Most scenic hikes in Arizona: 7 insider tips and experiences

The Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon is probably the prettiest hike I’ve ever done in Arizona. What’s cool is that the scenery drastically changes every few miles. You go from pine forests to red rock walls, and then you’re looking down at the Colorado River way below. Starting at sunrise, it felt like walking through different geologic periods, and the quiet made the canyon feel huge. It’s really something else, but the toughest thing is hiking out when you’re already tired. If you’re thinking about doing it, get ready for some long downhills, because they can be rough on your legs. Start super early to beat the heat, take more water and electrolytes than you think you’ll need, and don’t just count on the water stops. Know your limits and be realistic about how fast you can hike, because the canyon isn’t forgiving.

Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes I did in Arizona. The best part of this hike was that once you start climbing, the views will almost immediately be available. As you climb higher, the colors of the red rock formations change based on the sunlight. When I reached the saddle near the top, it was as if I had just walked onto a postcard. There were times where I stopped just to admire the scenery, although it is a short hike.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to get to the trailhead early enough to avoid crowds and heat, especially in the summer months. Wear shoes with good traction because parts of this trail require climbing up smooth rocks. Bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need because it always feels harder than it looks when you’re up high.

Arizona’s Bright Angel Trail has the most beautiful views of any hike I have done in Arizona because the view of the canyon changes with every mile you go further into the canyon.

When I was finally deep enough into the canyon that I no longer could hear any sounds from the rim, the canyon became silent and enormous; its sheer size and beauty made me feel very small in a positive way due to the texture of the various rocks and colors created by the sun’s light over various hours of the day.

One piece of advice I would give, as well as all the rangers will also tell you, is to take your time getting to the point where your journey will be turned around because that’s always going to be the most difficult part of your hike back to your car.

Also, don’t be cheap when it comes to packing snacks and water; you sweat profusely and are going to need twice as much water as you normally do on a hike in Arizona.

To beat the heat, start hiking as early as possible to be able to enjoy seeing the sun rise above the canyon walls and have the best photo opportunity!

Bear Mountain in Sedona is exceptional in that you don’t have to stand on the peak to receive the reward for your efforts, but rather the clarity, not the spectacle. The climb is steady going and exposed, which requires one to focus on pacing and footing instead of distractions. Reaching the top provides a broad, clear view of red rock formations that are earned, not artificial. The memory lingers because the silence at the summit seems to be purposeful, almost teaching, after a strenuous climb.

In this experience, what was memorable was that the hike was honest. There were no short cuts and no occasions where the momentum won the day. There was a need for patience on every switchback.

For those who are thinking of going on the hike, get going early and carry more water than you think you need. Shade is scarce and heat is fast accumulating. It is more important to have hiking shoes than to be fast. The energy with which you move is preserved and awareness is increased. The point is not to hurriedly reach the summit. The value lies in getting there with enough clarity remaining to be able to appreciate where you are standing.

It’s hard to pick! I’ve been on a lot of really cool hikes in Arizona. One of my favorite places to hike, though, is Antelope Canyon. There really just is no other place like it. I remember the first time I went on a guided hike in Upper Antelope Canyon with some friends, and we were all blown away by the canyons and their unique shape and whimsical feel. My tip for those considering this hike would be to go into it with the expectation of taking your time – enjoying the scenery and taking plenty of pictures. This isn’t the kind of hike you’ll want to blast through, instead you’ll want to enjoy the experience.

One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in Arizona is actually the hike to Cathedral Rock in Sedona. This is a short hike that is very steep, and the view that you get at the top is just amazing. There is a sense of calm that is hard to describe. I highly recommend that you wear grippy shoes because there is rock scrambling that is very slick. It is also important to plan your hike, especially if it is during peak heat, because it is a short hike that is very intense. This is one of those hikes that feels much bigger than it actually is.

My best memory from hiking in Arizona was Havasu Falls Trail. It’s hard to put into words how incredible the falls are with the turquoise color of the cascading waterfalls.

If you decide to take this hike, hydrate before you go, pack light, and if you have time, set up camp the night before so you can see the falls at full moon. That will be one of the greatest views you’ll ever see.