A fitness app ranks Arizona at the fifth spot for having the most active people who work out longer in the USA.
The state got an average of 79 minutes of weekly workout. Two of the most favorite activities in Arizona are walking and biking.
This isn’t surprising at all as the state offers endless outdoor adventures. Add here the nice weather and the developed hiking trails in Arizona that attract people to go out.
If you’re looking for trails to test your hiking endurance, Arizona has the package for you.
The 7 most challenging hiking trails in Arizona
Here are Arizona’s best long distance and steep hiking trails.
Echo Canyon Summit Trail in Echo Canyon Park
Camelback Mountain is the most popular hiking spot in Phoenix. Crowds are common even on the 2.5-mile Echo Canyon Summit Trail.
Rock climbers and bird watchers frequent this route. It is accessible anytime but you must avoid the extreme heat during summer.
Once you reach the summit, see the view over the Phoenix metro area.
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge in Grand Canyon National Park
The 3-mile South Kaibab trail features sights such as a river and the Ooh Ah Point for a magnificent first view of the canyon.
Be updated before starting a hike as the higher parts of the trail can be icy on winter or filled with thunderstorms in spring or summer.
The trail begins at the south Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road.
Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
Dare yourself to cover 19 miles around Grand Canyon. The distance can be intimidating but the spectacular colored rock formations make up for the challenge.
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300 in Phoenix Mountain Preserves
This is a favorite accessible trail among hikers who want a tough workout near Phoenix.
The trail is short but it gets steeper at the peak where you’ll need to do a little rock climbing.
Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail in Lost Dutchman State Park
Located near Apache Junction, the trail is easily navigated with the help of blue and white markers around the area.
Better use GPS as various forks along the way can get you lost to dead end sites.
Cholla Trail in Echo Canyon Park
Expect heights and narrow trails ahead that can slow down your hike during high-traffic hours.
Climb the Cholla Trail early in the morning to avoid the crowd and see the sunrise.
Extra caution needed when the climate is cooler as rattlesnakes come out.
Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls Trail in Havasupai Indian Reservation
The trailhead starts 1000 feet above the valley floor. This is the chance to walk down to see the towering canyon walls from below and reach the town of Supai.
The walls provide shade at the narrow side of the trail where sunlight can’t pass through at any angle.
Get your camera ready for 22.1 miles of scenery made of turquoise waterfalls and red cliffs.
Courage isn’t the only thing needed here
Although courage is important, these intense hiking trails in Arizona require a fit body and mind that can go through the steep climbs and the slippery descents.
Bring only what’s important in your backpacks such as bottles of water and food.
Check out our blog if you need more hiking tips before you start your Arizona trip.
