Finest hikes in Arizona – VASA Health

Want a break from the fitness center however nonetheless wish to get a exercise in? We polled our golf equipment for the perfect hikes in Arizona, and listed here are their high picks and proposals.

BEST FAMILY & BEGINNER HIKES

Papago Park (Tempe): With over 1,500 acres lined in trails, picnic areas, and lagoons, that is considered one of greatest locations to hike with youngsters.

Superstition Mountain (Phoenix): The Superstition Wilderness space isn’t simply huge, it’s gigantic. There are many hikes and trails for all talent ranges. In case you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly route, strive the Hieroglyphic Path (2.8 miles) or Treasure Loop Path (2.4 miles).

Damaged Arrow (Sedona): This 3.5-mile roundtrip path is flat and ideal for newcomers and households. Each youngsters and adults will love the surroundings, with a wide range of rock formations to view and discover. Pack a picnic to eat on the high, the place you’ll have panoramic views of Munds Mountain Wilderness.

BUCKET LIST HIKES

Decrease Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (Web page): Decrease Antelope Canyon is without doubt one of the most photographed slot canyons on the earth, and the half-mile roundtrip hike is straightforward and quick however one you gained’t overlook. Afterwards, head to Horseshoe Bend. The hike is 1.5 miles roundtrip however will depart you breathless from the sweetness. Convey your telephones and cameras to snap photos and go early to keep away from crowds.

Mount Lemmon (Tucson): With over 120 miles of intermediate to troublesome trails, you’ll by no means must do the identical route twice. You’ll discover loads of trails with wholesome elevation beneficial properties (hi there, Pink Ridge Path), however flatter choices additionally exist (just like the Thoughts Spring Path).

Seven Falls (Tucson): This 8.2-mile hike has quite a few water crossings resulting in switchbacks, taking you up the mountain and finally to the falls which are the path’s namesake.

HIDDEN GEMS FOR LOCALS

Babe Haught Path (Sedona): This hike is slightly below 5 miles however will get your coronary heart and lungs pumping as you climb over 1,500 toes in elevation. Take pleasure in forest views and partial solar protection from the bushes throughout this difficult hike.

Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Sedona): In search of a fast and straightforward hike? Head to the Seven Sacred Swimming pools through Soldier Move for a fast one-mile hike. The swimming pools had been naturally carved out of sandstone and fed by a seasonal stream, and also you’ll view stunning rock formations your entire means.

Wave Cave Hike (Golden Canyon): This difficult 3-mile hike requires a way of journey! The trail is unmarked, so seize a map and plot your route prematurely. If you make it to the cave on the high, snag a photograph on the wave rock and soak within the views.

MOST CHALLENGING HIKES

Camelback Mountain (Phoenix): One in all Phoenix’s most iconic landscapes, Camelback isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. There are two trails that can get you to the highest: Echo Canyon is steeper whereas Cholla is longer. Take your decide and climb over 1,400 toes to the highest of the “camel’s again” the place you’ll get pleasure from 360-degree views of town.

Piestewa Peak (Phoenix): In case you’re on the lookout for essentially the most difficult routes, park on the Mesquite Trailhead and take the Piestewa Peak Freedom Path (3.7 miles and 720 toes of elevation achieve) to the Piestewa Peak Summit Path (1.2 miles and 1,200 toes of elevation achieve). The views can be definitely worth the climb, however don’t overlook water and a snack—you’ll in all probability wish to relaxation a bit on the high!

Tom’s Thumb Path (Phoenix): Coming in at about 4.5 miles, this path meanders via the desert and takes you to the thumb-like rock formation on the high, providing sweeping views of the valley beneath. You’ll climb about 1,100 toes complete, nevertheless it’s effectively definitely worth the views.

Tumamoc (Tucson): Positioned simply quarter-hour from the College of Arizona, this 2.9-mile out and again hike will lead you up 950 toes for gorgeous views of the campus and Sentinel Peak. Professional tip: Go early within the morning to look at the solar rise from the highest, or plan to be a the highest for sundown (and don’t overlook a headlamp for the hike down).

BEST VIEWS

Satan’s Bridge (Sedona): Satan’s Bridge is the most important pure sandstone arch in Sedona. Surrounded by crimson rock peppered with bushes, the views are attractive and picture-perfect. Clocking in at slightly below 4 miles, this flat path is ideal for all ranges of hikers.

Cathedral Rock (Sedona): Brief however steep, you’ll climb about 750 toes in simply 1.2 miles. You’re within the coronary heart of crimson rock nation, so there are views to be loved at each flip however particularly spectacular from the highest.

Finger Rock (Tucson): Make your strategy to the long-lasting 100-foot tall rock formation resembling an index finger. Endurance hikers will love the 8.2-mile trek that begins straightforward and turns into progressively more difficult. The path begins amongst saguaros, however as you climb in elevation, you’ll see yucca, stay oak, juniper, and agave. Take pleasure in views of the Catalina Entrance Vary from the highest.