Here Are 8 of the Best Hiking Trails in Arizona for Beginners

There are a lot of beautiful hiking trails in Arizona that will give you magnificent rock views, abundant wildlife, or a scenic wildflower wonderland. We’re sure you won’t run out of places to explore, but if you’ve only been to hiking just now, you’ll probably need a good guide. Check out these hiking trails in Arizona for beginners!

Piestewa Peak Nature Trail

Distance: 1.3 miles out and back
Location: 2701 East Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

Source: Reddit

Tough rocky trails give off a certain negative impression for many beginner hikers. The Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) Nature Trail is tough, but definitely not impossible. In fact, thousands of adventurers climb it each week because it offers a rewarding and panoramic view at the summit. It is perfect if you want to get away, or if you want to hike with the whole family. You can find some benches along the route in case you need to take a break and rest.

You’ll surely feel accomplished after conquering this trail! You can even enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the park’s tables as soon as you’re finished.

Blue Mesa Trail

Distance: 1 mile out and back
Location: Blue Mesa Scenic Rd. Chambers, Arizona, 86502

Source: Instagram

One of Petrified Forest National Park’s biggest highlights is probably its Blue Mesa Trail. The whole park treats you to many acres of undulating terrain, but the trail proves you only need about a mile to see everything there is to see.

The trail is paved so you can just focus on the petrified wood surrounding you, as well as the multicolored (bluish purple) badlands you’ll encounter on your descent. Overall, this is a wonderfully unique experience that will prove it is indeed one of the good hiking trails in Arizona for beginners. Expect that there a lot of hikers who will bring their dogs along this fun trail!

Treasure Loop Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
Location: 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, 85119

Source: Instagram

What do you call a beautiful trail with minimal elevation gain that’s perfect for beginner hikers from kids to seniors? You probably guessed it already. It’s the Treasure Loop Trail! There’s just something about the mountain that draws you in. The path is also well-marked and you can see many beautiful rock formations on your way to the Superstition Mountains.

If you want to see blooming wildflowers, then you better hike here around March. The mountains partnered with the carpets of flowers make for a perfect nature backdrop! It also helps to know that the trail intersects with other trails, so you can adjust your loop according to your preference. Keep it short or more challenging. The choice is yours.

Boynton Vista Trail

Distance: 1.1 mile out and back
Location: Boynton Pass Rd, Arizona, 86336

Source: Instagram

Absorb the healing energy of the red Sedona rocks by hiking the Boynton Vista Trail. It is a relatively short hike, but you will be more than satisfied after completing the activity. There’s also a good chance you will meet an older gentleman somewhere along the trail. He’s famous for spreading good vibes, playing his flute music, and his ocassional acts of giving away heart stones. You can also ask him how you can safely climb to the vortex. He will be more than happy to help.

What are you waiting for? Conquer this short trail and be prepared to emerge with a calm soul while taking in the gorgeous mountains.

Tumamoc Hill

Distance: 3.1 miles out and back
Location: W. Anklam Rd. & Tumamoc Hill Rd, Tucson, Arizona, 85745

Source: Instagram

Enjoy a vigorous and healthy exercise by climbing one of the hiking trails in Arizona perfect for beginners! This is a good cardio hike that will provide you a majestic view of Saguaros stretching endlessly into the distance. Night hiking is also allowed if you’re more keen on having a peaceful climb. Don’t forget to do your victory pose at the top.

Deadman’s Pass Trail

Distance: 2.6 miles out and back
Location: Deadman’s Pass Trail, Arizona 86336

Source: Instagram

Did we forget to mention that there is a good trail located deep within the Coconino National Forest? The Deadman’s Pass Trail sounds scary, but is actually one of the easiest hiking trails for beginners in Arizona! Expect to hike the beautiful outdoors minus the usual physical intensity. Think about it, you can just free up your thoughts as you admire the captivating red rocks.

There are also a lot of mountain bikers in this area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can just hop on your own bike, too!

White Tank Waterfall Trail

Distance: 1.8 miles out and back
Location: Waterfall Canyon Trail, Arizona

Source: Instagram

Looking for an easy trail to hike when the weather is cooler? Head out and try the White Tank Waterfall Trail. The hike features some Native American petroglyphs along the way, including beautiful desert blossoms and a rich wildlife. You can even hike this with your furry buddy if you’ve already finished the other pet-friendly hikes in Arizona.

Sabino Lake Trail

Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
Location: Sabino Lake, Catalina Foothills, Arizona

Source: Instagram

Do you want to take on an easy hike with gorgeous cactus views? You’ll surely enjoy the Sabino Lake Trail that will lead you on a great windy and rocky path with an upward gradual climb. You can even take your furry buddy here for a more fun hiking experience.

What can you say about these hiking trails in Arizona for beginners? We’re sure there is something for everyone. And hey, have you heard about the cool mountain in the Arizona-Utah border where you could get sparkly gems for free?