Arizona, a popular backpacking and hiking destination known for its desert terrain and deep canyons, is located in the southwestern U.S.
Arizona borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Colorado and Mexico. While southern Arizona is known for its desert climate, northern Arizona boasts lush forests, the Colorado Plateau, deep canyons, and mountain ranges including the volcanic San Francisco Peaks.
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, which was carved by the Colorado River and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep.
The editors at Backpacker have created an extensive collection of popular trails and trips in Arizona.
Spend anywhere from a few memorable hours to a few remarkable days circumnavigating one of these ten lakes.
Combine the best of car camping (spacious tents, comfy chairs, frosty margaritas!) and the best of backpacking (deep solitude, outrageous scenery, swimming holes!) with these 17 accessible hideaways.
Catch the best of the early season show on these nine routes curated exclusively for Basecamp members.
Follow the trail of 19th-century robbers in Arizona.
At these creekside, shorefront, and mountaintop spots, the views are so gorgeous that you may never want to go to sleep.
It looks like Mars, but this scenery is all Earth.
You'd better not be afraid of heights if you're going to tackle one of these airy trails.
Ten trails. Ten unmatched miles each. Get maximum bang for each boot step on hikes that our most-traveled contributors call their all-time favorites.
This is your year. Start planning one of these life-list hikes and create memories that will last a lifetime.
You don't always need to go far to go big. Case in point: these stunning hikes, all within a day trip of a major metropolitan area.
The Ironwood Forest is a true redemption story. Home to arroyos, plains, foothills, and mountains, the monument’s coarse and well-aerated soil allows roots to dig deep.
From swimming holes to wild berries, it’s prime time for hikers. Tick off these 43 trips and experiences to make the most of the season.
Want a real wilderness experience? Head west and trek endless empty miles on the BLM's best terrain.
Glory in Arizona's red rock country on these perfect Sedona hikes.
No two waterfalls are exactly alike, but these 20 will always capture our imagination.
Climb above Phoenix for an aerie-like view over the valley.
Savor views of the Sierra Estrella and Mazatzal mountain ranges on this close-to-home leg-burner up Sunrise Peak.
Embark on a treasure hunt to find rock art—and clues of the past.
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
These 9 difficult hikes will challenge even the toughest backpackers.
Plague poses a risk to rabbits, rodents, squirrels--and people.
The new state park lodging options have special intro rates through October.