From deserts dotted with saguaros and unique volcanic rock formations to aspen-covered mountain peaks and astoundingly steep mesas, Arizona flourishes with diverse landscape to be explored by foot. Whether you’re looking for a quick, strenuous sweat through the soaring red rocks of Sedona or an all-day excursion traversing the awe-inspiring ravines in the Grand Canyon, Arizona offers an abundance of outdoor adventure. To help you navigate our state's natural wonder, we’ve Scouted the best hikes and sights suited for everyone from novices to thrill-seekers, and every adventurer in between.
And since sunsets remain synonymous with Arizona just as saguaros are with the Sonoran Desert, we’ve taken the liberty of including a few favorite local spots for admiring those famous cotton candy skies!
LOCAL HIKES
Photography courtesy of Experience Scottsdale.
DOUBLE BUTTE LOOP
Papago Park | 2.2 Mile Loop | Easy | This hike attracts locals and tourists alike for its unique landscape, wildlife, and low level of difficulty. This 45-minute route makes a fantastic, not-too-tough outing for families with children of all ages plus offers pups plenty of special areas to roam off leash.
HOLE-IN-THE-ROCK TRAIL at PAPAGO PARK
Papago Park | 0.3 Miles Out & Back | Easy | Fantastic for beginner hikers, littles, or those just wanting to explore Phoenix’s natural splendor, this short trail offers a fantastic reward with a sprawling view overlooking the city.
QUARTZ RIDGE TRAIN
32nd & Lincoln | 3.2 Miles Out & Back | Easy to Moderate | This straightforward trail through the Sonoran desert will get your blood pumping in about an hour and a half while constantly rewarding you with ever-changing views of the city and magnificent surrounding mountains. Great for out-of-towners or as a run for an added challenge.
HIDDEN VALLEY TRAIL
South Mountain Preserve | 3.6 Mile Loop | Moderate | Running along Phoenix’s South mountain, this rugged, narrow passage meanders through two large boulders featuring unique rock formations and amazing vista views overlooking the bustling city. A local hidden gem, this trail has lower foot traffic so don’t be surprised if you cross paths with the local wildlife.
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN SUMMIT TRAIL
Phoenix Mountains Preserve | 0.9 miles Out & Back | Moderate | Deceptively easy at the start, this hike guarantees a solid workout as the incline quickly ramps up on your way up the mountain. We recommend timing your hike just right so that you reach the top in time to watch the sunrise or sunset over North Mountain and Shaw Butte.
PINNACLE PEAK TRAIL
Pinnacle Peak Park | 4 Miles Out & Back | Moderate | In just a little over two hours, this popular Scottsdale hike offers a fantastic workout as you navigate the steep steps and switchbacks of the beautiful desert landscape. No dogs allowed so be sure to leave your pups at home!
ECHO CANYON TRAIL
Camelback Mountain | 2.5 Miles Out & Back | Hard | One of two trails that will lead you right to the top of the iconic Camelback Mountains, this short but challenging adventure is for experienced hikers looking to get their hearts racing with steep switchbacks and a quick incline. Discover pockets offering secret overlooks and a truly breathtaking view at the top.
TOM'S THUMB TRAILHEAD
McDowell Sonoran Preserve | 4.4 Miles Out & Back | Hard | Notable for its smooth trail, ancient towing granite slabs, and abundant desert flora, this hike features a stiff climb in a relatively untouched area of Phoenix offering a stronger sense of seclusion compared to other trails.
PIESTEWA SUMMIT TRAIL
Phoenix Mountain Preserves | 2.1 Miles Out & Back | Hard | Almost entirely uphill, this trail is a local favorite for the great workout it offers in a relatively short amount of time. Amazing 360-degree views and cooler temperatures await you at the top, making the steep 1,000-foot climb more than worth it. Pro-tip: Beat the crowd and the afternoon heat by making this a sunrise or sunset adventure.
DAYTRIP-WORTHY HIKES
Photography courtesy of Hiking & Fishing.
CATHEDRAL ROCK TRAIL
Sedona | 1.3 Miles Out & Back | Hard | More of a rock climb than a hike, this relatively short trail is ideal for hikers who want to challenge themselves and experience the intense beauty of Sedona’s red rocks. Expect to do some rock scrambling during the final stretch to the top.
DEVIL'S BRIDGE TRAIL
Sedona | 3.9 Miles Out & Back | Moderate | A right of passage for first-timers in Sedona, this popular adventure will reward you with breathtakingly beautiful views of Devil’s Bridge - an iconic landmark and the largest natural sandstone arch in Coconino National Forest. The trail’s incline is minimal and hikers will be pleased with the cactus and wildflowers that line the path making for a beautiful scene along the way.
SOLDIER PASS TRAIL
Sedona | 4.5 Mile Loop | Moderate | From the Devil’s Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools to the famous Sedona red rocks and the Devil’s Cave, this hike offers a rare glimpse of the geological uniqueness and powerful natural energy found in the Red Rock Secret Wilderness.
