In search of the best hikes in Arizona for the new year? We’ve got you covered. Below are 12 of the most scenic trails in Arizona to explore this year – one for each month. If you don’t have an Arizona bucket list year, now’s the perfect time to start one. What are you waiting for? Lace-up your shoes, and set off on the best hikes in Arizona all year long!

  1. January - Devils Bridge Trail (Sedona)

Sam Antonio Photography / Moment Collection / Getty Images Why not kick off the year with the most popular trail in Arizona? Located in Sedona - our state’s unofficial hiking capital - the Devils Bridge Trail is just under four miles long and is moderately difficult. It leads to the area’s largest natural sandstone arch (that you can actually walk across), and it’s even more beautiful covered in a thick layer of snow. Learn more about one of the best hiking trails that leads to a spellbinding natural wonder in Arizona by reading our previous article. Devil’s Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA

  1. February - Bright Angel Trail (South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

Barbara Hughes / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images If you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon in the winter, it’s a truly spectacular sight to behold. Plus, you’ll avoid the mass influx of summer tourists that creates traffic on the trails. Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hike in the canyon, so it only makes sense to tackle it during the least busy season. At 15 miles long, it’s a tough hike - but the views are well worth every drop of sweat. Did you know that the Bright Angels Trail is also one of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona? Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

  1. March - Cathedral Rock Trail (Sedona)

John Sirlin / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images For the last month of winter, we’re heading back to Sedona to embark on the Cathedral Rock Trail. The one-mile hike is short and sweet, but highly technical, so it isn’t recommended for beginners. Seasoned hikers, however, will love the expansive views of the surrounding red rock landscape! Discover why this is one of the best hikes in Arizona. Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

  1. April - Grand Falls (Leupp)

Chen Su / Moment Collection / Getty Images The start of spring takes us to Grand Falls, a nearly 200-foot-tall natural wonder tucked away on the Navajo Nation near Flagstaff. As the winter snow melts, it feeds into the falls to create one of the most powerful cascades you’ll ever see. The “hike” - if you can even call it that - is only about half a mile from the parking area to the waterfall, so it’s perfect for all ages. Read more about this waterfall trail in Arizona in our previous article. Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Rd, Arizona 86035, USA

  1. May - Bright Angel Point Trail (North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

AllTrails/Andy Edmiston Mid-May is when the North Rim officially opens to the public after its annual winter closure, so it’s only fitting to celebrate with a quick and easy hike. Bright Angel Point Trail is really more of a stroll, leading from the Visitor Center to a breathtaking lookout point. A huge payoff with little effort required - what could be better? Learn more about one of the best hiking trails in Arizona. Bright Angel Point Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

  1. June - Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools (Tucson)

AllTrails/Margery Zearley June marks the beginning of summer, and southern Arizona is usually already feeling the heat by this time. That’s why we’re headed to Catalina State Park to cool off in the Romero Pools, a series of shallow wading areas connected by gently trickling waterfalls. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you can cool off in the pools before trekking back the way you came. Learn more about this scenic trail that runs through the largest state park in Arizona. Romero Canyon Trail, California, USA

  1. July - Bob Bear Trail (Strawberry)

AllTrails/Taylor Didesch Bob Bear Trail, nestled deep in the Tonto National Forest, is another great summer hike. It leads to a majestic waterfall that flows into Fossil Springs, and you’ll likely see families splashing around and enjoying the day. The trail is rather long, at roughly eight miles, but you won’t regret setting off on the journey. Read more about one of the most scenic trails in Arizona in our previous article. Bob Bear Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA

  1. August - Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail (Tucson)

AllTrails/Josh Butcher As summer draws to a close, our last hurrah takes us to Seven Falls, which - as its name suggests - is a seven-tiered waterfall. It’s an ideal respite from the oppressive desert heat, and there’s plenty of space around the swimming area to relax and refuel with a picnic lunch. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits on this waterfall trail in Arizona. Seven Falls, 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA

  1. September - Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail (Flagstaff)

MarkAhn_Photography / E+ Collection / Getty Images The magical season of fall begins in September, and some of the earliest displays of fall foliage in Arizona can be found in Flagstaff. The 2.7-mile Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail is our personal favorite fall hike because the gilded leaves are simply breathtaking. We can’t imagine a better start to the season! Discover why this is the best autumn hike in Arizona. Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

