Arizona is notorious for its amazing views and majestic hikes. If you’re craving fresh air, perspective, and some peace from all the chaos, here are 10 of Arizona’s best hikes to explore.
Beaver Falls
Want to enjoy incredible cascading pools over limestone terraces and swim in the turquoise pools of Havasu Creek while enjoying one of Arizona’s best hikes? This gorgeous hike leads to a colorful wonderland. The 8-mile trek to Beaver Falls is well worth the trip, and can offer some quieter moments and give you not only quality exercise, but that peace of mind you might be looking for.
Bell Rock Trail
Bell Rock is a relatively easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike in Sedona. There are several options for ascent depending on skill level and the trail itself is only .75 miles and climbs along the northern face of Bell Rock. You are able to climb the rock as high as you feel is safe for you. The Bell Rock Trail in Sedona is a relatively easy hike and is well maintained with plenty of views as you trek along.
Broken Arrow Trail to Chicken Point
This quick, classic Sedona beauty might take the cake for its combination of ease and spectacular view. It’s fully loaded with breathtaking red rock views of Battlement Mesa & Twin Buttes to the west and white/red rock views of Munds Mountain Wilderness to the east. If you’re going to do just one Sedona hike, we recommend this one be at the top of the list!
Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail
Who’s up for a good challenge? The hike up the east side of Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale and is not often crowded.
With trail markers to help guide you at the start of the hike, you will begin on switchbacks heading up the mountain. The hike increases in difficulty about 1 mile in, when you reach the saddle, and you will have to do some scrambling during the last stretch to the top, but it is totally worth it to see the view of our beautiful state.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is one of the most scenic hikes in Sedona with its breathtaking views from the top and one of the most popular landmarks in Arizona.
Just a heads up: the hike is steep and requires a bit of climbing in certain spots. Although it is only 1.5 miles roundtrip, it is pretty strenuous, leading you up a moderately steep incline, but there is a beautiful reward awaiting you at the top and is well worth it! It is also a magnificent spot to enjoy the sunset!
“The Crack” at Wet Beaver Creek
Get ready to cannonball because this 7-mile out-and-back hike will reward you with a rad swimming hole to dive in and cool off. ‘The Crack’ is a cliff jumper and adrenaline junkie’s dream, but also offers something for those who just want to relax with smooth rocks for sunbathing and shallow waters for wading. To get to The Crack, it’s about a 3.5-mile hike each way. Make sure you’re well prepared by staying hydrated, bringing snacks and lathering up with sunscreen, because the hot desert sun is what makes this hike tough – but the swimming hole makes it worth it.
Devil’s Bridge
An easy hike with breathtaking views of the red rocks, Sedona and an incredible payoff: The Devil’s Bridge. From the trailhead, the hike gradually slopes upward as it winds its way through the trees. The trail is easy to follow and after about 3/4 of a mile, you’ll reach a rock staircase, which is really fun to climb- brings out the true kid in you!
The Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona and an iconic landmark. This hike is an absolute must, especially if you’re visiting the area!
Mooney Falls
This turquoise, waterfall dream is something everyone should witness at some point in their lifetime. So add ‘hiking Mooney Falls’ to your bucket list! The hike to Mooney Falls is relatively short, ranging anywhere from 3/4 of a mile to a few hundred feet depending on where in the campground you might be stationed. The northwest end of the campground is where you will find the trail down to Mooney Falls.
It is the most adventurous waterfall to reach and requires travelers to hike down through a passageway cut through on the side of the canyon wall by miners at the turn of the 20th century.
Navajo Falls
This grand series of cascades and waterfalls upstream of Havasu Falls is a paradise in the desert and has refreshing pools of water, which are an idyllic place to chill. Navajo Falls comprises two different falls, Upper Navajo and Lower Navajo, and a series of cascades connects the two. Sadly, it is quite easy to miss Upper Navajo Falls due to the fact that it is tucked into a corner near the stream of the lower falls, so make sure to keep an eye out for them.
Robbers Roost
This wonderous hike is short but sweet and offers a spectacular view of Sedona’s red rocks where you can camp out or enjoy a nice picnic with a view! Although the hike begins on the eastern side of the parking lot and is only a half-mile, the views are amazing. As you hike through this beautiful Sedona landscape of red rock and juniper, you will find your way to a breathtaking cliffside view. Once there, you can explore more of the mountain or relax in a secluded cave with amazing views of Sedona’s red rock.
Here are five helpful hiking and safety tips:
• Make sure you pack accordingly! Bring lots of water and snacks when exploring Arizona’s best hikes.
• Lather up with sunscreen and bring some along on your journey! Especially living in Arizona, the sun intense- protect your skin!
• Make sure you do your research on your specific hike! Know the path, the duration and always check the weather beforehand!
• Always bring a hiking buddy as well! Not only is it safer to have someone alongside you, but it’s also great company during a heart pumping hike.
• Always have the essential gear for Arizona’s best hikes! The right hiking boots are crucial, as well as having the right socks, navigation, first aid, hat and sunglasses!
