Hikes in Arizona
Arizona is a famous sun destination, and a great location for a holiday between autumn and spring. Of course, you’ll find the world famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, but that’s not all. While the state is well known for golfing and pools, there are also a lot of outdoor activities for tourists who want to explore the incredible landscapes Arizona has to offer.
Most tourists go to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. This incredible National Park amazes visitors, and exploring the Grand Canyon on foot or horse is the best way to see this natural wonder. Equally beautiful is the stunning Sedona area, perfect in spring and autumn, with stunning natural features and great towns to explore.
We also love just hanging out in Phoenix. The town of Scottsdale is a particular favourite, with nice hotels and stunning views from the many patios, which are ideal places to enjoy a meal outdoors and the sunset over the beautiful mountains.
Hiking regions in Arizona
Best Hikes in Arizona
Templeton, HT, and Easy Breezy Loop
The Templeton, HT, and Easy Breezy Loop is a 5.0 km moderately trafficked route that makes use of a collection of trails to form one awesome hike. This is a good hike for all ages and all skill levels, and the views are sure to please hikers of all abilities. Download your route ahead of time to help with navigation at the junctions if needed.
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Skywalker, Old Post, and Herkenham Loop
The Skywalker, Old Post, and Herkenham Loop is a 6.1 km moderately trafficked route that makes use of a collection of trails to form one scenic hike. This is a good hike for all ages and all skill levels but be prepared for variable footing and some mountain bike traffic. This hike is very convenient if you’re staying at the hotel near the trailhead.
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Harding Springs Trail
Harding Springs Trail is a 2.3 km out and back route near Sedona. This hike takes you up a steep canyon wall to a great viewpoint over Oak Creek Canyon. While it’s a bit of a strenuous trip, it’s quite a short hike, keeping it accessible for active families and strong beginners. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Skywalker Trail
The Skywalker Trail is a 5.6 km moderately trafficked out and back hike with constant views and clear signage. This is a good hike for all ages and all skill levels but be prepared for variable footing and some mountain bike traffic. This hike is very convenient if you’re staying at the hotel near the trailhead.
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Secret Slick Rock Trail
Secret Slick Rock Trail is a hidden gem in Sedona. It’s a very quick hike and easy enough for essentially anyone, but the views equal that of a much more involved adventure. It’s perfect if you need a good photo spot that isn’t too tough to get to or if you’re wanting a quick hike to complement a day on other nearby trails. Expect light traffic on this route.
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Pendley Homestead and Clifftop Nature Trail
If you’re spending the day in Slide Rock State Park, give the Pendley Homestead and Clifftop Nature Trail a try. It’s a laidback walk that takes you from the Ranger Station to the market and the rock slides. It’s a great way to explore the area and it’s easy enough for all ages and skill levels. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
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Lower Chimney Rock Loop
The Lower Chimney Rock Loop is a 2.3 km hike that takes you all the way around Lower Chimney Rock above northwest Sedona. It’s a fast little hike, but you can add an extension to the top of the rock if you want more of a challenge. This is a very scenic trail and is great to pair with other hikes in the area. Expect heavy traffic on this route- arriving early is recommended.
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Cathedral Rock via Templeton Trail
Cathedral Rock via Templeton Trail is a nice alternative to the traditional Cathedral Rock Trail, which can be impossible to get a parking spot for. If you’re willing to travel a little bit further, this is a great approach with just as much impressive scenery as the traditional route. It tends to experience light to moderate traffic.
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Mystic, Peccary, and Hog Wash Loop
The Mystic, Peccary, and Hog Wash Loop is a trail in Sedona that follows alongside West Twin Butte. Most hikers come to do Mystic Trail as an out and back hike, but adding on the Peccary and Hog Wash sections provides more interesting scenery. This is an easy loop with very little elevation gain, making it a good pick for all skill levels. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
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Yavapai Vista Trail
The Yavapai Vista Trail is a half-mile out and back route in Sedona that can either be hiked alone as a very easy venture or can be used as a part of a longer hike. This route’s proximity to Cathedral Rock makes it a frequent connector trail for hikes destined for the feature. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
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Courthouse Butte Loop Hike
The Courthouse Butte Loop hike takes you all the way around one of Sedona’s recognizable rock formations. Not only can you appreciate the butte from every angle, but you’ll also get to admire little Bell Rock, too. This loop is moderate, well-marked, and full of incredible views. We recommend arriving early if you can.
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Margs Draw Trail
Margs Draw Trail is a bit of a hidden gem. This trail doesn’t get as much traffic as other nearby routes despite its impressive, panoramic view of many of Sedona’s most recognizable mountains and rock formations. It’s a very easy hike with only a bit of loose rock to consider. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Hog Wash and Hog Heaven Loop
The Hog Wash and Hog Heaven Loop is a 5.8 km loop hike that gets you right up close to unique rock formations. This hike takes you to the 27 m Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole before heading past East and West Twin Butte. It’s a very scenic route that can be enjoyed by almost all skill levels and ages. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Little Horse, Hog Heaven, and Mystic Loop
The Little Horse, Hog Heaven, and Mystic Loop is a 8.9 km loop hike that gets you right up close to unique rock formations. This trail takes you around East and West Twin Butte with a view of Gibraltar Rock. You’ll stop by the Chicken Point Viewpoint, a great spot for photos. It’s a very scenic route that can be enjoyed by almost all skill levels and ages. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Cathedral Rock Loop
The Cathedral Rock Loop is a nice alternative to the traditional Cathedral Rock Trail, which can be impossible to get a parking spot for and only gives you one view of Cathedral Rock. If you’re willing to travel a little bit further, this loop gives you more views and some stretches of quieter trail if you’re lucky.
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Brins Mesa and Cibola Pass Loop
The Brins Mesa and Cibola Pass Loop is a fun trail with beautiful views of Wilson Mountain and Lost Wilson Mountain. This trail suffers from a little bit of overgrowth, but don’t let that stop you! The view from the mesa is great and the trail is varied and scenic. This route also takes you past the Seven Sacred Pools. Expect heavy traffic on this hike and come prepared with a downloaded GPS track to help you find your way if needed.
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Baldwin and Templeton Trail
This route guide follows Baldwin Trail to Templeton Trail. This route is frequented by both hikers and mountain bikers and is known for its fantastic views of Cathedral Rock, which is Sedona’s most recognizable landmark and happens to be right next to you on the east side of the trail. This route sees moderate traffic and is suitable for all skill levels and ages. You can also use this shorter section to plan longer loops in the area.
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First Bench of Wilson Mountain Hike
Want to climb (most of the way) up the tallest mountain near Sedona? The First Bench of Wilson Mountain is a plateau just underneath the mountain’s summit that provides jaw-dropping views over Oak Creek Valey and Sedona. This can be completed on its own or en route to the Wilson Mountain Summit. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Big Park Loop
The Courthouse Butte Loop hike takes you all the way around one of Sedona’s recognizable rock formations. Not only can you appreciate the butte from every angle, but you’ll also get to admire little Bell Rock, too. This loop is moderate, well-marked, and full of incredible views. We recommend arriving early if you can.
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Cockscomb Loop
The Cockscomb Loop is a 8.7 km hike in Sedona that takes you around Doe Mountain to the base of The Cockscomb, one of Sedona’s unique rock formations. This hike is on the easier side of moderate with a gentle elevation gain. You could easily add an ascent of Doe Mountain if you wanted to make it a more challenging adventure. Expect heavy traffic on this route.