31 Best Hikes in Arizona — My Personal Favorites (2026 Guide)

Arizona hiking is something special. You have those red rock cathedrals around Sedona that look like they belong in paintings, the endless layers of the Grand Canyon that make you feel tiny, slot canyons so narrow you have to turn sideways, and saguaro forests near Phoenix that scream classic desert. I’ve done most of these trails over the years, some multiple times, and this list is what I’d tell a friend looking to explore the state.

Forget the generic top-10 lists. Here’s 31 trails worth your time, broken down by area with real details — parking headaches, best times to beat crowds, what makes each one special. Whether you’re chasing Instagram shots or just want a solid morning hike, something here will work.

Sedona — Where Everyone Wants to Hike