5 Underrated National Forest Hikes in Arizona Rivaling National Park Hikes

If you’re a true outdoor adventurer, I can bet that Zion National Park is at the top of your list. Truth be told, this famous park is on my radar as well, but let’s be honest, Zion is not easily accessible. Between the crowds, hiking restrictions, and entry fees, it’s easy to see why many of us have skipped this national treasure. The good news? I discovered these underrated forest hiking trails in Arizona that offer unimaginable adventures, rivaling those inside Zion. No shuttle passes or schedules are needed to explore the slot canyons, waterfalls, or picturesque overlooks along these national forest hiking trails in Arizona.  

Before you leave for these exhilarating hikes, I’d suggest downloading AllTrails+ to access current trail conditions and more. Plus, be sure to bring lots of water and wear comfy clothing as you trek. Sunscreen is a must-have, especially if you’re hiking during the warmer months. Now, if you’re ready, grab your favorite hiking boots and let’s begin our adventure. 

1. Little Horse Trail to Chicken Point and White Line, Coconino National Forest

One of the main reasons folks visit Zion is to see the towering red sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. While the stunning landscape is unmatched, when you hike the four-mile-long Little Horse Trail in Sedona, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of mesas, hoodoos, and high sandstone cliffs painted in red hues. The glow from the sun adds more drama to the geological rock formations, rivaling the stunning vistas from the overlooks at Zion but with fewer crowds. This is one of those hikes where you’ll believe you’re at the top of the world, marveling at all its beauty. A small fee is required to access the trail, but the payoff is well worth it.      

2. Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail, Coronado National Forest

If you’ve hiked to the Pine Creek Waterfall inside Zion, you’ll love the Seven Falls Trail. This fun waterfall hike at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Tucson is both fun and adventurous, and the rewards are out of this world. The eight-mile rugged hike features vast canyons, stream crossings, and beautiful desert flora. The falls are a series of cascades tucked between Bear Canyon, plunging into a tranquil pool below. It’s a hidden desert oasis surrounded by dramatic rock formations that will leave you inspired. While spring might be the best time to visit, the hike can be enjoyed year-round. Of course, if you decide to hike during the summer, reward yourself with a dip in the serene pool.    

3. Timp Point to North Timp, Kaibab National Forest

Views, views, and more views! You can’t ask for more when you trek the Timp Point to North Timp near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This underrated hike in Arizona rewards explorers with the most spectacular views of the Great Thumb Mesa, Steamboat Mountain, and the deep gorge of the Colorado River. What I like most about this six-mile out-and-back hike is that it’s remote and perfect for those seeking solitude with enormous rewards. So, unlike the hikes at Zion, you might have this hidden gem trail all to yourself. Bring your camera along for this trek to capture the jaw-dropping landscapes.   

4. Granite Mountain Trail, Prescott National Forest

As you trek along the Granite Mountain Trail, chances are you’ll fall in love with the rugged wilderness, towering granite cliffs, water views, and ponderosa pine and juniper forest. With a diverse terrain offering peaceful solitude, this hike will be an unforgettable adventure. Wildlife is plentiful here, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, javelina, hawks, and even falcons nesting near the cliffs. And if you plan your trip around sunrise or sunset, be prepared to be awestruck by nature’s dramatic show as it illuminates the towering granite cliffs with warm hues. Sure, the scenery from Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is unimaginable, but you’ll find much to love about this picturesque trail in Arizona.       

5. Snake Gulch Rock Art, Kaibab National Forest

Backpacking is a popular activity at Zion National Park, but only in designated areas of the park. Of course, many of the forests in Arizona offer a chance to spend the night in the wilderness, too. But if you would like to sleep under the stars near a historical site surrounded by deep canyons, then the Snake Gulch Rock Art Trail is for you. At 12 miles long, the trail invites you to explore the vast terrain at your own pace. It’s a spot where hikers, horseback riders, and campers come to escape into nature. What’s more? As one of Arizona’s best-preserved rock art sites, you’ll have an intimate experience seeing 1000-year-old pictographs, petroglyphs, and ruins of the Native tribes who once called this area home. This rewarding trek is the perfect combination of gorgeous scenery and Arizona’s rich history.

What is your favorite forest hiking trail in Arizona? Does it remind you of any of our national parks? Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.