Arizona's Grand Canyon Is One Of The Top 20 National Parks In The U.S.

What are some fun things to do outside in Arizona?  

Arizona is an amazing state – even when it’s super-hot outside! In fact, Arizona is one of those states where you can do ridiculously fun things year-round, rain or shine, sun or snow. For example, hiking is excellent year-round, and depending on what kind of landscapes you prefer, it’s readily available. Every single city, town, state park, national park, and recreational region is going to have amazing hiking trails at the ready. You can also tube the Salt River, head up north to go skiing or snowboarding, or head to any town or city park to enjoy the outdoors without going too far from home. Check out the amazing Desert Botanical Garden and learn about some of Arizona’s most interesting environments and the critters and plants that thrive there. Go on a tour of an old mining town, visit wild burros in the town of Oatman, and eat at an old restaurant in Cottonwood. Honestly, the possibilities are only as limited as your own imagination!  

What are the best short and sweet hiking trails in Arizona?  

There are plenty of trails that we’d consider “short and sweet”, meaning, in this case, one mile or less in length. Did you know that one of Arizona’s most famous hiking trails – Bell Rock Loop – is only 0.8 miles long? Yep – not even one mile to see some of the most amazing views in the southwest. Antelope Canyon, in far northern Arizona, is also short, coming in at just 0.6 miles long. Hiding within Coconino National Forest nearby Sedona is the Raven Caves trail, which is half a mile of splendid landscapes and interesting surroundings. As for the Phoenix area, check out Hole in the Rock Trail, which is just 0.3 miles in length and leads to some truly unbeatable panoramic views of the city! For more of our favorite hiking trails in Arizona, check out this list of 12 of them – one for each month of the year!