
Bring a minimum of 1 gallon of water and plenty of food. With summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees and poor cell phone coverage visitors must come prepared. This trail is steep and gets very hot during the summer months, but rewards visitors with access to one of Arizona’s most spectacular areas.īe mindful that the first 3.75 miles of the trail provide no water and little shade. The trail offers a remote, backcountry adventure for experienced hikers. It then descends 1,500 feet over 4 miles into the Fossil Creek canyon. This trail begins at an elevation of 5,700 feet on Deadman Mesa near the town of Strawberry. Not for the faint of heart! The Bob Bear Trail provides access to the headwaters of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River and the Fossil Springs Wilderness. This one definitely earns its spot as one of the best secret hikes in Arizona. Consider spending the night to enjoy the scenery and solitude as the trail is 9.2 miles out and back and gains 2250 feet in elevation. Miles of Coconino National Forest make Clear Creek Trail a bucket list item for off-the-beaten-path hikes in Arizona. Difficult: Indian Maiden Falls via West Clear Creek TrailĪmbitious and experienced hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views, crystal clear water, canyon swimming, and a waterfall. Horton Creek can be done as an out and back trail or connected with other trails to make a loop. The scenery is so beautiful you will hardly notice the 2400 feet of elevation gain. It winds through miles of pine forest and provides ample opportunity for quiet reflection. This trail takes hikers along Horton Creek past numerous pools and waterfalls. Horton Creek is a lovely 8.5-mile trail located just outside Payson, AZ. Visiting in the shoulder seasons provides a great option for social distancing hikes in Arizona. Fall foliage and stunning displays of bursting colors on the forest’s aspen trees attract visitors in September and October, while a hundred shades of emerald green and cooler temperatures provide a welcome respite in the summer months. Snow covers significant portions of the trail from November- May, and the forest service roads are often closed. The trail is 3.2- miles out and back, steadily gaining 750 feet in elevation, and connects with the Weatherford Trail further down the basin. It is considered one of the most scenic secret hikes in Arizona. Located near Flagstaff, AZ, and surrounded by the San Francisco peaks, the inner basin trail begins in Lockett Meadow. The highlight of the Parson’s Trail is the beautiful Sycamore Canyon, featuring a river and numerous swimming holes with cliff jumping opportunities for those brave enough to attempt them. This is a 7.3 mile out and back trail, which gains moderately in elevation over 800 feet. As the shade is limited and summer temperatures can reach triple digits, hikers should bring sufficient water, start early in the morning and check daily highs. Purchase a Red Rock permit in the visitor’s center for parking and take in the views of the formidable Cathedral Rock. Popular with families, the trail offers multiple access points for swim spots on Oak Creek. Baldwin Trail also connects to several other trails and can be combined to make a longer trek. Baldwin TrailĪ beautiful, scenic, 2-mile loop trail, the Baldwin Trail gains 216 feet of elevation and affords views of Sedona’s beautiful red rocks.

Although this not one of the truly secret hikes in Arizona, the loop is perfect for exploring in the low season and on weekdays. Of note, there is an entrance fee for the park. Located within the Phoenix Botanical Garden, this 2.1-mile loop offers visitors the opportunity to see beautiful native species of plants, trees, and flowers.