  1. October - Transept Trail (North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

AllTrails/Greg Cox Are you brave enough to hike the spookiest trail in Arizona? After all, October is the month of Halloween. Connecting the Grand Canyon Lodge and North Rim Campground, the 2.9-mile Transept Trail is rumored to be haunted. Even if you’re hiking by yourself, you won’t be alone… learn more about the most haunted trail in Arizona. Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim, AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

  1. November - West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 (Sedona)

mdesigner125 / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images November takes us to the iconic West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 in Sedona, which erupts in a gorgeous palette of autumnal hues this time of year. Unlike the aspens in Flagstaff, the trees here take on a variety of warm, seasonal colors. You definitely won’t feel like you’re in Arizona! Learn more about why this is widely considered the most beautiful trail in Arizona during the fall. West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

  1. December - Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail (Phoenix)

AllTrails/Andrea Lee Our final hike of the year is the Echo Canyon Trail, which is a 2.5-mile climb to the summit of Camelback Mountain. It’s a difficult hike, with an elevation gain of over 1,400 feet, but the mild December climate makes it a bit more bearable. Plus, you’ll get to see the Camelback Mountain Christmas tree - perhaps the quirkiest Arizona holiday tradition there is! Learn more about this festive hike in Arizona. Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA

So there you have it, folks: the best hikes in Arizona that are perfect for the new year. How many have you embarked on? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! Then be sure to check out these peaceful winter hikes in Arizona.

Sam Antonio Photography / Moment Collection / Getty Images

Why not kick off the year with the most popular trail in Arizona? Located in Sedona - our state’s unofficial hiking capital - the Devils Bridge Trail is just under four miles long and is moderately difficult. It leads to the area’s largest natural sandstone arch (that you can actually walk across), and it’s even more beautiful covered in a thick layer of snow. Learn more about one of the best hiking trails that leads to a spellbinding natural wonder in Arizona by reading our previous article.

Devil’s Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA

Barbara Hughes / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images

If you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon in the winter, it’s a truly spectacular sight to behold. Plus, you’ll avoid the mass influx of summer tourists that creates traffic on the trails. Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hike in the canyon, so it only makes sense to tackle it during the least busy season. At 15 miles long, it’s a tough hike - but the views are well worth every drop of sweat. Did you know that the Bright Angels Trail is also one of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona?

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

John Sirlin / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images

For the last month of winter, we’re heading back to Sedona to embark on the Cathedral Rock Trail. The one-mile hike is short and sweet, but highly technical, so it isn’t recommended for beginners. Seasoned hikers, however, will love the expansive views of the surrounding red rock landscape! Discover why this is one of the best hikes in Arizona.

Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Chen Su / Moment Collection / Getty Images

The start of spring takes us to Grand Falls, a nearly 200-foot-tall natural wonder tucked away on the Navajo Nation near Flagstaff. As the winter snow melts, it feeds into the falls to create one of the most powerful cascades you’ll ever see. The “hike” - if you can even call it that - is only about half a mile from the parking area to the waterfall, so it’s perfect for all ages. Read more about this waterfall trail in Arizona in our previous article.

Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Rd, Arizona 86035, USA

AllTrails/Andy Edmiston

Mid-May is when the North Rim officially opens to the public after its annual winter closure, so it’s only fitting to celebrate with a quick and easy hike. Bright Angel Point Trail is really more of a stroll, leading from the Visitor Center to a breathtaking lookout point. A huge payoff with little effort required - what could be better? Learn more about one of the best hiking trails in Arizona.

Bright Angel Point Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

AllTrails/Margery Zearley

June marks the beginning of summer, and southern Arizona is usually already feeling the heat by this time. That’s why we’re headed to Catalina State Park to cool off in the Romero Pools, a series of shallow wading areas connected by gently trickling waterfalls. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you can cool off in the pools before trekking back the way you came. Learn more about this scenic trail that runs through the largest state park in Arizona.

Romero Canyon Trail, California, USA

AllTrails/Taylor Didesch

Bob Bear Trail, nestled deep in the Tonto National Forest, is another great summer hike. It leads to a majestic waterfall that flows into Fossil Springs, and you’ll likely see families splashing around and enjoying the day. The trail is rather long, at roughly eight miles, but you won’t regret setting off on the journey. Read more about one of the most scenic trails in Arizona in our previous article.

