You’ll Be Amazed By The History You’ll Find Along These 6 Easy Hiking Trails In Arizona
Arizona is teeming with interesting bits of history that range from decades to centuries old. Some are stowed away from the harsh sun in museums but there are still plenty to be found in the great outdoors! Here are six easy hiking trails that will take you to see some amazing history around the state.
1. Fort Bowie Loop at the Fort Bowie National Historic Site
If you’ve ever been curious about the old stagecoach lines and Army forts from Arizona’s territorial days, this trail will take you to see what portions exist today. You’ll get to see the remains of the fort built in 1864, as well as a miner’s cabin and the Butterfield Overland Trail.
Trail length: 3 miles, round trip
2. Hieroglyphic Trail #101 in the Superstition Mountains
This fairly easy hike is best enjoyed when the day temperatures are cool, as it has little to no shade in the harsh Sonoran Desert. However, it will lead you up to some incredible, ancient petroglyphs right up against a mountain. Depending on the time of year and recent weather, you might also see a seasonal waterfall and small pool forming nearby.
Trail length: 3 miles, round trip
3. Main Trail at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
While a few parts of this trail can get a bit steep, you’ll enjoy the otherwise easy stroll through one of Arizona’s best arboretums. You’ll get to see highlights of the park and there are small historic diversions off the trail that are perfect when you need a bit of rest and shade.
This short trail is located about 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff and will take you right into an ancient volcano that erupted about 740,000 years ago. It’s just one part of the massive San Francisco Volcanic Field and you’ll be amazed at the inner workings of a volcano.
This easy, paved trail at the secluded Navajo National Monument will lead you to an overlook that will allow a great view of the Betatakin cliff dwelling below. The dwelling had 120 rooms and built around 1267.
The most popular part of this much-loved hike is an easy stroll thanks to the well-paved and well-maintained trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter the old Mayhew Lodge, which was once a celebrity vacation destination until the late 1960s. The lodge was destroyed by a fire, but you’ll still be able to see and explore the parts that still stand.
Trail length: 3.2 miles
These trails look absolutely incredible! Have you had a chance to hike any of these? Are there any others you’re hoping to hike in the near future? Don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures on our Arizona Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see them featured!
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.
