Here’s my quick plan:
- Sedona: Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, West Fork, Bear Mountain
- Grand Canyon: Bright Angel, South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point
- Phoenix area: Camelback, Tom’s Thumb, Flatiron, Peralta
- Tucson and south: Seven Falls, Wasson Peak, Chiricahua
- Plus: Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff, Watson Lake in Prescott, and the big one—Havasu Falls (permit)
For hikers who crave a north-to-south odyssey, consider sampling sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail—800 miles of singletrack that ties these regions together.
I’m Kayla. I hike, I sweat, I overpack snacks, and I’ve done every single trail on this list. Some were pure joy. Some were type-two fun. You know what? They all stuck with me. So while the miles work my legs, they’ve also nudged me toward a stubborn kind of self-confidence—if you’re curious how other women channel that same unfiltered freedom, check out this frank celebration of body positivity at Je montre mes seins where the author strips away more than just layers; the fearless mindset there might just coax you to own your space on the trail too.
If you want the full back-story on every dusty mile, skim through my statewide trail roundup for the blow-by-blow.
Let me explain.
Before I dive into the details, I always scan the up-to-date route notes on the Arizona Hiking Trails website—their maps and seasonal tips have saved me more than once.
Sedona Magic (And Crowds That Feel Like a Concert)
Cathedral Rock (Sedona)
Short, steep, and a little scramble-y. I went up for sunset and held the rock “steps” with both hands. My palms were dusty and happy. The view felt like a movie backdrop—red walls, purple sky. But parking is rough. I used the Sedona shuttle because a ranger waved cars away by 4 pm. Tip: gloves help on the slick sandstone.
What I loved: quick payoff, warm light on the stone.
What bugged me: tight bottlenecks in the crack section; people freeze up there.
Devil’s Bridge (Sedona)
I said I wouldn’t wait in line for a photo. Then I saw the arch. I waited. I walked out, knees shaking, and grinned like a kid. It’s not that scary if you take your time, but it is exposed. Start from the Mescal Trail lot to avoid 4×4 dust and cut some road walking. I started at sunrise and it was fine—by 9 am, it felt like a queue at Disney.
Pro: iconic and actually fun.
Con: the line, the dust, the chatter.
West Fork of Oak Creek (Sedona)
Cool, green, and shaded—like stepping into a storybook in summer. You cross the creek a bunch, so I wore trail runners that dry fast. Fall colors here? Unreal. The canyon walls glow. I brought a light jacket even when Sedona was hot; the creek air runs cool.
Tiny win: birds sing the whole way.
Watch out: parking fills early; bring cash for the fee lot.
Bear Mountain (Sedona)
This one humbled me. It’s steep from the start, with false summits that play tricks. But the top… it’s a big, wide view of secret red mesas. I packed 3 liters of water and finished it. No shade. Don’t mess with the heat.
The Grand Canyon: Big Views, Big Legs
Bright Angel Trail (South Rim)
Down felt easy and cozy—there are resthouses, water spigots (seasonal), and shade pockets. Up was a slow grind that made me respect every switchback. I turned around at 3 Mile Resthouse and still felt it in my calves the next day. Mule trains passed; I stepped aside and waved. If you go farther, plan your water and salt.
Pro: safe trail, steady grade.
Con: legs scream on the way up.
South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point
Short, steep, and pure views. No water. The ridge lines look open and bright. I started before sunrise and caught pink light on the buttes. People gasp at the first big turn; it really does slap you with scale.
Tip: trekking poles saved my knees on the downhill.
Phoenix Area: Heat, Handrails, and Big Payoffs
Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon)
I swore I’d never do Camelback again. Then my cousin visited. I did it again. The handrails on the slick rock help, but the scramble still tires your arms. I saw folks in flip-flops and wanted to hand them my extra water. Start early, like pre-sunrise early, and bring more water than you think. Parking is a beast—I circled twice and then walked in from a side street.
A cooler alternative for shoreline views just outside the city is the trail network I covered in my honest take on Saguaro Lake.
What I liked: a real workout, a city view that glitters.
What I didn’t: crowds, rescues, heat warnings that folks ignore.
Tom’s Thumb (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)
Granite towers, desert quiet, and a steady climb. I met a rattlesnake off-trail once—gave it space and felt my heart thump in my ears. Sunrise here is gentle. The Thumb itself looks like a cartoon rock hand. Families do this one with breaks; it’s a good intro to desert hiking.
When I crave longer ridgeline mileage in this same region, I detour east to tag the summit in my Four Peaks story.
Gear note: I wore HOKA trail shoes and felt planted on the gravel.
Flatiron via Siphon Draw (Superstition Mountains)
This one is spicy. I banged my knee on the slick chute and muttered to myself, then laughed. It’s a scramble near the top—hands on rock, eyes up. The view from Flatiron is huge, like you’re on the edge of a metal wedge. I saved the route in AllTrails for offline use, and that helped when the path got vague.
For the full saga of cactus stabs and skyline payoffs in this range, check out my honest Superstition Mountains hike.
Pro: epic summit and a real test.
Con: heat, loose rock, and butt scoots on the way down.
Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle (Superstition Mountains)
A friend said, “This is the one with Weaver’s Needle.” They were right. The saddle view looks like a classic western poster. Morning light paints the cliffs gold. The trail is steady with shade pockets near the wash. Great one for out-of-town guests.
If you’re itching for a mid-state escape beyond the Valley, I’ve mapped out a handful of cooling pine routes in my Payson trail report.
Tucson and the South: Cactus, Pools, and Big Sky
Need even more desert inspiration? Scroll through my sunburned review of Southern Arizona hikes for bonus routes from the borderlands.
Seven Falls via Bear Canyon (Tucson)
I went after a rainy week, and the pools were flowing. I brought sandals for the crossings but kept my shoes on—the stones weren’t deep. Families splashed; it felt like summer camp. The sun hits hard here, but there’s a breeze in the canyon.
Tip: watch for flash flood warnings in monsoon season.
Wasson Peak via King Canyon (Saguaro National Park West)
Saguaro arms everywhere. Some tall, some stubby, all proud. The climb is steady and the ridge breeze feels kind. I saw ocotillo blooms and a hawk that hovered like a kite. Sunset turned the desert purple. I kept my distance from the cholla; those spines mean business.
Chiricahua National Monument: Echo Canyon Loop
A hoodoo wonderland. I kept stopping to say, “Look at that one,” like a broken record. The trail winds through stone windows and shady pockets. Not hard, just dreamy. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it.
High Country Break: Flagstaff and Prescott
If cool pines and afternoon thunderstorms call your name, skim my checklist of favorite Flagstaff trails for even more altitude therapy.
Humphreys Peak (Flagstaff)
Tallest point in Arizona. Windy, rocky, and very high. I felt the altitude above the saddle and slowed down