BEST Hikes In Arizona From Upper Antelope Canyon To Camelback Mountain
The best hikes in Arizona take you on a journey through the quiet beauty of the desert and show you everything you didn’t know you were missing in this great state. So many experiences can be found on hikes in Arizona. Such as scaling a rocky mountain to catch a glimpse of the sun rising over the distant horizon. Teetering on the edge of a 5-story high natural bridge. Even hiking in the shadow of buttes towering above.
Yes, Arizona hiking can be hot and dry, but that doesn’t take away from the unbelievable sights and experiences these trails present. Expansive views and peaceful trails blend seamlessly with the gorgeous beauty known as the best hikes in Arizona.
So keep reading to check out the BEST HIKES IN ARIZONA FROM UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON TO CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN!
1.) Upper Antelope Canyon
Difficulty: 1
Distance: 0.3-miles loop trail
Tour vehicles take you to the entrance
Upper Antelope Canyon has everything that makes the best hikes in Arizona so special. A soft and peaceful trail coupled with fresh colors and wave like designs. All wrapped in a stunning scene of gorgeous wonder. Need we say more?
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Incredible one of a kind picture opportunities
– A soft, sandy floor
– A flat, easy hike with stairs heading back down
– Temperatures much cooler than the outdoors
Pro tip- Reservations are required for Upper Antelope Canyon, so reserve your spot far ahead of time.
2.) Horseshoe Bend
Difficulty: 1
Distance: 1.5miles total out and back
Large parking lot on site
While the hike to Horseshoe Bend can be forgettable, the destination is something you will remember. A gigantic canyon bending perfectly in a horseshoe shape with dozens of overlook points and a perfect view of the distant sunset. Welcome to hiking heaven!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A smooth, slightly inclined trail
– Hike through the dry landscape to bend
– Many lookout points above the river
– One of the best views in the United States
Pro tip- This spot is great for pictures, so check out everything you need to get the best Horseshoe Bend pictures HERE!
3.) Camelback Mountain
Difficulty: 6
Distance: 2.5miles total out and back
Parking on site
Of all the great things to do in Phoenix, hiking usually isn’t at the top of the list. However, when it comes to the awesome hike up the rocky peaks found near the center of the city, you will never look at Phoenix or Camelback Mountain the same way again.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A steep trail
– Loose rocks and gravel
– A section of climbing rock slide boulders
– A view extending over the entire valley
Pro tip- Try to get here early to avoid the crowds.
4.) Devil's Bridge
Difficulty: 6
Distance: 4.6-miles total out and back
Small parking lot on site
As calm and relaxing as most of the best hikes in Arizona are, Devil’s Bridge adds a sense of adventure and danger into the mix. On this hike, you will traverse desert landscapes and dried riverbeds leading up to an incredible rock formation you won’t want to miss.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A great elevated view over the Sedona landscape
– A perfect natural bridge to take pictures atop
– A rocky trail through the desert
– A small section of very steep rocks to climb
Pro tip- If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can drive most of the way to a closer parking spot.
5.) Secret Slickrock Trailhead
Difficulty: 2
Distance: 0.4-miles total out and back
Very small parking lot on site
Another of the beautiful Sedona hikes, the Secret Slickrock Trailhead is your Sedona escape from the crowds. Here, you can explore the still desert wildlife until you reach the best lookout point of Cathedral Rock.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A mostly flat dirt trail
– Hiking through openings between bushes and cacti
– A large, open rock viewpoint
– A short section of rocky steps down to the lookout
Pro tip- Follow the rock pillars so you don’t get turned around during the hike. 🪨
6.) Loma Verde Trail
Difficulty: 2
Distance: 3.8-miles loop trail
Very small parking lot on site
Loma Verde Trail is the Arizona hiking trail that perfectly encapsulates the incredible nature of the American Southwest. From miles of open landscapes to all of the desert wildlife, Saguaro National Park is one of the best places to hike and explore in Arizona!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Plenty of cacti lining the trail
– Few people
– A flat gravel trail
– A great hike to take in the Arizona wildlife
Pro tip- Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of beautifully picturesque places. 
7.) Wildcat Trail
Difficulty: 2
Distance: 4-miles loop trail
Large parking lot at visitors center
This hike is full of grand examples of the odd yet stunning nature this world is capable of. The Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley takes you on a trip through desert terrain and around skyscraping buttes, proving why this is both one of the best things to do in Arizona, and in Utah.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A sandy trail that turns into gravel
– Hikes around the base of the Mitten Buttes
– A soft decline then mainly flat trail
– The best way to get up close to the massive towers
Pro tip- Go during sunset for a view you won’t soon forget!
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