Discover Arizona’s Top 17 Hikes with Hidden Waterfalls and Stunning Views

With the designation of the Grand Canyon State, you can anticipate that Arizona features some majestic landscapes.

Beyond this renowned landmark, it is also the setting for the Tonto Rim (which inspired Western authors such as Zane Gray), the rare native trees of Palm Canyon, ancient lava formations, striking slickrock, and the brilliant turquoise hue of Havasu Falls.

Interspersed throughout this rugged terrain are numerous trails catering to diverse hiking preferences. From ADA accessible loops offering stunning views to exceptionally challenging routes intended for the most seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, and from desert paths enriched with petroglyphs to leisurely urban strolls perfect for taking a takeaway coffee, there is an option available for everyone.

If you seek to optimize your experience in the Grand Canyon State, the following are seventeen premier hiking destinations in Arizona.

Bright Angel Trail

Optimal hike for exploring the Grand Canyon
Up to 12 miles, Difficult
The most frequented and accessible of the Grand Canyon corridor trails is the breathtaking Bright Angel Trail, a wonderfully scenic 7.8-mile descent to the Colorado River with several logical day-hike targets. Although steep, long stretches wind downward without treacherous drops along the edge, rendering this a commendable option for families.

Summer temperatures can be intense; day hikers should retreat at one of the two rest areas (3- or 6-mile round-trip) or embark at dawn for a safer longer hike to Indian Garden and Plateau Point (9- and 12-mile round-trip, respectively). Overnight hikers can obtain a backcountry permit in advance to camp at Indian Garden, located approximately midway down and recognized as one of the park’s three developed inner-canyon campgrounds. A one-day hike to the river is inadvisable.

Havasu Canyon

Optimal hike for observing waterfalls
20 miles, Difficult
Havasu Creek descends through the Grand Canyon towards the Colorado River, forming a series of waterfalls and swimming pools approximately 10 miles below the rim on the Havasupai Reservation. Be aware that rain and flooding may impact access to the falls, and the route can be challenging; the sole access routes are by foot, mule, or helicopter, and trails may involve numerous river crossings and ropes.

Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is not open to tourism, and this hike is currently unavailable.

Cathedral Rock

Optimal hike for exploring vortexes
1.5 miles, Moderate
The Cathedral Rock vortex provides an extraordinary location for witnessing red-rock sunsets. You can ascend 550ft to a high saddle along a 1.5-mile round trip trail, although a scramble up a steep rock face is required; this trail may not be suitable for those with vertigo or casual footwear. Limited parking options are available.

North Kaibab Trail

Optimal for challenging hikes
14 miles, Difficult
The North Rim’s most accessible inner-canyon trek comprises strenuous switchbacks, rushing waterfalls, a cottonwood-fringed campground, and extended creekside paths. This trek typically takes a few days to complete, contingent upon your pace, although the initial segments also serve as popular day hikes for those desiring a glimpse inside the canyon.

Pine Creek Trail

Optimal for observing natural stone bridges
1 mile, Moderate
The remarkable formation known as Tonto Bridge was developed over countless years of erosion as Pine Creek wore through a substantial calcium carbonate dam. Standing at approximately 183ft high and spanning a canyon 150ft wide, this travertine bridge is believed to be the largest of its kind globally and serves as the centerpiece of a lushly wooded state park featuring splendid walking trails. The Pine Creek Trail, a strenuous one-mile loop with an elevation gain of 229ft, is among the finest.

Thunder River Trail

Optimal for multi-day excursions
21.5 miles; Difficult
The highlight of Grand Canyon North Rim backpacking is a demanding trail linking an abundance of waterfalls, swimming holes, and narrow canyons. By merging the Thunder River and Tapeats Creek trails with a 3-mile scramble along the Colorado River to Deer Creek, an extraordinary adventure is crafted that showcases all the splendors associated with the Grand Canyon—albeit amid some considerable challenges.

West Fork Trail

Optimal for swimming holes and autumn colors
6.5 miles; Moderate
This trail, gaining substantial popularity, traverses Oak Creek over a dozen times as it meanders through the canyon, where walls rise more than 200ft in certain sections. The path is marked for the first 3 miles; however, one can navigate the streambed as far as 14 miles upstream. Limited parking is available; aim to arrive before 8:30 am.

While many hikers head directly into the canyon, if you divert to the creek within the first 50ft, just past the parking lot, you will discover a particularly pleasant, sunny section featuring a swimming hole and shallow waters suitable for splashing around. This trail also provides an excellent hike for appreciating fall colors. It is positioned 9.5 miles north of Sedona (a few miles north of Slide Rock State Park) and 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff on Highway 89A; follow signs to the designated parking area.

Camelback Mountain

Optimal for a strenuous ascent and exceptional views
Distance varies; Difficult
This 2704ft twin-humped mountain is centrally located in the Phoenix area. The two paths, the Cholla Trail (6131 E Cholla Lane) and the Echo Canyon Trail (4925 E McDonald Dr), are brief yet steep, involving an elevation gain of 1264ft over a mere 1.2 miles, necessitating considerable scrambling over boulders. The trail offers a great workout complemented by outstanding views.

