Arizona Hiking Trails

Nude Hiking in Arizona: My Real Take

Written by

in

I’m Kayla. I hike a lot. I review gear for a living. And yes, I tried nude hiking in Arizona. Not as a stunt. Not for shock. I wanted to know how it feels, what works, and what doesn’t. You know what? It’s both simple and tricky.

Let me explain.

Why I Even Tried This

Arizona heat is no joke. Shirts get sweaty, fast. Shorts ride up. I kept thinking, what if I just… skipped the clothes? Less rubbing. More breeze. A little weird. A little brave. So I set clear rules: private places first, remote public spots only at quiet times, and a cover-up within reach.

Where I Actually Went (Real Spots)

  • Shangri La Ranch (New River): It’s a nudist resort north of Phoenix. If you want to see exactly what creature comforts wait back at base after a dusty loop, their amenities list spells it out. I did the little 2-ish mile loop by the wash at sunrise. Saguaros, quail, soft sand, no stares. Totally relaxed. Staff was kind. No pressure. Great first try. Also, no cactus balls rolling at you. That matters.

  • Remote BLM desert near Table Mesa Road (north of Phoenix): Weekday dawn, winter. I parked off a side spur, took a faint jeep track, and hiked out-and-back. I kept a black pair of Patagonia Baggies in my pack’s side pocket. A dusty truck came by around mile two. I slipped the shorts on in five seconds. No drama. I did have a cholla ball jump at me later. Tweezers came out. That stung. But I was fine.

  • El Dorado Hot Springs (Tonopah): Private soaking. I asked about walking the back path around the tubs. They said fine. Short and slow. Super mineral smell, warm air, date palms rustling. One bee kept liking my hat. I kept sandals on. Wet ground plus bare feet is a bad mix.

None of this felt spicy. It felt like normal hiking, just… lighter. Funny, right?

The Gear I Trusted (and What Flopped)

This part is my jam. I used real stuff I use on normal hikes, with a few tweaks.

  • Shoes: Merrell Moab 3 Low + Darn Tough socks. Grippy and boring in a good way. I tried my Chaco Z/Cloud one day near Wickenburg. Goathead thorns got me. Sandals felt cute. My toes did not agree. Closed shoes win in cactus country.

  • Pack: Osprey Daylite with a 3L CamelBak bladder. I like the bite valve on the right strap. The pack rubbed my bare shoulders, so I slid a soft bandana under the straps. No hot spots after that.

  • Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Mineral SPF 50 on shoulders, chest, back, butt, and tops of feet. I also kept Supergoop Play spray for quick re-coats. Zinc is thick, but it lasts. I missed a stripe behind my knee once. That stripe glowed red for two days.

  • Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure. Wide brim. Chin strap. Wind came up near Cave Creek one morning, and that strap saved me.

  • Cover-up: Patagonia Baggies 5-inch and a light linen sarong. Both pull on fast. I also carried a Matador quick-dry towel for sitting on rocks. Hot rock plus bare skin is a bad combo. Trust me.

  • Chafe and skin stuff: Body Glide on inner thighs and where pack straps touch. I don’t skip this now. Also a tiny first aid kit with tweezers. Those jumping cholla clusters act like they’re alive.

  • Extras: Sawyer Picaridin spray near water (gnats), a whistle on my sternum strap, and LMNT packets for electrolytes. The citrus one tastes salty, but it kept my legs from cramping.

Curious what I reach for on days when I do keep my clothes on? Check out the sweat-tested outfit breakdown in my full “What I Actually Wear Hiking in Arizona” guide.

What It Actually Felt Like

Not naughty. Not wild. Just free. The breeze on my back felt like air-conditioning. I noticed smells more. Creosote after a light rain is the best desert smell. Gambel’s quail popped through the brush like tiny linebackers. My pack hummed against my spine. Sounds odd, but it helped me remember my posture.

There were downsides. The sun hits places you never think about. Tops of feet. Back of arms. The little dip by your collarbone. Miss a spot and you’ll pay. Also, grit sticks to sunscreen. I took a damp bandana to wipe off dust before re-applying.

The Etiquette That Kept It Chill

  • Time and place: Early morning on weekdays. Far from trailheads and popular spots. No Sedona hot zones. No family trails.
  • Cover fast: Keep shorts, a sarong, or a big tee in reach. If I saw people, I stepped off trail, turned away, covered up, and waited. Easy.
  • Private land first: Resorts or places with clear rules are the easiest start.
  • Be kind: If kids or groups appear, I’m dressed before they get near.
  • Leave no trace: Pack out trash. Sit on a towel. Don’t crush cryptobiotic soil. Stay on durable surfaces.

Quick note on laws: Arizona has indecent exposure rules (A.R.S. §13-1402). I’m not a lawyer. I keep it private, respectful, and away from others. Private property with permission is safest.

The Safety Stuff I Won’t Skip

  • Water: In cool months I carry 2–3 liters. Warm days need more.
  • Weather: Winter mornings can bite. Monsoon storms pop up in summer afternoons.
  • Wildlife: Rattlesnakes like warm roads and rocks. Give them space.
  • Plants: Cholla and prickly pear love ankles. Kneel with care.
  • Signal: Tell someone where you’re going. My iPhone SOS gives me peace.

Seasons and Spots That Fit

  • Best months: October through April. I like December and February most. Bright sun, cool air, quiet trails.
  • Crowds: Sedona is packed. Superstition Wilderness is busy on weekends. Remote BLM roads north of Phoenix or out by Aguila feel calmer.
  • Resorts: Shangri La Ranch in New River was my easiest “yes.” I’ve heard Mira Vista in Tucson has trails too, but I haven’t walked those yet.

If you’re plotting a trip farther south, don’t miss my dusty, sunburned field notes on the region in this honest Southern Arizona hiking review.

For even more ideas on classic (and fully clothed) routes you can scout before committing to a nude option, check out the trail library at ArizonaHikingTrails.com.

Who This Is For (And Who It’s Not)

If you crave quiet and hate clingy clothes, you’ll get it. If you worry about people seeing you, start on private land. Bring a friend who understands the vibe.
Not everyone has a built-in hiking partner, of course. If you’re hunting for adventure-minded friends or a potential romance who won’t flinch at a zero-clothes dress code, check out this thorough Bumble review to see how the app’s filters, safety tools, and vibe can help you screen for fellow outdoorsy types before you lace up your boots.

Post-hike soreness is real, and sometimes the best reward after a cactus-dodging, quad-burning Arizona loop is a professional rub-down. If your travels ever land you near Chicago’s northern suburbs and you want to pre-vet massage spots that cater to adults seeking serious muscle relief, the candid rundown at Rubmaps Vernon Hills lays out reviews, prices, and what to expect so you can choose a therapist with confidence.

This isn’t for Instagram. It’s for you and the sky and the wind.

My Surprises, Good and Bad

Good:

  • No sweaty waistband.
  • Skin cools fast with even a tiny breeze.
  • I felt more present. My steps got lighter.

Bad:

  • Sun is ruthless. Miss one spot and you’ll remember.
  • Pack straps can pinch bare skin without a barrier.
  • Sandals plus cactus? Nope.
  • A truck can show up out of nowhere. Have that cover-up ready.

Would I Do It Again?

Yep. I already have. My favorite memory is a cold blue morning north of Phoenix. I watched the sun rim a saguaro. Breath fogged once, then stopped as the day warmed. Quiet, like the land held its breath right back. I slipped on my shorts when I heard an engine, waved, and then went back to walking. Simple.

Final Take

Nude

More posts