9 Easy Hikes You Can Enjoy in Arizona This Winter

In many other states, people are hunkered down in their homes to avoid the cold, gray skies, but Arizonans are fortunate to have the sun still brightly shining even in winter. Hopefully, you’re taking advantage of that sun and our seasonal cool weather by staying active and enjoying the outdoors and nature in all its glory. Here are a few of the best and most beautiful winter hikes in Arizona that you ought to add to your to-do list this season. Each trail is under six miles long, features a maintained path, and has beautiful scenery!

1. Alamo Canyon Loop (Organ Pipe National Monument)

The perfect time of year to visit and hike through our desert wilderness is winter. The temperatures are lower, the sun is less intense, and you may even find the plants blooming in January and February. This trail is 3.2 miles and pretty easy, although you should expect a bit of an elevation climb throughout the hike. Head to AllTrails for an Alamo Canyon Loop map.

2. Aspen Nature Loop (San Francisco Peaks)

The easy Aspen Nature Loop trail measures 1.8 miles and is a short yet pretty walk even in winter. If you’re visiting the Snowbowl in Flagstaff but want to get a little bit of walking in away from the crowd, check out this short loop just west of the mountain attraction.

3. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

If an easy stroll is what you’re looking for, a walk through a botanical garden or arboretum will probably be more your style. One suggestion for this time of year is walking through Boyce Thompson Arboretum, located near Superior, along an easy, 2.25-mile trail that is well-maintained.

4. Echo Canyon Loop Trail (Chiricahua National Monument)

What you see above is just one of the impressive views you’ll see along the 3.2-mile Echo Canyon Loop trail. Enjoy making memories as you walk through the beautiful rock formations in the mild winter temperatures of the national monument. This is one of the best places for winter hiking in Arizona.

5. Hayden Butte (“A” Mountain, Tempe)

Of all the trails on this list, the "A" Mountain Hayden Butte Trail may be one may be the steepest. Despite that, it’s less than one mile in total length, has a well-maintained path, and is a popular destination for locals. The best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset to get the best views of the Tempe area.

6. Hieroglyphic Trail (Superstition Mountains)

The Superstitions are a beautiful location throughout the year but winter makes hiking this area a little more tolerable. The Hieroglyphic Trail hike is three miles as a round trip, showing off the natural beauty of the Superstitions and a bit of history with some pictographs along the way. What a great way to spend a day during winter in Arizona!

7. Monolith Garden Loop (Kingman)

In case you never paid much attention, Kingman is home to some pretty striking rock formations and great hiking trails. One easy trail that shows off the rugged landscape is the Monolith Garden Loop, which measures almost two miles long and the trail is easy to follow.

8. Sabino Canyon Trail #23 (Sabino Canyon, Tucson)

So many pretty desert views, and so little time. This is an easy trek, though the first 0.75 miles of Sabino Canyon Trail #23 is a bit steep. Don’t worry, it makes for a good leg and glute workout, plus you get to see some gorgeous views of the landscape and you might even spot some wildlife if you’re lucky. You'll see why this is one of the best winter hikes in Arizona.

9. Scenic Trail (McDowell Mountain Regional Park)

This trail gives you a nice elevation climb without wreaking havoc on your knees! The Scenic Trail in Fountain Hills measures 4.4 miles with an easy-to-follow path and views galore! I guess that's why it's called the "Scenic Trail."

When it comes to the most scenic winter hikes in Arizona, we're pretty sure some of these top the list! Looking for a place in Arizona that promises beautiful scenery throughout the year? We could recommend just about any place but a definite favorite can be found in This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Arizona, which features the beauty you can only find on the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail. What do you think are the best hikes in Arizona? Let us know!