The Little-Known Ruins In Arizona You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 1.6-Mile Trail

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.

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!