Camp My Way

Arizona’s landscape is a tapestry of contrasts, from the serene beauty of its deserts to the awe-inspiring grandeur of its canyons. For those drawn to the call of the wild, the state offers an array of hikes that promise unforgettable adventures. Let’s explore 10 of these must-do hikes, each rated by age range, difficulty level, scenic beauty, visitor information, and common weather conditions.

1. PicketPost Mountain

Age Range & Difficulty: Adults, Moderate to Strenuous
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: Permits not required. Parking available at the trailhead.
Weather Conditions: Best hiked October to April. Summers can be extremely hot.
What to Expect: Spectacular 360-degree views of the Arizona desert from the summit. The trail is rocky with some steep sections near the top.
Getting There: Located near Superior, AZ. Access the trailhead off US-60, with parking available near the Picketpost Trailhead sign.

2. Havasupai Falls

Age Range & Difficulty: Adults and Teens, Moderate
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: Reservation required. Accessible from Supai, AZ.
Weather Conditions: Ideal in spring and fall. Summers are hot but manageable.
What to Expect: Breathtaking waterfalls with turquoise waters set in a remote canyon. The hike involves a descent into the Grand Canyon and requires a reservation to visit.
Getting There: The trailhead is at Hualapai Hilltop, accessible by car from Route 66 to Indian Road 18. From there, it’s an 8-mile hike to Supai Village and then on to the falls.

3. Weavers Needle Loop

Age Range & Difficulty: Adults, Strenuous
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: Located in the Superstition Wilderness. No permit for day hikes.
Weather Conditions: Best from November to April. Avoid summer’s extreme heat.
What to Expect: A challenging hike offering views of the iconic Weavers Needle. The trail loops through the Superstition Wilderness with varied terrain.
Getting There: Located in the Superstition Wilderness. Access from the Peralta Trailhead, reached via Peralta Road off US-60 east of Apache Junction.

4. Chiricahua National Monument

Age Range & Difficulty: All Ages, Varies by Trail
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: Entrance fee required. Various trails ranging from easy to difficult.
Weather Conditions: Pleasant year-round, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
What to Expect: Unique rock formations known as hoodoos, with a variety of trails through a landscape often referred to as a “Wonderland of Rocks”.
Getting There: Located in Southeastern Arizona. Take I-10 East from Tucson to Willcox, then head south on AZ-186 to the monument entrance.

5. Ooh Aah Point (Grand Canyon)

Age Range & Difficulty: All Ages, Easy to Moderate
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: Part of the South Kaibab Trail. No permit required for day hikes.
Weather Conditions: Best hiked in spring and fall. Summer hikes should start early to avoid heat.
What to Expect: A relatively short hike on the South Kaibab Trail offering stunning early views into the Grand Canyon.
Getting There: Access the South Kaibab Trailhead via shuttle bus from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim. Private vehicles are not allowed at the trailhead.

6. Picacho Peak

Age Range & Difficulty: Adults and Teens, Moderate to Difficult
Scenic Beauty: 4/5
Visitor Information: Entrance fee to Picacho Peak State Park.
Weather Conditions: Best from October to April. The Hunter Trail is exposed and hot in summer.
What to Expect: A hike offering challenging ascents and rewarding views. The Hunter Trail involves cable-assisted sections for climbing.
Getting There: Located off I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson. The entrance to Picacho Peak State Park is well-signed and easily accessible from the highway.

7. Soldiers Pass (Sedona)

Age Range & Difficulty: All Ages, Easy to Moderate
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: Red Rock Pass required. Limited parking at trailhead.
Weather Conditions: Enjoyable year-round. Summers can be warm; start early.
What to Expect: Red rock formations, sinkholes, and ancient cave dwellings. The trail is popular for its accessibility and scenic views.
Getting There: In Sedona, head west on Highway 89A, turn right on Soldier Pass Road to the trailhead. Parking is limited.

8. White Pocket (Vermilion Cliffs)

Age Range & Difficulty: Adults, Moderate
Scenic Beauty: 5/5
Visitor Information: High-clearance 4WD recommended. No permit required.
Weather Conditions: Accessible year-round, but roads may be impassable after rain.
What to Expect: Sandstone formations with intricate patterns and colors. The area is remote and requires 4WD to access.
Getting There: Located in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Access via House Rock Valley Road from US-89, then a rough road to the trailhead. High-clearance 4WD is necessary.

9. Salome Jug (Tonto National Forest)

Age Range & Difficulty: Adults, Strenuous
Scenic Beauty: 4/5
Visitor Information: Requires canyoneering skills. No permit for day use.
Weather Conditions: Best from March to May. Summer hikes require caution due to heat and flash flood risks.
What to Expect: A canyoneering adventure through a slot canyon with water-filled obstacles. Technical skills and equipment required.
Getting There: Located in Tonto National Forest. Access from Roosevelt, take AZ-188 to A-Cross Road, then follow forest roads to the trailhead.

10. Thompson Trail (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests)

Age Range & Difficulty: All Ages, Easy
Scenic Beauty: 4/5
Visitor Information: No fees or permits. Ideal for families.
Weather Conditions: Pleasant in summer, with cooler temperatures. Beautiful fall colors.
What to Expect: A gentle hike along the West Fork of the Black River, offering peaceful forest and river views. Great for families.
Getting There: Located near Alpine, AZ. From Alpine, take US-191 north to FR 116. The trailhead is at the end of FR 116.