If you enjoy a challenge, try the awesome Hiline Trail, which is 8.4 miles long, difficult, and awesome. As for you southern Arizona folks, the trails at Saguaro National Park are to die for and we also love the Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail, which can be found inside Sabino Canyon.  

What are some of the best easy hikes in Arizona? 

Arizona is home to more than 3,000 trails, one-third of which are actually pretty easy. The best part about easy hikes in Arizona is that you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the world at the end because the payoff for the vast majority of Arizona hikes – even the easy ones – is awesome views and amazing memories. A couple of our favorite easy hikes in Arizona include the epic Horseshoe Bend Trail, up near Page, which is one and a half miles long and leads to one of the desert Southwest’s most iconic spots (you will have no doubt seen it in photos and on postcards before). Also, look into the Catalina Canyon Loop Trail, near Tucson, which is 2.3 miles long and features even more epic views (but in southern Arizona this time). Want more inspiration? Check out these awesome short and easy hikes in Arizona with awesome payoffs.