We have a lot of bucket list options here in Arizona and I think it’s safe to say that a majority of those wish list items are related to our stunning natural environment. One of my favorite ways to enjoy nature is through hiking and one day I hope to hike the mother lode of all Arizona hiking trails: the Arizona Trail.
Measuring a whopping 800 miles, this trail starts at the Arizona-Mexico border and slowly winds its way up to Utah. If you’ve driven any part of the stretch of highways that run from Nogales to Page, you’ll know what kind of diverse landscapes that can be seen while hiking this trail. Let’s take a look at some of the incredible sights one would see along the way moving from south to north:
- Madera Canyon
Jordan/Flickr One of the first major sights you will encounter when hiking north from the border is Madera Canyon, a popular area 25 miles south of Tucson. There’s plenty of campsites, hiking trails, and lots of wildlife.
- Colossal Cave
TravelUSA/Flickr A little further north is Colossal Cave Mountain Park, located a few miles off the trail. The park not only has its well-known cave but also some very pretty desert views and campsites. Also, if you’re craving pizza you can get a pie at the park’s cafe.
- Saguaro National Park
glennia/Flickr This park sits in Tucson and proudly displays hundreds of examples of our state cactus.
- Summerhaven
Bill Morrow/Flickr Moving up into the Santa Catalina Mountains, this summer destination is a short distance from Mount Lemmon. The temperatures are cooler here, the pines stretch up into the sky, and you’ll love spending a couple of days resting here.
- Roosevelt Lake
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr One of Arizona’s major reservoirs, the rugged landscape contrasts well with Roosevelt Lake’s smooth blue waters.
- Tonto Natural Bridge
Randy Jenkins/Flickr This is the largest natural travertine bridge in the world with a tunnel that measures 400 feet long by 150 wide. It is located about 3 miles off the trail but is worth a detour.
- Mogollon Rim
Arizona Traveler/Flickr This geographical feature runs 200 miles from the center of the state towards New Mexico, creating quite the dramatic border between northern and southern Arizona. You’ll find a vast number of pines, streams, and animals plus cooler temperatures.
- Blue Ridge Reservoir
Coconino National Forest/Flickr Another reservoir with a stunning view, Blue Ridge is a great spot to catch fish and relax for a day or two from the long hike.
- Mormon Lake
AZ Geological Survey/Flickr Slowly inching towards Flagstaff, Mormon Lake is a shallow lake that sometimes looks like a marsh when the season has been particularly dry. When the lake is full, it’s a great spot to fish and enjoy watching wildlife.
- Walnut Canyon
sfbaywalk/Flickr Walnut Canyon National Monument is located just off the Arizona Trail but you might be able to spot a glimpse of the canyon. Otherwise, take a brief detour into the pretty canyon and consider joining in on a guided tour.
- San Francisco Peaks
Eliza Adam/Flickr Home to our state’s tallest mountain peak, the San Francisco Peaks will greet you miles before you ever make it to the base. The Arizona Trail takes you through Flagstaff and around the base of the mountain. Once you pass the peaks, you have less than 200 miles until you make it to Utah!
- Grand Canyon
Moyan Brenn/Flickr Arguably Arizona’s most well-known geographical feature and park, you’ll get to witness the Grand Canyon’s beauty up close. The Arizona Trail guides you through the canyon via the Kaibab trails.
- Jacob Lake
Alan English CPA/Flickr If you do decide to hike the Arizona Trail, you’ll want to reach Jacob Lake before October, when the area closes until May. The campground is about one mile off the trail and is quite the sight with its towering pines.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Alan English CPA/Flickr You could make it to the Utah border from Jacob Lake within two or three days (depending on how much you decide to push yourself) but why not enjoy the last few days? This isolated part of the state is quiet and has incredible dark nights, plus you’ll be able to see Vermilion Cliffs National Monument from about two miles away. The last four miles of the trail takes you to the borders of the national monument and Utah’s n equally picturesque Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
If you want more information about hiking the Arizona Trail, you can visit the official website. They offer detailed maps, tips, and volunteer opportunities.
Jordan/Flickr
One of the first major sights you will encounter when hiking north from the border is Madera Canyon, a popular area 25 miles south of Tucson. There’s plenty of campsites, hiking trails, and lots of wildlife.
TravelUSA/Flickr
A little further north is Colossal Cave Mountain Park, located a few miles off the trail. The park not only has its well-known cave but also some very pretty desert views and campsites. Also, if you’re craving pizza you can get a pie at the park’s cafe.
glennia/Flickr
This park sits in Tucson and proudly displays hundreds of examples of our state cactus.
Bill Morrow/Flickr
Moving up into the Santa Catalina Mountains, this summer destination is a short distance from Mount Lemmon. The temperatures are cooler here, the pines stretch up into the sky, and you’ll love spending a couple of days resting here.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
One of Arizona’s major reservoirs, the rugged landscape contrasts well with Roosevelt Lake’s smooth blue waters.
Randy Jenkins/Flickr
This is the largest natural travertine bridge in the world with a tunnel that measures 400 feet long by 150 wide. It is located about 3 miles off the trail but is worth a detour.
Arizona Traveler/Flickr
This geographical feature runs 200 miles from the center of the state towards New Mexico, creating quite the dramatic border between northern and southern Arizona. You’ll find a vast number of pines, streams, and animals plus cooler temperatures.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Another reservoir with a stunning view, Blue Ridge is a great spot to catch fish and relax for a day or two from the long hike.
AZ Geological Survey/Flickr
Slowly inching towards Flagstaff, Mormon Lake is a shallow lake that sometimes looks like a marsh when the season has been particularly dry. When the lake is full, it’s a great spot to fish and enjoy watching wildlife.
sfbaywalk/Flickr
Walnut Canyon National Monument is located just off the Arizona Trail but you might be able to spot a glimpse of the canyon. Otherwise, take a brief detour into the pretty canyon and consider joining in on a guided tour.
Eliza Adam/Flickr
Home to our state’s tallest mountain peak, the San Francisco Peaks will greet you miles before you ever make it to the base. The Arizona Trail takes you through Flagstaff and around the base of the mountain. Once you pass the peaks, you have less than 200 miles until you make it to Utah!
Moyan Brenn/Flickr
Arguably Arizona’s most well-known geographical feature and park, you’ll get to witness the Grand Canyon’s beauty up close. The Arizona Trail guides you through the canyon via the Kaibab trails.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
If you do decide to hike the Arizona Trail, you’ll want to reach Jacob Lake before October, when the area closes until May. The campground is about one mile off the trail and is quite the sight with its towering pines.
You could make it to the Utah border from Jacob Lake within two or three days (depending on how much you decide to push yourself) but why not enjoy the last few days? This isolated part of the state is quiet and has incredible dark nights, plus you’ll be able to see Vermilion Cliffs National Monument from about two miles away. The last four miles of the trail takes you to the borders of the national monument and Utah’s n equally picturesque Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Want to explore more fantastic hiking spots around the state? Take a look at our article These 10 Hiking Spots In Arizona Are Completely Out Of This World for ideas!
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