Arizona is a state rich in natural beauty, with a diverse landscape that ranges from red rock canyons to pine-covered mountains. From the iconic grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the unique saguaro cactus forests of the Sonoran Desert, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore in Arizona.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Arizona is by hitting the trails and going for a hike. There are countless hikes to choose from, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging back-country treks. Here are some of the best hikes in Arizona:
The Grand Canyon: No trip to Arizona would be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is home to a number of excellent hikes, including the Rim Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon from above. For a more challenging hike, try the Bright Angel Trail, which takes you down into the canyon itself.
Sedona: Located in the heart of red rock country, Sedona is a hiker’s paradise. One of the best hikes in the area is the Devil’s Bridge Trail, which takes you to a massive natural sandstone arch. Other popular hikes in Sedona include the West Fork Trail and the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Superstition Mountains: The Superstition Mountains, located just outside of Phoenix, are home to a number of great hikes, including the popular Peralta Trail. This challenging hike takes you through the heart of the Superstition Wilderness, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Chiricahua National Monument: Located in southeast Arizona, the Chiricahua National Monument is home to a unique landscape of towering rock spires and hoodoos. The park has a number of excellent hikes, including the Echo Canyon Trail, which takes you through the heart of the rock formations.
In addition to hiking, Arizona is also home to a number of scenic drives that offer beautiful views of the state’s natural wonders. Here are a few of the best:
Apache Trail: The Apache Trail is a winding road that takes you through the heart of the Superstition Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass by a number of natural wonders, including Fish Creek Hill and the Canyon Lake Dam.
Oak Creek Canyon: Located in the heart of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon is a beautiful drive that takes you through a stunning canyon filled with red rock formations and pine forests. Along the way, you’ll pass by a number of scenic vistas and waterfalls.
Coronado Trail: The Coronado Trail is a winding road that takes you through the heart of the White Mountains in eastern Arizona. Along the way, you’ll pass by a number of natural wonders, including the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and the Blue Range Wilderness.
No matter where you go in Arizona, you’ll find plenty of natural wonders to explore. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a scenic drive, there are plenty of options to choose from. To learn more about the natural wonders of Arizona, visit the following websites:
The National Park Service’s website for the Grand Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
The official website for Sedona: https://www.visitsedona.com/
The official website for the Superstition Mountains: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=55991