WEST FORK TRAIL
Sedona | 6.5 Miles Out & Back | Moderate | This hike offers a steady incline that is a fun, approachable challenge for families with children of all ages. During your journey, you will hop across babbling brooks, wander through lush greenery, and encounter towering red rocks. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy once you reach the top.
Photography courtesy of The Dyrt.
FATMAN'S LOOP
Flagstaff | 2.4 Mile Loop | Moderate | A relatively easy walk with a few steeper sections, this trail offers an encounter with the diverse plant species and wildlife found in the area. You’ll also enjoy unique volcanic rock formations from Mt. Eden plus sweeping views overlooking Flagstaff from the many lookout points along the way.
ELDEN LOOKOUT TRAIL
Flagstaff | 6.3 Miles Out & Back | Hard | Begin your journey through beautiful woodlands and groves of aspen trees before you ascend the staircase of petrified lava to the mountain's summit where you’ll enjoy sweeping city views and an intimate look at the mountain’s unique geology. Though this hike might be strenuous, the beautiful scenery makes any huff-and-puff breaks well worth it.
HUMPHREY'S PEAK
Flagstaff | 9.6 Miles Out & Back | Hard | The highest point in Arizona, the hike to Humphrey’s Peak rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramic views, and if the sky is clear, you might even glimpse the Grand Canyon in the distance. The widespread display of aspen trees makes this a fantastic hike to do during the fall when the leaves are bursting with color.
Photography courtesy of The Outbound.
BEAR CANYON to SEVEN FALLS TRAIL
Tucson | 8.3 Miles Out & Back | Moderate | Awaiting at the end of this gorgeous canyon hike is the closest thing you’ll find in the area to an oasis. From the towering saguaro cacti, you’ll pass along the way to the multi-level, crystal-clear waterfall perfect for hot summer day swimming, it’s no wonder this trail is deemed an essential Tucson adventure.
BRIDAL WREATH FALLS TRAIL
Tucson | 5.7 Miles Out & Back | Moderate | Watch as the landscape during this climb morphs from classic desert to a massive grassland, then finally a beautiful 25-foot waterfall oasis. This trail gets busy so come early and leave your pups at home for this one!
BLACKETTS RIDGE
Tucson | 5.7 Miles Out & Back | Hard | Located near the Catalina Foothills, this hike features a very steep, rocky, and technical ascent that rewards incredible eagle-eye views of Sabino Canyon. Expect a non-stop, heart-pumping climb surrounded by picturesque scenery every step of the way.
Photography courtesy of Outside.
SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL to OOH AHH POINT
Grand Canyon | 1.8 Miles Out & Back | Moderate | Adventure away from the South Rim and spend some time on this trail where every step of the way offers breathtaking views, culminating at Ooh Ahh Point where you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramas including the little-visited East Grand Canyon. This trail is safe, easy to follow, and great for beginners.
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL
Grand Canyon | 15.3 Out & Back | Hard | For those wanting to experience the Grand Canyon from below, this trail is one of the most popular day hikes and a great entry point for first-time visitors. With many major turnaround points and scenic views along the way, hikers can choose their adventure while still experiencing the highlights of this iconic terrain.
GRANDVIEW TRAIL
Grand Canyon | 10.6 Mile Loop | Hard | This unmaintained but well-traveled path from Grandview Point is easily the toughest, most rugged of Grand Canyon’s day hikes. For those wanting a shorter trip out of this trail, opt for turning back at Horseshoe Mesa where you can grab a peek at the old copper mines and enjoy fantastic views up and down the canyon.
SUNSETS
Photography courtesy of Fine Art America.
ANDAZ SCOTTSDALE RESORTS & BUNGALOWS
6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale | @andazscottsdale | For the perfect place to soak up Scottsdale’s cotton candy skies, look no further than Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen at Andaz Scottsdale Resorts & Bungalows. Sip and snack on seasonal small plates and creative cocktails while perfectly positioned on the patio to watch the sunset over the Camelback Mountains on the horizon.
CHRISTOPHER’S AT WRIGLEY MANSION
2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix | @christophersatwrigley | Discover the art of gastronomy during sunset at Christopher’s. Situated at the top of a hill and surrounded by windows, this intimate eatery led by James Beard award-winning chef Christopher Gross serves inspiring cuisine enjoyed alongside spectacular panoramic views.
ISABELLA’S AT GRAYHAWK
8623 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale | @isabellas_kitchenaz | This elegant yet low-key eatery at Grey Hawk Golf Club serves rustic Italian fare and fine wine from a comfortable atmosphere that is well-positioned for watching the sky light up with pink and orange. Great for families, this spot boasts a fantastic patio for parents to recline with some wine and a grassy area for littles to play.
SANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN
5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley | @gurneysresorts | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is a golden hour hotspot boasting two places with prime sunset views. Take a seat at their award-winning upscale eatery, Elements, to enjoy Asian-accented New American fare and gorgeous mountain views, or take pleasure on the patio at Jade Bar with sunset sips of mixologist-crafted libations.
Enjoy and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
