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The Grand Canyon State’s namesake park is just the start—in every corner of Arizona, there are public lands and trails for every kind of adventurer. Use the map below to find your next Arizona adventure.
Trails
Public Lands
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VIDEO: Meet Arizona's Defender of Wild Places
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Training Ground
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Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument
Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Saguaro National Park
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Chiricahua National Monument
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Monument Valley Tribal Park
Tonto National Forest
Upper Antelope Canyon
North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook
Havasu Falls
Arizona Hot Springs Trail
Schuerman Mountain Trail
Humphreys Peak
Bob Bear Trail
Bajada Nature Trail
Apache Wash Loop
Camelback Mountain
Wildcat Trail
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Wildcat Trail
Monument Valley
Monument Valley’s striking formations are like something from another planet—or a movie. You’ve likely seen this landscape in Forrest Gump, The Lone Ranger, Back to the Future III or one of many other films. This red-rock desert in the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Tribal Park, in the state’s northeast corner, is best explored on foot. You can hire a guide to take you deeper into the park’s backcountry, but the Wildcat Trail is an easy 3.9-mile loop you can do on your own, and it winds close to some of the iconic formations. The nearest amenities are in Kayenta, about 26 miles south of the trailhead.
Note: The Navajo Nation’s parks are currently closed because of COVID, so check back for reopening details later this year.
Schuerman Mountain Trail
Sedona
Sedona is one of Arizona’s most famous areas, full of red-rock formations that glow like magic at golden hour. But there are still some secrets here too, if you know how to find them. Bypass the formations most frequently seen on postcards and check out the Secret 7, a handful of lesser-known yet uncompromising trails that offer you all the views with fewer crowds. One such is the Schuerman Mountain Trail—a fairly easy cypress-shaded climb up an extinct volcano mound and one of Sedona’s best sunset hikes. And at only 3.6-miles round-trip, it's uber accessible, too.
Apache Wash Loop
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
Within the city limits of Phoenix, the Sonoran Preserve offers desert vistas that feel worlds away from the metropolis that contains it. The 6.7-mile Apache Wash Loop is an easy, family-friendly hike with minimal elevation gain winding through cactus gardens and past towering saguaros. From the Apache Wash trailhead, you can also take the East Skip Rimsza Paseo, a 1.9-mile trail (each way) that’s fully paved and wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Here and elsewhere in the Phoenix region, keep an eye out for teddy-bear cholla. It might look cute and fun, but spines from this cactus break off easily. It’s not a bad idea to pack a multitool on desert hikes in case you need to pry a few from the soles of your boots.
Bajada Nature Trail
Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers a few paved trails that allow people of all abilities to meander through the desert. The Bajada Nature Trail, near the Gateway trailhead, is a figure-eight you can do as either a half- or a quarter-mile loop. The trail has mountain views, plenty of cactus, and interpretive signs helpful for teaching kids about desert ecosystems.
North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook
North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is epic from any angle, but it’s far less crowded on its northern edge, which is a longer road trip from major cities like Phoenix. It’s about 1,000 feet higher in elevation than the South Rim, too, which means it’s snowy in the winter and its summer temperatures are far milder than the triple-degree temps common on the south side. Take the North Kaibab Trail to the Coconino Overlook for a breathtaking moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike along the Grand Canyon’s more verdant upper edge.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Navajo Nation
When the sun shines just right, a walk through Antelope Canyon is the stuff of dreams. Antelope’s walls are just wide enough to hike through in some places. When hikers kick up dust from the sandy trail (or when your guide expertly tosses a handful of it at exactly the right moment), you’ll see sunbeams akin to waterfalls streaming down through the opening of this slot canyon. You’ll need to book a tour with a guide for this 6.5-mile hike on the Navajo Nation, so check back with Navajo Nation Parks for reopening data later this year.
Arizona Hot Springs Trail
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
White Rock Canyon, in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is hiding a few secrets: it’s a volcanic area, and it’s got its own hot spring. The 5.9-mile Arizona Hot Springs Trail, also called the Ringbolt Hot Springs Trail, is a steep and challenging loop leading to spring-fed pools contained by the near-vertical walls of White Rock Canyon, just six to nine feet wide here. Hike it in winter, spring, and fall—the area is open from October 1 to May 14. For the nearest amenities, head to Temple Bar Marina, off AZ highway 93.
