Best Hiking Trails in Arizona
Grand Canyon, Sedona red rock, and Sonoran desert. Our team's picks for Arizona — when to go, what to carry, and what to avoid.
Arizona is a winter-hiking state more than a summer one, which trips up most first-timers. Jake hiked rim-to-rim in October and says you can still feel the sun bouncing off the inner canyon at 3pm. Rae spent a month out of Flagstaff chasing the quieter North Kaibab side. Owen rates the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix as the best desert hiking in the state that nobody writes about.
Our non-negotiable Arizona rule: October through April for anything below 6,000 ft. Heatstroke is how people die on Arizona trails. Even in January, carry three liters. The desert doesn't forgive thirst.
By region
Grand Canyon
Bright Angel and South Kaibab for day hikes. Rim-to-rim is the classic long-distance route (best October).
Sedona
Red-rock scramble country. Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge are the famous ones; West Fork Oak Creek is the underrated one.
Sonoran Desert (Phoenix/Tucson)
Camelback, Picacho Peak, the Superstitions. Winter only. Go at dawn even then.
Northern AZ (Flagstaff)
Humphrey's Peak, the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Summer hiking at altitude.
When to go
Plan a hike in Arizona
Affiliate links — we earn a small commission when you book through these, at no cost to you. Disclosure.
More hikes in Arizona
Common questions
- Can I hike the Grand Canyon in one day?
- Yes, but the NPS begs you not to. Rim-to-rim is 24 miles + 5,000 ft re-climb. Plan for 12–14 hours and carry 5L.
- Which Sedona trail is the best for sunrise?
- Cathedral Rock Trail. Park by 5am in shoulder-season, 4am in high season.
- Snakes?
- Rattlesnakes are rare in daylight. Watch where you put your hands on scrambles. They don't want to meet you either.