If you love exploring ancient ruins, there are few better places to be than Arizona. Our state is brimming with the remains of lost (but not forgotten) civilizations. One of the most underrated hikes to ancient ruins in Arizona leads to the Sears Kay Ruins near Scottsdale. You will see a 40-room Hohokam village last occupied 1,000 years ago, and it serves as a portal into ancient history.

Located along the Great Western Trail, this easy, one-mile hike is a portal into the past.
AllTrails/Jennie Moralde
The loop takes you to a prehistoric Hohokam village known as the Sears-Kay Ruin, named after two early homesteaders.
The village is perched on a hilltop, so although the trail is short, it's quite steep.
AllTrails/Motherhiker AZ
For this reason, it is not a handicap accessible hike.
When you finally happen upon the ruins, you'll be amazed by what you see.
AllTrails/Kim Snowden
The village consists of five separate buildings that contained a total of about 40 rooms. That's quite a feat of architecture - especially when you consider that it was built by hand.

Related Stories

The Arizona Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

The Arizona Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

 Spend The Day Exploring Dozens Of Caves In Arizona's Red Rock Country

Spend The Day Exploring Dozens Of Caves In Arizona's Red Rock Country

 One Of The Most Scenic Hikes In Arizona Is Also Among The Easiest Trails In The State

One Of The Most Scenic Hikes In Arizona Is Also Among The Easiest Trails In The State
First inhabited in A.D. 1050, the village is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
AllTrails/Julia Schempp
Signs are placed throughout the ruins, detailing each room and the unique purpose it served.
While the ruins are the main attraction, there's plenty to see on the rest of the trail, too!
AllTrails/Rebekah Murray
Sweeping panoramic vistas of the mountainous landscape are sure to leave you gazing in awe.
Since the trail is accessible year-round, it's interesting to note how the scenery changes with the seasons.
AllTrails/Andrea Darby-Stewart
Look out for beautiful wildflowers in the spring, lush greenery during summer, subtle changes in the leaves come fall, and an occasional dusting of snow in the winter.
If you're able, we highly recommend embarking on this hike at sunrise or sunset.
AllTrails/Debbie Elam
A rich, amber glow enveloping the hilly terrain is a sight you won't soon forget.

Feel free to take photographs, but please remember to leave the ruins exactly as you found them for future generations to enjoy.

Have you ever hiked the Sears Kay Ruins Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. For more hiking trails in Arizona that lead to ancient ruins, check out our previous article. Don’t forget to nominate your favorite Arizona hikes and/or ruins for the chance to see them featured in an upcoming article!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Ancient Ruins In Arizona & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | November 30, 2022

Where can I see ancient ruins in Arizona?

Some of the best ancient ruins in Arizona are:

This north-central Arizona national monument protects many archaeological sites, the most well-known of which is a 900-year-old ancestral Puebloan site with more than 100 rooms.

Built by the Sinagua people just under 1,000 years ago, Tuzigoot National Monument is one of the largest and best-preserved ruins in Arizona. It spans two to three stories and has 110 rooms.

Navajo National Monument protects three separate cliff dwellings: Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House. The dwellings were last occupied circa 1300 AD.

Located near Sedona, the Honanki and Palatki Heritage Sites were both occupied sometime between between 1150 and 1350 AD. Both ruins offer trails that allow visitors to get a closer look.

What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona?

The best hiking trails in Arizona include:

Among the most popular hiking trails in Arizona, the Bell Rock Trail is a 1-mile loop that leads to one of the most iconic rock formations in the state, Bell Rock.

Also in Sedona, the Devils Bridge Trail showcases the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. Hikers can walk out onto the arch and enjoy views of the surrounding red rock landscape.

Located in Grand Canyon National Park, the Bright Angel Trail is a strenuous hike that leads from Grand Canyon Village all the way down to the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch.

Most popular during the fall, this 2.7-mile hike leads through a grove of aspen trees whose leaves turn a beautiful shade of gold in autumn.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Scottsdale, AZ, USA