Camelback Mountain
Maricopa County
Mastered the easier hikes of Phoenix and Scottsdale and want a heart-pumping challenge worth rising before dawn for? Camelback Mountain—named for the camel-like profile visible from a certain vantage—is beloved by Phoenix and Scottsdale residents. It’s one of those urban treks that local fitness junkies love to make a habit out of dashing up and down every morning. You can tackle it from a couple of different angles: short and steep, or long and steep. Approaching from Cholla Trail (which is currently closed for maintenance) gives you a 1.2-mile trek with just over 1,200 feet of elevation gain; via Echo Canyon Trail, you’ll rise about 1,400 feet in 2.5 miles. In the summer, go at dawn to beat the heat; you won’t find much shade here.
Havasu Falls
Havasupai Indian Reservation
Deep within the Grand Canyon but outside the park system, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is home to some of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, including Havasu, Mooney, and Beaver. Havasu Creek, which runs through the reservation, is powder-blue, making for a dreamy trek. Securing permits for a hike here can be challenging given how popular it is, but trust us—it’s worth trying (and the permitting system keeps the crowds at bay). Night skies here are epic thanks to a nearly perfect absence of light pollution, and you can either camp or stay at the lodge in town. Be prepared to pack out all your trash. The reservation is currently closed to tourists, but the best time to hike here is later in the year anyway, to beat the heat, so check often for updates.
Bob Bear Trail
Tonto National Forest
Two and a half hours north of Phoenix, a powder-blue creek runs through the Tonto and Coconino National Forests. Fossil Creek is a Wild and Scenic River—one of only two Arizona waterways with this designation—and its cool water is a welcome refresher on dusty summer days. The hike down to the creek is about four miles long and moves downhill quickly, but make sure you’re prepared for a steep hike back up to the car post-swim. Heads up: you’ll need to get a permit in advance to park at the trailhead between April 1 and October 1, and there’s no camping by the creek within those dates. Stick to the trails—no bushwhacking—to protect this beloved landscape.
Humphreys Peak
Flagstaff
If you thought you’d never see snow in Arizona, head to Flagstaff and summit Humphreys Peak, the state’s highest point at 12,635 feet. To get the stunning views from the top, you’ll need to climb about 3,300 feet over five miles. This trail is for advanced hikers who want the thrill of bagging one of the country’s high points and are willing to work to get there.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
BEST FOR: Seeking darkness above and below ground
Southeast of Tucson in the town of Benson, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers an array of wheelchair-accessible tours of stunning limestone caverns that were kept secret until 1978. One of the coolest: a headlamp tour on Saturdays without any additional artificial light beyond the one you carry with you. Snag a campsite or cabin within the state park to enjoy the darkness above ground, too. Kartchner is one of Arizona’s ten Dark Sky–certified parks, so bring your tripod and a blanket to gawk up at the Milky Way.
Saguaro National Park
BEST FOR: The giant redwoods of the cactus world
Saguaro cacti exist only in North America, and the Tucson area’s are the biggest in the world. Head to Saguaro National Park for stunning desert mountain vistas framed by these big-armed plants. Don’t write off the summer months—saguaros start to flower in late April, and they can bloom into early June (plus, the higher elevations in the park's eastern portion offer surprisingly cool temps). Base-camp in Tucson for southwestern luxury in the city’s resorts, or get a backcountry permit to hike in and pitch a tent.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
BEST FOR: Slot-canyon hikes and invoking Insta-envy
Vermilion Cliffs is where you’ll find the Wave, aka Coyote Buttes—a smooth and curvy sandstone rock formation that seems to have been painstakingly painted with narrow bands. You’ll need a permit for this 5.6-mile hike, so be sure to plan ahead. Looking for a serious challenge? Set aside a few days to backpack through Paria Canyon from Buckskin Gulch to Lees Ferry, about 45 miles. You also need a permit for overnight camping in the canyon and, heads up, you’ll need to pack out your poop. Camp at the monument’s developed State Line Campground on—you guessed it—the state line with Utah, or base-camp in nearby Page.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
BEST FOR: Zipping across a desert lake on Jet Skis
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area defies the odds. Here, minutes from the iconic twists of Horseshoe Bend, you’ll find the massive, man-made Lake Powell. Boating is popular here and it’s easy to rent paddling gear or a motorboat in Page, so long as you know how to drive it. The lake has floating restrooms so you can keep the reservoir clean. You can camp in primitive sites on the beaches of Lake Powell near Page, book a hotel in town for exploration around northern Arizona (the magical Antelope Canyon, in the Navajo Nation, is just about half an hour away, though it’s currently closed), or even rent a houseboat to camp right on the lake itself.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
BEST FOR: A family scavenger hunt to identify dozens of different cacti
Along the state’s border with Mexico, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers stunning views and, you guessed it, cactus—31 species, to be exact. Traveling with the family? See how many varieties you can spot along the monument's trails. Got kids that can't be trusted so close to sharp and spiny plants? Cruise the scenic Ajo Mountain Drive instead. Always be sure to stock the car with a few gallons of water in case of a breakdown—this classic desert landscape gets hot in summer. Camp in the park for unspoiled night skies or book a room in the nearby artsy town of Ajo.
Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area
BEST FOR: Off-roading, hiking, wild sunsets
Straddling the state’s southwestern borders with California and Mexico, the Imperial Sand Dunes are like a massive waterless beach, stretching for more than 40 miles. Some of the dunes reach 300 feet tall, and the whole area is ripe for barefoot summits or zipping around on an ATV. Head to Yuma, which the Guinness Book of World Records has designated the world’s sunniest city, for a permit and an ATV rental. Camp in the dunes or head back to town to relax on the banks of the Colorado River. Just make sure you catch sunset here—the panoramic view from the tops of the dunes are worth all the effort of climbing them.
Tonto National Forest
BEST FOR: Spotting wild horses, hiking, and fishing on man-made lakes within easy reach of metro Phoenix
Just because Phoenix doesn’t get much rain doesn’t mean you can’t cool off in lakes and rivers nearby. And the Tonto National Forest, though it’s packed with saguaro, has both of these. Canyon Lake, about 45 minutes from Phoenix, is one of the smaller lakes along the Salt River and is a great place to paddle beneath cliffs topped with cactus. The lake is home to walleye, catfish, and yellow bass and stocked monthly from November to March with rainbow trout, so be sure to bring your fly rod. The Boulder Recreation Site offers a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock. Much of the Tonto National Forest is within an easy drive of Phoenix, so stay in town for some of the southwest’s best food (think: the best tacos you’ve ever had north of the border).
Monument Valley Tribal Park
BEST FOR: The most scenic desert drives you can possibly imagine
The Navajo Nation spans the northeast corner of Arizona, the southeast corner of Utah, and the northwestern corner of New Mexico, and it encompasses some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you’ll ever find, period. The sandstone formations of Monument Valley are a sight to behold from miles away, and they’re even more humbling when you camp within the Monument Valley Tribal Park in their shadows. The Nation is currently closed to tourism, but check back about its reopening plans as vaccination programs gain speed nationwide. When you go, make sure to eat at the restaurant within the park for a taste of traditional Navajo cuisine.
Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument
BEST FOR: Solitude and scenic— but bumpy— roads in a remote corner of the Grand Canyon
You’ve heard of Grand Canyon National Park, but its much lesser-known sister, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, is so remote you won’t have to battle any crowds—you’ll likely be able to pitch a tent in the backcountry here without another soul for miles. The monument has no paved roads, no visitor services, and the nearest amenities are in Littlefield, AZ, so you’ll need a four-wheel drive and a solid map to get around. But if scenic drives and solitude are your game, this is the place. One such drive is the road to Whitmore Canyon Overlook, deep within the Grand and just 1,000 feet above the Colorado River. The National Park Service offers a detailed guide to the drive, which takes in the area’s volcanic origins with views of cinder cones and ancient lava flows.
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
BEST FOR: A hidden desert oasis great for first-time backpackers and wildlife lovers
In southeastern Arizona, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness offers a lush hike through desert views without the stifling heat you expect to accompany saguaro—Aravaipa Creek runs year-round. Trails in the area make it easy to customize your hike for a casual couple hours, or leisurely backpacking to nearby campsites (just make sure to get a permit—they're required). Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as it’s abundant here. You might spot ringtail cats, javelinas, coatimundis, bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds. Backpacking not for you? You can find hotel rooms in the nearby towns of Mammoth and Winkelman, or make a day trip from either Phoenix or Tucson.
