Whether you are a local or a tourist, you've probably been advised to treat yourself to some hiking along the 800-mile Arizona Trail. As fantastic as that hike may seem to some people, for others the idea of taking weeks to finish hiking seems a little... crazy. If you’re a beginning hiker or just someone who likes to do it when you have a few spare hours in the week, you’ll want to check out some easy hikes in Arizona. Believe it or not, the state is full of these short and sweet treks! Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

1. Aspen Marshall Loop

If you make a trip up to Mount Lemmon but aren’t quite up for a long hike (altitude adjustment, et al.) then this short loop hike is one you will want to try. It measures a total of 3.5 miles and the trail is well-marked. The trail is still recovering from the Aspen Fire in 2003 but things are looking better every year! This pretty trail can be found in the Butterfly Peak Natural Area in Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619.

Hiking information: Hike Arizona

2. Aspen Nature Loop

This easy trail in Flagstaff doesn’t actually take you through the aspen trees. Instead it maneuvers its way west from the Arizona Snowbowl through pines and then eventually makes its way back to the parking lot. This is a good way to get away from the crowd and enjoy nature even if you’re short on time. This gorgeous trek is located in the Coconino National Forest at Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
Hiking information: Hike Arizona

3. Baldy Mountain

When it comes to easy hikes in Arizona, a mountainous trek probable wouldn't come to mind. However, this 3.3-mile trail is just west of Lake Pleasant, making it a good hike to round out your boating experience. Once you reach the top of the short peak, you get a lovely view of the lake and the surrounding desert. Find this spot off of Lake Pleasant Access Rd, Peoria, AZ 85342.

Hiking information: Hike Arizona

4. Devil’s Bridge Trail #120

Feeling fearless? The most difficult part of this trail is crossing the arch, which can look a bit daunting to those with a fear of heights. Overall, trek up the trail and back will be less than 2 miles and does have a steep elevation climb but the view is worth it! Find this spot near Sedona, AZ 86336.

Hiking information: National Forest Service

5. Foothills Loop Trail

Are you longing for the beauty of the Coronado National Forest? This loop trail takes you 3 miles around a portion of the Kartchner Caverns Trail and up to the summit of one of the low peaks. The hike is a pretty easy one and gives you quite the view! Find this pretty spot in Tucson, AZ 85701. Hiking information: Hike Arizona

6. Hayden Butte

This hike looks steep but is a short one that college students and families enjoy. The trip up and back is less than a mile and the path is well-maintained. This trek along the Tempe Butte is one of the most striking yet easy hikes in Arizona! find it near Tempe, AZ 85281.Hiking information: Hike Arizona

7. Pine-Strawberry Trail #15

This trail leads you between the two Rim Country towns and is a little under 4 miles one-way. You’ll encounter a switchbacks when you first start the trail at Strawberry but from there it’s smooth sailing. You can find this pretty spot near Strawberry, AZ 85544. Hiking information: Hike Arizona

8. Schultz Creek Trail #152

For a Flagstaff trail with a very slow elevation climb, you’ll want to give this one a try! It curves along a fraction of Mount Elden before stopping at Schultz Tank, which is what you see above. The stream is seasonal, so plan your hike around the snowmelt or after a rainy day if you plan on seeing it. Otherwise, enjoy the nature sights along this 7-mile trail. Find this pretty spot in the Coconino National Forest.Hiking information: Hike Arizona

9. Wind Cave Trail

This popular trail at Usery Park in Mesa constitutes a 3.2-mile round trip that can be a little steep but offers some beautiful views of the desert! Plus the destination is pretty cool... you'll arrive at a small and scenic cave! Find this spot near Wind Cave Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207.Hiking information: Hike Arizona

10. Woodchute Trail #102

Most people tend to fly right past Mingus and Woodchute Mountains when driving along Highway 89A. That’s a shame because they’re missing out on a treat. Woodchute Trail is the longest on our list at 13.5 miles round trip but don’t feel you have to hike to the end and back in one go! You could opt to hike to the edge of the mesa (3.5 miles one way) before turning around. Completing the hike, however, will show you what pretty sights are hiding in the Verde Valley.
Hiking information: National Forest Service

There is so much to love about these easy hikes in Arizona, especially if you're looking to take little ones out to get to know the great outdoors. Which of these hikes is your favorite? Are there any you would add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re on the lookout for more hiking trails around Arizona, you might also want to check out this easy one in Prescott which once was part of a railroad line.