Boynton Canyon

Optimal for rock formations and vortexes
6 miles; Moderate
Picturesque Boynton Canyon features shaded sections, petroglyphs, and Sinagua ruins. During the relatively easy 6-mile round trip hike, keep an eye out for the rock formation identified as Kachina Woman and take time to appreciate its beauty. This area is one of the four major vortexes located nearby. Parking is limited.

From Sedona, proceed a couple of miles west on Highway 89A to Dry Creek Rd; turn north and follow indications to Boynton Canyon and Enchantment Resort.

Widforss Trail

Optimal for forest hiking
5 miles; Moderate
Winding through shaded forests of mixed conifers, ancient ponderosa pines, and shimmering aspen embellished with vibrant lupine carpets, the Widforss Trail traverses the area near The Transept and out to Widforss Point. Although this is a relatively popular day hike, hikers tend to spread out quickly, ensuring solitude with only a few fellow adventurers. Numbered interpretive signage adds context to your walk, while the dramatic viewpoint at the trail’s conclusion presents an ideal setting for a picnic.

Palm Canyon

Optimal for unique flora
1 mile; Easy
An exceptional area to explore the desert north of Yuma, Palm Canyon hosts Arizona’s only native fan palm trees. These palms—believed to be descendants from trees present during the last Ice Age—are concealed halfway up the side of a cool canyon within the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. It requires a 1-mile round-trip hike to reach them.

Bring binoculars; if you enjoy climbing, consider ascending from the viewpoint until you reach the grove. While traversing the refuge, be observant for bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, desert tortoises, vultures, and, indeed, snakes. The ideal periods for exploration are winter and spring. Free dispersed camping is permitted within the refuge.

To access this site, turn east onto Palm Canyon Rd near mile marker 85 off Highway 95; it is roughly 65 miles north of Yuma and 60 miles south of Parker. Follow the dirt road (navigable in a standard vehicle) for 7 miles through the desert until reaching the mountains, where the trailhead is located.

South Kaibab Trail

Optimal for views of the Grand Canyon
Distance varies; Difficult
The well-maintained South Kaibab is one of the park’s most picturesque trails, combining breathtaking scenery and unobstructed 360-degree vistas with each step. Steep, rough, and entirely exposed, this ridgeline descent descends 4470ft over 6.4 miles to the Colorado River; from this point, it is 0.5 miles to Bright Angel Campground. Rangers caution against anything other than the most proximate day hikes during the summer season.

The shortest path is at 0.9 miles to Ooh Aah Point, a popular marked turnaround, yet should you continue a few moments longer, you will discover a fantastic wide and flat stone outcrop, ideal for resting with a snack before embarking on the ascent back to the rim. For those seeking a longer day hike, proceed to Cedar Ridge, located 1.5 miles from the rim, featuring a broad, flat red dirt expanse with pit toilets, or to Skeleton Point, 3 miles from the rim. Expansive cliff-top views encompass the Bright Angel Trail and a broad stretch of the Colorado River.

East Rim View

Optimal for easily accessible overlooks
Distance varies; Easy
With sights directed east into the Saddle Mountain Wilderness, Marble Canyon, and the Vermilion Cliffs, this conveniently accessible overlook (elevation 8810ft) is appropriate for strollers and wheelchairs. Indeed, it is astonishing how easily one can reach this spot, contributing to the sparse crowds. The East Rim does not offer the inviting views, picnic, and camping possibilities found at Marble View, yet it remains a picturesque location. From the overlook, you can traverse the East Rim Trail for 1.5 miles, subsequently connecting to more extensive hikes.

Piestewa Peak

Optimal for panoramic views of Phoenix
1.1 miles; Difficult
Adorned with saguaros, ocotillos, and teddy bear cholla, this beautiful summit, formerly known as Squaw Peak, has been renamed in honor of local American Indian soldier Lori Piestewa, who tragically lost her life in Iraq in 2003. Do note that the 1.1-mile trek to the 2608ft peak is very arduous yet immensely popular, leading to high crowds during winter weekends.

Parking lots located northeast of Lincoln Dr between 22nd and 24th Sts fill quickly. The peak is adjacent to two recreational areas: the Phoenix Mountains (2701 E Squaw Peak), where the Summit Trail commences (dogs not permitted), and Dreamy Draw (2421 E Northern Ave).

Cathedral Wash

Optimal for canyoneering
3.3 miles; Difficult
Cathedral Wash presents an exquisite opportunity for canyoneering, descending 1½ miles to the Colorado River. Two dry falls require bypassing as one navigates the wash (both times veer right). Casual hikers may prefer to turn around at the first fall, as adept scrambling and route-finding skills prove essential. Expect to encounter wet feet.

The Lava Flow Trail

Optimal for witnessing ancient volcanic landscapes
1 mile; Easy
Circa 1064 CE, a cinder cone erupted in what is currently Sunset Crater National Monument, ejecting ash across an area of 800 square miles, giving rise to the Kana-A lava flow. The now silent 8029ft Sunset Crater hosts short trails traversing the Bonito lava flow (established c 1180) and up Lenox Crater (7024ft). The Lava Flow Trail spans less than a mile as a loop but provides remarkable views of the cinder cone and volcanic rocks.

Secret Slickrock Trail

Optimal for photographers
0.7 miles; Easy
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate this location. Arrive during sunset to capture the reflection of Sedona’s Cathedral Rock in the sandstone pools atop this enchanting mesa. The scene is particularly appealing following a recent rainfall; otherwise, the pools may be dry.