Best Loop Hikes Arizona (Best Hikes)

That part of the trail is narrow and parts of it are on a substantial slope, I had to watch my footing a bit stopped to take in the views looking back into Dome Valley.

Then you head around Muggins with Lonely Saguaro for companionship, the trail traverses the back slope, drops down into the wash again, and then back up over another saddle before dropping down into an amazing part of the wash that cuts through a mini rock chasm. I met no one on the trail until the end when a couple was heading in going the opposite direction.

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By far the best hike I made on my second week long visit to Sedona. Park at Munds Wagon and head along the trail taking a clockwise loop to do cow pies first and hangover last. This direction offers the best views. Not sure what steep climbing everyone is trying to avoid by doing it the opposite way - there was only one steep section to walk up and it took about 30 seconds.

I cant imagine trying to do that in reverse without sliding. I thought the trail was moderate in spots and realy easy for the most part. Definately wont be out of breath here.

Only passed 2 small groups on the way round, and passed by one group and a trail runner coming the opposit way. Apart from the few struggling mtn bikers i passed that the trail was perfectly peaceful and amazingly beautiful. Definately dont pass on this one. Trail ran from the mescal parking lot to the bridge via chuck wagon and back in 1. Sat at the top away from the bridge taking in the views. I went at 10am on a weekday and it was already moderately busy.

I dont see the obsession with the selfies on the bridge, but each to their own. Boring trail, chunk of it runs alongside a resort with some barbed wire, too many houses in view. No great viewssssss, then decends into a rather unkempt forest. Maybe its better in the spring when theres water? Worst hike in my week in Sedona.

There a many amazing trails here. Im at a loss as to why anyone would bother with this. I love hiking this trail and fishing it. Trail is 2 miles one way to the saddle not the summit. If you want to shorten this hike and have a 4x4 you can take the off road trail about a 1. Only saw one other hiker the whole time I was out there. I added a pic of the maps that are at the trailhead which shows the 4x4 and walking routes.

I loved this hike! It was beautiful from the trailhead to the saddle. I thought it was moderate to easy. It took us just under 2 hours to get to the top, and that was with a lot of stops to take pictures I mean A LOT and a few water breaks. About an hour to get back down, which we did quite slow too. Trail was very easy to follow, and easy to climb.

Saw a couple baby tarantulas Took this trail again into Sedona. Always great view and great scenes. Trail isn't challenging and is perfect to test the new shoes we put on the Jeep. Nice little hike through various types of scenery. Ups and downs, twists and turns, not too hard but not too short either.

Went with my dog and there were quite a few people who had their dogs off leash so always be aware of those situations. This is one of my favorite short hikes. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the road at the top. You can continue to climb up higher if you take a short walk along the road first, or cross the road and go through the center of the mountain. The parking lot is currently under construction, with about half of the normal spots. The last part is in the shade, so, dress for it. I rated this hike 3 stars because the hike was a decent outing, but not a trail I would do again.

The best part is summiting the actual peak or seeing the old mines. There is zero shade on the trail, so I would avoid this one in the summer. It starts out behind the high school, but after a couple hundred feet, the school is out of site. Given the incline and rocky trail, this is definitely moderate, not easy. But its a leisurely hour or less to the top and well worth it. A little bit of a challenge but well worth it.

A must do for the degree views of the Valley. Be ready to scramble and climb. Proper hiking shoes are a must! Beware of the Crack. Trail is easy, it is very beautiful and has amazing views. Our hike measured 4. Beware the stickers that will puncture your clothes and dig themselves into you skin.

Spent an hour pulling them out with tweezers. But the gorgeous views made it worth it. This hike is a good weekend get away, also there is water currently running at the ranch. Happy trails hiking community: The trail is a hard hill trail. Great views and fantastic wild life and information along the trail.

This trail is maybe yards up the road from Manzanita Campground. We did it fine without hiking poles, but I would recommend proper hiking boots. It gets very windy near the top. Well worth continuing on to Vultee Arch. Many hikers going to view point then back, carried on to the loop! Views are beautiful and trails keep you alert with loose rock and shale! My new favourite hike! Long hike, but well maintained trail offering great views. Fantastic hike and definitely recommended for experienced hikers looking for a trail a bit off the beaten path. We did this hike in Dec and had the trail to ourselves.

