With so many fantastic Arizona hikes to choose from, it can be hard to pick! We’ve put together a list of family favorites from our trips to the ‘Grand Canyon State’. Starting in Sedona and working our way to the southern part of the state, we’ll include location, a short description, and highlights from each trail. When hiking in Arizona, be sure to pack plenty of water during the summer months. Wear proper hiking and sun attire (hiking boots, hats, sunscreen, etc.) and always check the weather before heading out.
Hike #1 Seven Sacred Pools (From Soldiers Pass Trailhead)
Starting at the Soldiers Pass Trailhead in Sedona, AZ
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead for Soldiers Pass, but it is only open on certain weekdays and tends to fill up quickly. You can also park at a shuttle stop location nearby and it will drop you off at the trailhead (the shuttle was free at the time of our visit). You can find more information on the Sedona Shuttles here.
The hike is a little over a mile total to Seven Sacred Pools and back to the trailhead. It is easy to slightly moderate as there are some steeper areas on the trail. Our kiddos were able to walk the trail and enjoyed the chance to climb the rocks near the trail. There were many other families with people of all ages on the trail as well.
What we liked about it: This trail gets you right into the stunning desert and red rocks of Sedona. We especially love a trail that leads to a fun feature or scenic focal point and Seven Sacred Pools delivered. The pools are unique and serene; surrounded by beautiful red rocks. Totally worth the hike!
The Soldiers Pass trail continues as a loop for another few miles and meets up with a couple of other trailheads along the way. The trail difficulty increases to moderate/ challenging so we chose to end our journey at Seven Sacred Pools and head back to the trailhead to catch the shuttle.
Hike #2 Trails at Crescent Moon/ Red Rock Crossing
The Crescent Moon Picnic Site is located off Red Rock Crossing Rd in Sedona, Arizona. There is a small entrance fee to enter the Crescent Moon Picnic Site and Recreation Area. The park offers picturesque views from the picnic area, accessible restrooms, paved walking paths as well as natural hiking trails taking you further into the Coconino National Forest.
What we liked about it: The hiking trails offer amazing views and photo ops of Cathedral Rock, a very popular rock formation in Sedona. The trail down to Oak Creek was an easy hike for the kids with plenty of places to stop for a break, skip some rocks, and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Hike #3 Waterfall Trail at White Tank Regional Park
There is a vehicle entry fee for the park. You can find current information for Maricopa County Parks here.
The Waterfall Trail is a 2-mile total down and back trail. The first part of the trail is paved and accessible up to the Petroglyph Plaza (at the time of this post). The remaining part of the natural trail takes you up to the waterfall.
The trail is relatively easy with a little bit of maneuvering around the large rocks at the end if you want to get close to the waterfall. The waterfall was dry when we visited in September, so we were able walk right up to the pool.
What we liked about it: stop at Petroglyph Plaza to view ancient signs and symbols carved into the rock face. Many types of cacti can be found along the hike, including the impressive saguaro cactus. On your way back down, take in the amazing views of the valley.
Hike #4 Freeman Homestead Trail at Saguaro National Park
The Freeman Homestead Trail is in the Rincon Mountain District (east) of Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ. There is an entrance fee to the national park that is good for 7 days or you can use an Interagency Pass/America the Beautiful Pass.
The trailhead is located off the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop drive. It is an easy 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a desert landscape full of saguaro cactus.
What we liked about it: There are learning exhibits along the trail to read and learn about the homestead and its unique surroundings. The trail takes you close (but not too close) to the giant saguaro cacti that give this park its namesake. Take in the views of the desert and majestic mountains in the distance as the trail leads you through an impressive desert wash on the way back to the parking area.
Hike #5 Echo Canyon Grottoes at Chiricahua National Monument
The Echo Canyon Grottoes Trail is located in Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox, AZ. At the time of this post, there was no entrance fee to visit the park.
You can access the trail from the Echo Canyon Trailhead. This section is a relatively easy 1-mile down and back hike. If you are feeling adventurous or have a couple of hours to hike further into the desert landscape of the park, the trail does continue on the Echo Canyon Loop, which is a 3.3-mile moderate hike.
What we liked about it: The trails in Chiricahua remain on our list of top Arizona hikes and top family hikes to this day! This short hike takes you through grottoes and canyons, with spectacular views of spires, columns, and balancing rocks surrounding you. The views go on for miles and the distant mountains look as if they have been painted with watercolor. A truly stunning landscape.
If you would like to learn more about visiting Chiricahua National Monument, check out our post on How to Spend a Day In Chiricahua.
