This spring, we took a one-week road trip through Arizona that included Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, The Grand Canyon, The Petrified Forest, and more. After we got back home, we agreed that it was our favorite vacation we have ever taken as a couple! 

When we were planning our ideal Arizona itinerary, we knew we obviously wanted to include some hiking so that we could see more of the beautiful desert and mountain landscapes. But since we don’t have too many hiking opportunities where we live in Dallas, and since I’m possibly the least athletic person alive, we wanted to make sure we chose trails that were completely doable. 

Here are six beautiful beginner hikes in Arizona that anyone can do! Whether you have a family with small kids, you have health concerns, or you’re just a hiking novice like me, you will definitely enjoy the gorgeous scenery on these easy hikes.

 

Red Rock Crossing

Distance: 1.3 Miles

If you’re thinking about visiting Sedona, Arizona, you’ve probably already seen plenty of blogs about hiking up to the famous Cathedral Rock. But you’ve also no doubt noticed that this hike is a moderate difficulty level that involves some climbing. 

An alternative way to enjoy the striking scene of Cathedral Rock towering up into the blue sky is to visit Red Rock Crossing, a short trail at Crescent Moon Ranch. Red Rock Crossing is a natural beach beside a shallow portion of Oak Creek, near the base of Cathedral Rock. You can hike along the bank of the creek until you reach the perfect spot and take stunning pictures of Cathedral Rock above the water. 

The short path is completely flat and most of it is shaded by trees. When you make it to Red Rock Crossing, you’ll probably find Arizona natives sunbathing or picnicking on the shore. 

 

Fay Canyon Trail

Distance: 2.6 Miles

Another lovely Sedona hike that stays on level ground for the majority of the trek is Fay Canyon Trail. It runs 2.6 miles out and back through Fay Canyon, with beautiful red rocks rising up on either side of you until the very end. Most of the path is shaded by trees here too, and there are plenty of rocks and logs where you could stop and rest if needed. 

When you reach the “End of Trail” marker, there is a steep slope up through the rocks that you can climb to see remarkable views of the canyon spread out in front of you. I was wearing a maxi dress for the whole hike (#DoItForTheGram), and I made it up the cliffside just fine! We also encountered a couple of families with really young children climbing up the rocks and they didn’t have any trouble. 

The views from the cliffside when you finish the hike make all of the walking and the small section of climbing well worth it.

 

Airport Loop Trail

Distance: 3.2 Miles

The last Sedona hike I’ll highlight is Airport Loop Trail. It runs in a circle around Airport Mesa for 3.2 miles and passes through one of Sedona’s famous energy vortexes. It offers breathtaking views of the red mountains and the city of Sedona below.

We visited to watch the sunset at the Sedona Airport Overlook, and unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to walk the trail. But even if you don’t have enough time (or energy) to walk the full 3 miles, you could do a reduced version of the hike and finish in time to watch the set setting voer Sedona.

 

Sycamore Falls

Distance: About .3 Mile to Waterfall

About an hour west of Flagstaff is a hidden hike that is tucked away in the Kaibab National Forest. Sycamore Falls is one of the most striking and impressive waterfalls in Arizona, yet one of the least crowded landmarks. Not too many people know about this remote trail along the Sycamore Canyon, so if you visit you will probably have the views all to yourself.

Sycamore Falls is so remote that you will have to drive on dirt roads through the woods for about half of the journey there. When you arrive at the railhead, walk through the trees until you reach Sycamore Canyon. From there walk straight down along the canyon until you see the waterfall inside. 

 

Blue Mesa Trail

Distance: 1 Mile

Blue Mesa Trail runs through one of the most beautiful parts of the Painted Desert in Petrified Forest National Park. According to the U.S. National Park Rangers, “Descending from the mesa, this alternately paved and gravel trail loop offers the unique experience of hiking among badland hills of bluish bentonite clay as well as petrified wood. Numerous plant and animal fossils have been found by paleontologists in the sedimentary layers of Blue Mesa.”

 

South Rim Trail

Distance: 13 Miles Available (But you can exit and return to the parking lot easily from much of the trail.)

Last but not least, no list of beautiful places in Arizona would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon. While there are strenuous hikes you can take down into the canyon, you can also simply walk along the paved trail that runs beside the entire south rim of the canyon. There are tons of gorgeous places to take photos from different viewpoints and angles on South Rim Trail, plus spots to stop and grab snacks and souvenirs in Grand Canyon Village.

 

I hope you get to enjoy these beautiful beginner hikes in Arizona!

If you are looking for more suggestions for things to do on your trip to Arizona, check out my blog series on our trip below.

Our One-Week Arizona Road Trip

The Perfect Arizona Itinerary 2021