Arizona is an amazing place to hike. It's dry climate makes it the perfect place to take long hikes. You won't be bogged down by mosquitos, rain or clouds. The one thing that you will most certainly see on your hikes are waterfalls. One of the best parts
about hiking in Arizona is that many of the state and national parks have great trails that lead to waterfalls. Even in the middle of summer you can find a cool oasis along the way. In this article I will highlight
a few of my favorite places to hike in Arizona which all lead to some amazing waterfalls.
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Fossil Springs Trails
Distance: 0.4 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
This short hike takes you to a stunning swimming hole on Fossil Creek in central Arizona. It’s a great way to cool off during the summer months and offers some beautiful scenery along the way as well. Fossil Creek is extremely popular during the summer
months and can get quite crowded on weekends – arrive early or plan your visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds. The water in Fossil Creek is extremely cold (52 degrees Fahrenheit!) but very refreshing on hot
days.
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Seven Falls
Seven Falls is a tall series of cascading falls located in Bear Canyon, just above Tucson. It's a popular hike and can get very busy on weekends. The trailhead starts at the bottom of Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. You can park your car in the parking
lot, then cross the street to catch the tram into the park. The tram costs $8-10/adult and $4-5/child, one way or roundtrip (depending on the season). At the end of tram line is where you start your hike.
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Havasu Falls
Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in northern Arizona, this beautiful waterfall is one of the most popular in the state. Hualapai Hilltop is where the trail to Havasu Falls begins. From there, it's an 8-mile hike one way down into the canyon.
This hike is best done from March through October when temperatures are cooler, but reservations fill up quickly so plan ahead!
ow much does it cost to go to Havasu Falls?
The cost for this location ranges from $100-$125 per person per night. This may sound expensive, but it's the only way to see this jaw-dropping paradise. A minum of a 3-night stay is also required.
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West Fork Oak Creek Trail
This trail is one of the most popular in Northern Arizona due to its beautiful scenery and easy access. The trail follows West Fork Oak Creek through a red rock canyon, with many small waterfalls along the way. It is also lined with sycamores and maples,
making it especially scenic in spring and fall when leaves start changing colors. The trail dead ends at an overlook above "The Box," a narrow section of canyon where the creek makes several bends in a short
distance. You can continue to follow the creek upstream if you want, but there is no designated trail after that point.
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Slide Rock State Park
The Slide Rock State Park name comes from the natural water slide formed by the slippery surface of the rocks on Oak Creek. Slide Rock State Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona. With its red rocks, clear creek and swimming holes,
it's easy to see why.
Hikers can hike along the water and swim in a number of swimming holes below Sedona but above slide rock. It is a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike so expect to be hiking with many other people.
Not only does it have a beautiful red rock canyon and a stream that runs through it, but there are also waterfalls and a swimming hole! If you love hiking, then you will love this location. It has everything from easy hikes to difficult ones that will
challenge even the most experienced hiker.
When you first arrive at Slide Rock State Park, you might think that it is just another state park with hiking trails and picnic areas. However, what makes this park unique is its location in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon is home to some
of the most beautiful scenery in Arizona, and Slide Rock State Park takes full advantage of that fact by offering many different hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty ranging from easy to challenging.
The best part about Slide Rock State Park? It's cheap! There's only a $20 fee required when visiting this beautiful state park. This means you can spend an entire day exploring all that Slide Rock has to offer without spending too much money on admission
fees or parking fees.
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White House Trail in Sedona
White House Trail is located in Sedona, Arizona and is about 4 miles long with an elevation gain of about 800 feet. The trail features several scenic rock formations including Elephant Rock and the Coffee Pot Rock that are heavily photographed by tourists
and locals alike.
The trail will take you through the Coconino National Forest and end at an overlook with views of Cathedral Rock and other popular hiking areas in Sedona. The hike is rated as moderate but can get quite busy on weekends and during the summer months so
plan accordingly.
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Sycamore Basin
Sycamore Basin is a beautiful 5 mile trail located in Cave Creek, Arizona. The trail features a cascading waterfall that flows down a cliff side and into a shaded canyon.
The hike has an elevation gain of about 440 feet and is rated as moderate. It can get quite hot during the summer months, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
