Five Amazing Hiking Trails in Arizona

by: Glenda Jao

Webmaster comments in bold red

I have family in Prescott, so I've spent a lot of time in Arizona.  It's an amazing state. You can hike, explore and geocache in the scorching desert,  alpine wilderness and sub-arctic conditions all in one day.  On that same day, you can geocache along one of the few remaining original and drivable sections of Route 66 and also at the Winslow Meteor Crater. We know because we've done it. And of course, there is hiking.  This article has five good trips.  Safety first.  The desert can sneak up on you.  Arizona also has a lot of critters like snakes and mountain lions.  In fact, in the Coconino National Forest near Prescott, joggers have been attacked by cougars. There's always a bit of a pucker factor when you geocache in an area where you're not at the top of the food chain. Arizona is one of those areas. Stay alert and have fun.

Arizona offers many hiking trails apart from the Grand Canyon. They are difficult, but they reward with unmatched beauty. Here are the best five.

The Wet Beaver Loop is an extremely difficult trail, but it is an awesome hike in the Wet Beaver Wilderness Area. It is a 22-mile round trip and you will need more than one day to complete it, as you will be making a large loop to return from where you began. It is interspersed with camps, Waldroup Canyon, and waterfalls. You have to wade through water for a portion of the hike. So, be prepared to get wet, and do not bring children along.

Picacho Peak. This hike is not too far from Casa Grande, and provides a stunning view of the Sonora desert from the top. The hike is very steep at times, and there are numerous switchbacks. The trail is seven miles round trip, unless you take the alternate trail to return from the peak (adding an extra couple of miles).

It is advisable to wear gloves on this hike and you may need to use steel cables to aid your climb at times. You must be in good physical condition to undertake this hike as some Class 3 climbing will be necessary.

Kendrick Mountain is a moderately easy trail. This 9.2 miles round trip features a look at a cabin and ends in some spectacular views of Red Mountain, Mount Humphreys, Sycamore Canyon, and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You will come across a series of short switchbacks toward the end that provide breathtaking views.

Paria Canyon hike starts in Utah near the border, and moves into Arizona. The frequent flash floods often wash out the trailhead, so you have to watch the weather intently. You can make use of the shuttle for the ride back since the trail ends far away from the car. It is a multi-day trip. Moreover, you need a permit from the BLM because you will be going through wilderness area.

If you go on this hike right after it rains, you will find that you will have to pick around a bit, as the trail becomes muddy and prone to quicksand. Once you actually get into the canyon, there is no trail. You have to follow the river. A narrow slot canyon with spectacular formation is what you walk through. If rain is in the forecast for any of the days that you plan to be hiking, you should not attempt, as there is no way to escape flash floods once in the Narrows.

Other fantastic features include a cave "room" in one of the walls, Wrather Canyon (along with Wrather Arch), Judd Hollow, and other canyons and routes, as well as springs. The views and formations along this hike are amazing and worth the trip.

About The Author: Glenda Jao is the chief writer for, and editor of For Arizona.