It was quite icy at the top, so crampons were definitely needed. Fantastic views through the trail. This was a very demanding hike and would not be recommended for someone with bad knees.

In particular, the way down was brutal and slow mostly because we went in December and it was quite icy. However the views, particularly once you get to the bottom, are absolutely incredible. Great hike and the views are wonderful as well. This is my favorite loop at the WhiteTanks. I rate this 5 stars because its absolutely worth the journey. I with 2 friends backpacked this trail and camped the battleship.

I honestly rate this trail as moderate, it was a long walk is all with some boulder hoping as you approach the battleship. One of a best hike to do in winter.. A real worth the climb!!! This is a family hike , just guard the rocky terrain with children Great workout, worth every second of soreness afterwards.

I'd call this moderate but strenuous. Nothing incredibly difficult about the ascent, just a lot of work if you aren't in the best shape me. I particularly enjoy that it's not the usual desert landscape. There are a lot of trees and shady areas that you can feel the temp drop as soon as you walk through them. There's a beautiful view of the Needle at the top with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view. A great all around hike. Plan on about minutes up and about an hour back down. Getting to the trailhead is straightforward. Once you get off the 60 you go about a mile on pavement, then loose asphalt.

Then the rest of the road in is about 5 miles of washboard dirt so be prepared. Nothing a little car can't handle, but it does take a bit of time to get to the parking lot. The trail is pretty easy to follow and mostly marked by its wear. In the few spots it wasn't completely obvious there are kairns ti guide you in the right direction. Did this hike a week ago and loved it. Definitely a change of scenery. Felt very foresty as opposed to the usual desert landscape with the trees and bush, especially at the beginning.

Awesome rock formations and views the whole way up. I was worried about the trail's difficulty but would say the trail is moderate and the elevation is gradual.

Weaver's Needle is super cool to see too. Loved how "out there" the park felt as opposed to more urban environments like Camelback or Dobbins Lookout , a total escape. We started at 2 pm, weather in the 60s or so, and almost the entire trail was in the shade, so we got pretty cold at certain points.

Wished I wore leggings and brought a jacket. Moderate to highly trafficked. Also, beware that the trailhead is at the end of a 7 mile dirt road.

Best Phoenix Hiking Trails: Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Tom’s Thumb | Phoenix New Times

Saw quite a few sedans but would still recommend driving a SUV if possible. Going down is the warm up. Get prepared to hike back. Do the extra mile at the end for the waterfall. It is definitely a good one but can be difficult at times. This may not be for everyone. Would recommend this hike to anyone as far as beauty and escaping from life goes.

This was an intense hike! In total, our out and back was Trail is rocky and overgrown. I slid my hand on a few cactus. Gorgeous hike with an amazing sunset while I hiked back down! I don't agree with the person who said you cant take a small car down to the trail. I did it just fine. I've also taken my little car all the way down the 88 to Roosevelt Lake.

I forget how much I love this trail. It never ceases to impress me when you come up over the saddle! I'm 42 and in decent shape. I could stand to work out a bit more than I do but I was able to do this trip. My biggest fear was that my knees would be blown by the constant downhill. I've hiked Glacier Natl park and blown my knees at age They saved me and made this an awesome trip. I got to hike this with my brother in law 7 years younger, and some of his long time friends. It was a great trip. We did this in the winter.

Spent the night on the rim in the snow then hiked down the next day. Stayed a night then hiked out the following day. We took bright Angel down then up South Kaibab. This was actually opposite of what I thought we would do. But really it doesn't matter. Each way was beautiful. I think bright angel is a must because of Indian Garden.

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It might need to change its name but that will come with time. Real away for a. It and have my own hike. At a time I felt like I was in lord of the rings not really because the terrain was crazy and the trail hung on to the side of the mountain. Right angel in Late November we hiked down about feet of switchback that was snow covered. Yak tracks were needed.