Best Hikes in Arizona

Arizona is one of the best hiking states in the country because it combines iconic desert trails, red-rock routes, pine-country walks, canyon hikes, and serious alpine climbs within a single state. The biggest challenge is not finding a good hike. It is matching the hike to the season, elevation, and heat.

Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park are the obvious headline hikes. Even short segments feel monumental because the scale is so overwhelming. For many visitors, these are less about mileage and more about experiencing the canyon's depth and color from below the rim.

Humphreys Peak Trail near Flagstaff is the state's classic summit hike. It is strenuous, high, and weather-sensitive, but the reward is the top of Arizona and long views across volcanic country, forest, and plateau.

Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, and other Sedona-area hikes are among the most photographed in the state for good reason. The red-rock formations, slickrock paths, and changing light make Sedona one of the strongest day-hiking destinations in the Southwest.

Havasu Falls and the Havasupai area are world-famous for blue-green water in a canyon setting, though access is tightly controlled and requires planning. It is one of the most recognizable hiking destinations in the state.

The Wave on the Arizona-Utah border is technically a permit-limited route rather than a standard trail, but it remains one of the most sought-after desert hikes in the region.

Mount Lemmon trails above Tucson give the state another side entirely, with pine forest, cooler air, and long ridge views.

West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is a favorite for hikers who want shade, water crossings, and a greener canyon experience than the classic open-desert routes.

Arizona hiking works best when people respect elevation and season. A summer desert hike can be dangerous while a high-country trail might be perfect. That range is exactly what makes the state special: desert basin in the morning, alpine forest by afternoon, and canyon overlook by evening if the plan is good.