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22 December 2025
Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual weekend explorer, the state has a trail for every style, season, and skill level. Here are some of the best places to hike in Arizona.
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Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Why It’s Amazing: This iconic red-rock formation offers one of Sedona’s most breathtaking climbs. The trail is steep, hands-on, and rewarding with unforgettable panoramic views.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Why It’s Amazing: One of the most famous urban hikes in the country, Camelback delivers challenging scrambles, busy energy, and sweeping views of the Valley of the Sun.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Why It’s Amazing: As Arizona’s highest point at 12,633 feet, this alpine hike offers cooler weather, wildflowers in the summer, and unbelievable views from above the clouds.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (permits required)
Why It’s Amazing: Turquoise waterfalls in the middle of the desert make this one of the most bucket-list hikes in the world. It’s remote, refreshing, and unforgettable.
Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s Amazing: Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this granite spire trail features stunning views, desert wildlife, and some of the cleanest, best-marked paths in the region.
Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s Amazing: A scenic desert hike ending in a spectacular cave shaped like a breaking wave. Perfect for dramatic sunrise photos and peaceful desert vistas.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Why It’s Amazing: Shaded canyons, creek crossings, fall color, and red-rock walls make this one of Arizona’s most beautiful—and most relaxing—hikes.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Why It’s Amazing: A Grand Canyon classic with water stations, rest areas, and incredible views the entire way. Perfect for day hikes or extended canyon adventures.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Why It’s Amazing: Steel cables, scrambling sections, and panoramic desert views make this one of the most adventurous hikes in the state. In spring, wildflowers blanket the mountainside.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Why It’s Amazing: Granite boulders, blue water, and winding trails create one of the most unique landscapes in Arizona. It’s perfect for photography and peaceful morning hikes.
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From red-rock climbs and pine-covered peaks to waterfall oases tucked deep in canyon walls, Arizona’s hiking scene is unmatched. So lace up, bring plenty of water, and discover why Arizona is one of America’s top hiking states.
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When most people picture Arizona, they imagine cactus-filled deserts and blazing summer heat. But head north or climb in elevation, and a completely different side of the state appears: powdery snow, pine forests, cozy cabins, and ski runs with sweeping mountain views. Arizona’s snowy adventures offer a surprising winter escape for travelers who want chill instead of sizzle. advertisement Where to Find Snow in Arizona Snow in Arizona is all about elevation. The higher the climb, the better the chance of a winter wonderland. Northern and eastern Arizona are the prime regions for cold-weather fun, with pine-covered plateaus and mountain
Arizona, with its impressive diversity, surprises newcomers and constantly defies stereotypes. While many people picture endless deserts, triple-digit temperatures, and sunburn as far as the eye can see, the reality is far more varied. Here are the top 10 misconceptions about Arizona, and the truth behind them. advertisement 1. Arizona Is Just a Hot, Dry Desert Most people imagine the entire state melting under 115°F heat. And while parts of Arizona (like Phoenix and Yuma) are famously sizzling, the state also has snow-covered mountains, forests, alpine lakes, and ski resorts. Flagstaff, for example, sits at around 7,000 feet in altitude
A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
