Need a break from the gymnasium however nonetheless wish to get a exercise in? We polled our golf equipment for one of the best hikes in Arizona, and listed here are their prime picks and proposals.
BEST FAMILY & BEGINNER HIKES
Papago Park (Tempe): With over 1,500 acres coated in trails, picnic areas, and lagoons, that is one in all greatest locations to hike with children.
Superstition Mountain (Phoenix): The Superstition Wilderness space isn’t simply massive, it’s gigantic. There are loads of hikes and trails for all talent ranges. If you’re on the lookout for a household-pleasant route, strive the Hieroglyphic Trail (2.8 miles) or Treasure Loop Trail (2.4 miles).
Broken Arrow (Sedona): This 3.5-mile roundtrip path is flat and ideal for freshmen and households. Both children and adults will love the surroundings, with a wide range of rock formations to view and discover. Pack a picnic to eat on the prime, the place you’ll have panoramic views of Munds Mountain Wilderness.
BUCKET LIST HIKES
Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (Page): Lower Antelope Canyon is without doubt one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, and the half-mile roundtrip hike is simple and brief however one you received’t neglect. Afterwards, head to Horseshoe Bend. The hike is 1.5 miles roundtrip however will depart you breathless from the wonder. Bring your telephones and cameras to snap footage and go early to keep away from crowds.
Mount Lemmon (Tucson): With over 120 miles of intermediate to troublesome trails, you’ll by no means need to do the identical route twice. You’ll discover loads of trails with wholesome elevation positive aspects (hey, Red Ridge Trail), however flatter choices additionally exist (just like the Mind Spring Trail).
Seven Falls (Tucson): This 8.2-mile hike has quite a lot of water crossings resulting in switchbacks, taking you up the mountain and ultimately to the falls which might be the path’s namesake.
HIDDEN GEMS FOR LOCALS
Babe Haught Trail (Sedona): This hike is just below 5 miles however will get your coronary heart and lungs pumping as you climb over 1,500 toes in elevation. Enjoy forest views and partial solar protection from the bushes throughout this difficult hike.
Seven Sacred Pools (Sedona): Looking for a fast and simple hike? Head to the Seven Sacred Pools through Soldier Pass for a fast one-mile hike. The swimming pools had been naturally carved out of sandstone and fed by a seasonal stream, and also you’ll view lovely rock formations your complete approach.
Wave Cave Hike (Golden Canyon): This difficult 3-mile hike requires a way of journey! The path is unmarked, so seize a map and plot your route in advance. When you make it to the cave on the prime, snag a photograph on the wave rock and soak in the views.
MOST CHALLENGING HIKES
Camelback Mountain (Phoenix): One of Phoenix’s most iconic landscapes, Camelback isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. There are two trails that can get you to the highest: Echo Canyon is steeper whereas Cholla is longer. Take your choose and climb over 1,400 toes to the highest of the “camel’s back” the place you’ll get pleasure from 360-diploma views of town.
Piestewa Peak (Phoenix): If you’re on the lookout for essentially the most difficult routes, park on the Mesquite Trailhead and take the Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail (3.7 miles and 720 toes of elevation acquire) to the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail (1.2 miles and 1,200 toes of elevation acquire). The views can be well worth the climb, however don’t neglect water and a snack—you’ll in all probability wish to relaxation a bit on the prime!
Tom’s Thumb Trail (Phoenix): Coming in at about 4.5 miles, this path meanders via the desert and takes you to the thumb-like rock formation on the prime, providing sweeping views of the valley beneath. You’ll climb about 1,100 toes complete, but it surely’s nicely well worth the views.
Tumamoc (Tucson): Located simply quarter-hour from the University of Arizona, this 2.9-mile out and again hike will lead you up 950 toes for gorgeous views of the campus and Sentinel Peak. Pro tip: Go early in the morning to observe the solar rise from the highest, or plan to be a the highest for sundown (and don’t neglect a headlamp for the hike down).
BEST VIEWS
Devil’s Bridge (Sedona): Devil’s Bridge is the biggest pure sandstone arch in Sedona. Surrounded by pink rock peppered with bushes, the views are beautiful and movie-good. Clocking in at just below 4 miles, this flat path is ideal for all ranges of hikers.
Cathedral Rock (Sedona): Short however steep, you’ll climb about 750 toes in simply 1.2 miles. You’re in the center of pink rock nation, so there are views to be loved at each flip however particularly spectacular from the highest.
Finger Rock (Tucson): Make your strategy to the enduring 100-foot tall rock formation resembling an index finger. Endurance hikers will love the 8.2-mile trek that begins simple and turns into progressively more difficult. The path begins amongst saguaros, however as you climb in elevation, you’ll see yucca, stay oak, juniper, and agave. Enjoy views of the Catalina Front Range from the highest.