Arizona is one of the most beautiful states in the entire country. If you're not from Arizona, here are some of the best hikes to do while you're visiting:
Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park is a great place for beginners and experts alike. There are multiple trails, ranging from easy to difficult, so you can pick what works for you. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and has amazing views of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains.
Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Phoenix Mountain Preserve is a great hike for beginners and those looking to get in some cardio. The trailhead is located at 35th Street and Camelback Road, just south of South Mountain Park. The park itself covers more than 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares), making it one of the largest urban preserves in America.
The hike itself is about 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 600 feet (183 meters). It's rated as moderate difficulty due to some inclines but nothing too strenuous--the trail mostly follows an old jeep road that winds through thickets of mesquite trees and tall grasses before opening up into expansive views over Phoenix and its surrounding mountainscapes. You'll also see plenty of wildlife along the way: wild horses roam freely throughout much of this area, while songbirds sing from their nests high above ground level where predators can't reach them!
South Mountain Park and Preserve
South Mountain Park and Preserve is a big park. It's so big that it's actually two parks, but if you're looking for some good hiking, they're both worth checking out.
The trails in South Mountain are pretty diverse--you can find trails that range from short and easy to long and difficult. You can also choose between day hikes or overnight backpacking trips! There are many options for mountain biking here too!
Gila River Canyon
Gila River Canyon is a state park in Arizona, and it's one of the best places to hike in the entire state. There are many different trails that range from easy to difficult, so you can choose something that fits your level and preferences.
The park has lots of activities besides hiking--you can go swimming or take horseback riding lessons if you want! If you're traveling with kids, there are playgrounds for them as well as campsites where they can stay overnight with their friends or family members.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. It's a steep hike, but it's worth the effort to reach this 3,500-foot summit. There are several trails to choose from: Echo Canyon Trail (1.4 miles), Cholla Trail (2 miles), and Pima Canyon Trail (3 miles). The trailhead is at Echo Canyon Park, which has restrooms and water fountains for hikers to use before embarking on their journey up Camelback Mountain.
Fry's Spring Loop Trail
The Fry's Spring Loop Trail is a 7.2 mile loop trail that winds through the desert along a wide dirt path. The trailhead is located at the Fry's Spring parking lot, which can be accessed by taking State Route 87 south from Phoenix and then turning onto FR 317 (just before you get to Fountain Hills). The trail itself is rated moderate and it's open year-round; however, there are no restrooms at the start of this hike.
Cave of the Bells Trailhead to Cave Springs Trailhead
The Cave of the Bells Trailhead to Cave Springs Trailhead hike is a wonderful choice for beginners who want to get their feet wet in the world of desert hiking. The trail itself is relatively flat, and it's easy to follow as it meanders through several cactus-filled valleys and passes by some interesting rock formations along the way.
The best part about this hike? It's only about 3 miles long (one way), making it perfect for those who don't have much time on their hands but still want something more than just a quick walk around town. You'll also pass by many beautiful views of nearby mountains, as well as plenty of wildlife like lizards or birds--even if they're not always visible!
If you're planning on going during springtime (March through May), keep an eye out for colorful wildflowers lining parts of your path; they'll add even more beauty into an already stunning environment!
There are so many good hiking trails in Arizona
There are so many good hiking trails in Phoenix that it can be difficult to pick just one. While the area has some of the best hikes in America, they're also easy to access, not crowded and offer great views. Here are 10 of our favorite Phoenix hikes:
Camelback Mountain Trailhead
This is an iconic hike with a steep ascent but once you reach the top, there's no better view of Phoenix than from here. There are several different trails off this trailhead so you can choose based on how much time or energy you have available for your hike (or if you want something more challenging).
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This preserve has tons of options including mountain biking trails as well as hiking paths through desert scrubland and pine forests where wild horses roam freely! It's one of the largest urban preserves in America so there's plenty to explore no matter what level hiker or mountain biker you may be!
Pack for the Hike!
Lastly, don't forget to pack everything you need. Check out our guide for packing for Arizona Hikes.
There are so many good hiking trails in Arizona. We hope you have found this list helpful and that it has inspired you to go explore some of these beautiful places! If you're interested in trying out some of these hikes, check out our other articles on the best hikes in Phoenix or Flagstaff as well.
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