Hike This Stairway To Nowhere In Arizona For A Magical Desert Adventure
Climbing over 300 steps isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but ethereal desert surroundings definitely make it seem like less of a workout. You’ll find one such magical scene at Victory Stairs in Waddell, and it’s a short and sweet, yet still plenty challenging, adventure fit for the whole family.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Hiding in the Waddell neighborhood of Verrado, Victory Stairs is a fun, yet challenging adventure for the whole family. This 300+ step staircase ascends nearly 200 feet high, seeming to lead straight up into the heavens. (Trust us; it looks far more daunting than it is!)
Even from a distance, one can clearly see the stairway snaking up the hill as it carves a foreboding path guaranteed to test your resolves. The trail is only 0.2 miles long, but it definitely packs a punch despite the minimal length.
The hike is suitable for all ages and skill levels, save for very small children. It's really no different than any other desert hike with a moderate elevation gain, so it should be no biggie even if you're a beginner.
Your legs will undoubtedly start burning at some point, but encouraging messages are interspersed along the way to keep your motivation up. Fresh air, solitude, and the beautiful Arizona desert surrounding you on all sides -- is there a better view for cardio in existence? We sure can't imagine one.
Upon reaching the summit, there are additional hiking trails you can embark on beyond the staircase itself. Just look at that mountain view on the horizon! Breathtaking sights are everywhere you look up here.
Sunset brings with it a whole new world, as the city below becomes shrouded in a dim, ethereal luminescence. Time your visit just right to see this picture-perfect scene unfold as you climb the final step.
Luckily, the stairs are situated in such way that shade is ample in the late afternoon and evening hours. Going down is an entirely different experience than scaling the steps, as you get to see things from an opposite perspective (not to mention how relieved you'll be knowing all the hard work is done!)
Have you ever hiked the Victory Stairs? Sadly, they’re closed right now amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’d still love to hear all about your experience! Keep up with the AllTrails page to be first to know when the trail reopens! For now, check out our previous post for another staircase hike: This Waterfall Staircase Hike May Be The Most Unique In All Of Arizona.
Are there any hikes, businesses, or other attractions in Arizona you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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