Bob Bear Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA

AllTrails/Josh Butcher

As summer draws to a close, our last hurrah takes us to Seven Falls, which - as its name suggests - is a seven-tiered waterfall. It’s an ideal respite from the oppressive desert heat, and there’s plenty of space around the swimming area to relax and refuel with a picnic lunch. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits on this waterfall trail in Arizona.

Seven Falls, 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA

MarkAhn_Photography / E+ Collection / Getty Images

The magical season of fall begins in September, and some of the earliest displays of fall foliage in Arizona can be found in Flagstaff. The 2.7-mile Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail is our personal favorite fall hike because the gilded leaves are simply breathtaking. We can’t imagine a better start to the season! Discover why this is the best autumn hike in Arizona.

Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

AllTrails/Greg Cox

Are you brave enough to hike the spookiest trail in Arizona? After all, October is the month of Halloween. Connecting the Grand Canyon Lodge and North Rim Campground, the 2.9-mile Transept Trail is rumored to be haunted. Even if you’re hiking by yourself, you won’t be alone… learn more about the most haunted trail in Arizona.

Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim, AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

mdesigner125 / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images

November takes us to the iconic West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 in Sedona, which erupts in a gorgeous palette of autumnal hues this time of year. Unlike the aspens in Flagstaff, the trees here take on a variety of warm, seasonal colors. You definitely won’t feel like you’re in Arizona! Learn more about why this is widely considered the most beautiful trail in Arizona during the fall.

West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

AllTrails/Andrea Lee

Our final hike of the year is the Echo Canyon Trail, which is a 2.5-mile climb to the summit of Camelback Mountain. It’s a difficult hike, with an elevation gain of over 1,400 feet, but the mild December climate makes it a bit more bearable. Plus, you’ll get to see the Camelback Mountain Christmas tree - perhaps the quirkiest Arizona holiday tradition there is! Learn more about this festive hike in Arizona.

Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking In Arizona December 15, 2022 Beth Price-Williams Are there any easy hiking trails in Arizona? Some of the most beautiful are also the most difficult hikes in Arizona. However, you’ll also find a long list of easy hiking trails in Arizona, including:

Follow the Beverly Canyon Trail in Phoenix, which tallies just 3.5 miles. The Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest spans just one mile. Set off on the Dreamy Draw Nature Trail in Phoenix, a 1.5-mile paved but hilly trail. Marvel at rock formations along the 6.4-mile Monolith Garden Trail in Kingman. The 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley offers stunning views of the mittens at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona? Hiking in Arizona is so much fun for the whole family. Bring the kiddos along, too, on some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona, including:

Cape Royal Trail at Grand Canyon National Park Hanging Garden Trail at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park in Phoenix Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Signal Hill at Saguaro National Park West in Tucson

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking In Arizona

December 15, 2022

Beth Price-Williams

Are there any easy hiking trails in Arizona? Some of the most beautiful are also the most difficult hikes in Arizona. However, you’ll also find a long list of easy hiking trails in Arizona, including:

Follow the Beverly Canyon Trail in Phoenix, which tallies just 3.5 miles. The Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest spans just one mile. Set off on the Dreamy Draw Nature Trail in Phoenix, a 1.5-mile paved but hilly trail. Marvel at rock formations along the 6.4-mile Monolith Garden Trail in Kingman. The 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley offers stunning views of the mittens at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona? Hiking in Arizona is so much fun for the whole family. Bring the kiddos along, too, on some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona, including:

Cape Royal Trail at Grand Canyon National Park Hanging Garden Trail at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park in Phoenix Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Signal Hill at Saguaro National Park West in Tucson

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Some of the most beautiful are also the most difficult hikes in Arizona. However, you’ll also find a long list of easy hiking trails in Arizona, including:

  • Follow the Beverly Canyon Trail in Phoenix, which tallies just 3.5 miles.
  • The Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest spans just one mile.
  • Set off on the Dreamy Draw Nature Trail in Phoenix, a 1.5-mile paved but hilly trail.
  • Marvel at rock formations along the 6.4-mile Monolith Garden Trail in Kingman.
  • The 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley offers stunning views of the mittens at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona?

Hiking in Arizona is so much fun for the whole family. Bring the kiddos along, too, on some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona, including:

  • Cape Royal Trail at Grand Canyon National Park
  • Hanging Garden Trail at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page
  • Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park in Phoenix
  • Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
  • Signal Hill at Saguaro National Park West in Tucson