Chiricahua National Monument
BEST FOR: Geology tripping
In the southeasternmost corner of Arizona, in one of the state's seven Sky Islands, you’ll find the gravity-defying remnants of volcanic eruptions from 27 million years ago. Known as "the land of the standing-up rocks" by the Apache, Chiricahua National Monument was used as a hiding place by Cochise and Geronimo during the Apache Wars in the 1800s. You can take a scenic drive through the park’s spires on a short, paved road suitable for passenger cars, or you can hike—the Ed Riggs, Hailstone, and Echo Canyon Trail is one of the park’s easier strolls, with about 580 feet of elevation gain over a 3.6-mile loop. Serious geology buffs will geek out about the formations here, so study up in advance with the monument’s rather thorough Geologic Resources Inventory Report to get excited in advance of your trip. The monument offers camping but is also an easy day trip from Tucson or Willcox.
EXPLORE MORE
Looking for more? Below you’ll find the people, cultures, and experiences that define each of the state’s outdoor recreation hubs—everything you need to plan your next Arizona Adventure
A Mountain Biker’s Mecca
Flagstaff, Arizona has great riding for beginners and pros alike
The Adventurer’s Guide to Flagstaff, Arizona
The area in and around this mountain town is a supreme outdoor playground
VIDEO: A Mountain Biker's Paradise
For mountain bikers Scott Countryman and Alex Pavon, the incredible network of mountain bike trails and broad community of fellow riders are the reasons they're proud to call Flagstaff home.
Flagstaff
VIDEO: Meet Arizona's Rural Street Artist
Chip Thomas is a 62-year-old local physician, activist, and world-renowned public artist
One Arizona Doctor Is Using Street Art to Tell Native Stories
As a young National Health Service Corps physician, Chip Thomas moved to the Diné Nation to help build a community of wellness. Today, his public-art installations are bolstering that mission.
Navajo Nation
Five Other Ways to Experience the Navajo Nation
This vast area of northern Arizona is chock-full of beauty and history
VIDEO: The Woman Bringing Parity to Women’s Cycling
This vast area of northern Arizona is chock-full of beauty and history
This is Winter Cycling Heaven
With mild temps, blue skies, and exceptionally good road cycling and mountain biking, it’s the best place to ride all winter long
Meet the Woman Closing the Gender Gap in Cycling
Former pro cyclist Kathryn Bertine is inspiring, mentoring, and supporting female professional athletes Tucson, Arizona
Tucson
This Is Arizona's Coolest Sky Island
Southern Arizona's Cochise Stronghold has a rich history, unique flora and fauna, and tons of outdoor recreation possibilities
VIDEO: A New Vision for the Outdoors
Arizona native and Navajo Nation member Len Necefer shares his story as part of a partnership with Visit Arizona.
Len Necefer has a New Vision for the Outdoors
The Arizona native and Navajo Nation member is helping build an outdoor industry with native people on tribal lands
Cochise Stronghold
VIDEO: The Defender of Dark Skies
Night sky photographer Harun Mehmedinovic shares his story as part of a partnership with Visit Arizona.
Exploring Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs
With mild temps, blue skies, and exceptionally good road cycling and mountain biking, it’s the best place to ride all winter long
The Defender of Dark Skies
For night sky photographer Harun Mehmedinovic, Arizona has a truly awesome dark side
Vermilion Cliffs
How to Explore Canyon de Chelly
Four trips that will help you take in the stunning beauty of this ancient site
The Canyon Runner
Shaun Martin, a Navajo teacher and running coach, created the Canyon de Chelly Ultramarathon to help share the beauty and history of this sacred site
Canyon de chelly
PHOTO GALLERY: A Few of Amy's Best Shots
Arizona native Amy Martin has been shooting her beloved home state and Grand Canyon for nearly two decades. Here are a few of her favorite shots.
The River Keeper
Colorado River guide, photographer, and biologist Amy Martin will always call the Grand Canyon home
The Grand Canyon
Essential Arizona Reading List
The best books about the Grand Canyon and Arizona's desert landscapes
VIDEO: The River Keeper
Follow Amy Martin and Erica Fareio as they traverse the Colorado River and reveal the allure of the canyons.
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