Arizona Trails

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument — Arizona's stunning Vermillion Cliffs are but of of this state's many geologic wonders.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr

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.

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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.

Ironwood National Monument

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.

0819FEAT_SUMMER_V2_TybeeMowery

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.

Tortilla Mountains

Want a real wilderness experience? Head west and trek endless empty miles on the BLM's best terrain.

Cathedral Rock

Glory in Arizona's red rock country on these perfect Sedona hikes.

Navajo National Monument

silver falls state park

No two waterfalls are exactly alike, but these 20 will always capture our imagination.

Camelback Mountain

Climb above Phoenix for an aerie-like view over the valley.

Sunrise Peak

Savor views of the Sierra Estrella and Mazatzal mountain ranges on this close-to-home leg-burner up Sunrise Peak.

petroglyphs

Embark on a treasure hunt to find rock art—and clues of the past.

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Washington Trails

Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.

Dixie Pass Trail

National Parks in Alaska

These 9 difficult hikes will challenge even the toughest backpackers.

prairie dog

Plague poses a risk to rabbits, rodents, squirrels--and people.

patagonia lake

The new state park lodging options have special intro rates through October.

Mt. Rainier’s northeast face from the Wonderland Trail

We’re all for tagging summits, but the best way to experience a peak? Hike around it. You’ll see a mountain’s many faces on a single, peak-circling loop. These 14 trips circumnavigate the best of the best.

hiking water bottle

Even with multiple heat-related rescue calls this summer, Parks and Recreation says hikers can keep hiking.

kaibab national forest

Rainfall and the upcoming monsoon season reduced fire danger across Arizona.

saguaro np

Someone spray-painted seven iconic cacti last week.

zion flood

Popular destinations like Angel's Landing and Upper Emerald Pools are inaccessible due to mudslides and rockfall.

san francisco peaks

Parts of the Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto National Forests are now welcoming hikers and campers as wildfire threat eases.

havasupai flood

Campers have fled Havasupai Campground and will be helicoptered out of the Grand Canyon, reports say.

Best Local Hikes Arizona Garden Valley

This desert kingdom claims some of the most diverse terrain of any urban center in the country.

rattlesnake

A woman's golden retriever took a snakebite to the face on an Arizona trail.

horseshoe bend

A huge increase in visitation is causing overcrowding and safety issues at the iconic overlook.