Hiking

The 12 best hiking trails for 2022 in Arizona, one for each month

By Lorraine J. Benz

Posted in Arizona
Nature
January 11, 2022
by Katie Lawrence

Looking for the best hiking trails for 2022 in Arizona? We have what you need. Below are 12 of the most scenic trails in Grand Canyon State to explore this year – one for each month. What are you waiting for? Put on your shoes!

In these uncertain times, keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket-to-visit list at a later date.

January 1 – Devil’s Bridge Trail (Sedona)

Devil’s Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA

Why not start the year off with Arizona’s most popular trail? Located in Sedona – our state’s unofficial hiking capital – the Devils Bridge Trail is just under four miles in length and is moderately difficult. It leads to the largest natural sandstone arch in the area (which you can walk through), and it’s even more beautiful covered with a thick layer of snow. Find out more here.
February 2 – Bright Angel Trail (South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

If you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon in winter, this is a truly spectacular sight to see. Plus, you’ll avoid the massive influx of summer tourists who create traffic on the trails. Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hike in the canyon, so it makes sense to tackle it during the less busy season. At 15 miles long it’s a tough hike – but the views are well worth every drop of sweat. Find out more here.


3. March – Cathedral Rock Trail (Sedona)

Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

For the last winter month, we return to Sedona to embark on the Cathedral Rock Trail. The mile-long hike is short and gentle, but very technical, so not recommended for beginners. Seasoned hikers, however, will love the breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock landscape! Find out more here.
April 4th – Grand Falls (Leupp)

Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Road, Arizona 86035, USA

The onset of spring takes us to Grand Falls, an almost 200-foot-tall natural wonder nestled on the Navajo Nation near Flagstaff. As the snow in winter melts, it feeds the falls to create one of the most powerful waterfalls you have ever seen. The “hike” – if you can even call it that – is only about half a mile from the parking lot to the waterfall, so perfect for all ages. Find out more here.
May 5 – Bright Angel Point Trail (North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

Bright Angel Point Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

In mid-May, the North Rim officially opens to the public after its annual winter shutdown, so it’s only fitting to celebrate with a quick and easy hike. The Bright Angel Point Trail is really more of a walk, leading from the Visitor Center to a breathtaking vantage point. Huge payoff with little effort required – what could be better? Find out more here.
June 6 – Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools (Tucson)

Romero Canyon Trail, California, United States

June marks the onset of summer, and southern Arizona usually feels the heat around this time. That’s why we head to Catalina State Park to cool off in the Romero Pools, a series of shallow wading areas connected by gentle waterfalls. It’s an out and back trail, so you can cool off in the pools before heading back to where you came from. Find out more here.
July 7th – Bob Bear Trail (Strawberry)

Fossil Springs Trailhead Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA

Another great summer hike is Bob Bear Trail, nestled deep in the Tonto National Forest. It leads to a majestic waterfall that flows into Fossil Springs, and you’ll likely see families splashing around and enjoying the day. The trail is quite long, about 8 miles, but you won’t regret going on the adventure. Find out more here.


August 8 – Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail (Tucson)

Seven Falls, Bear Canyon Trail, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

As summer draws to a close, our final hurray takes us to Seven Falls, which – as the name suggests – is a seven-level waterfall. It’s an ideal respite from the scorching desert heat, and there’s plenty of space around the swimming area to relax and refuel with a picnic. Find out more here.
September 9 – Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail (Flagstaff)

Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

The magical fall season begins in September, and some of Arizona’s first fall foliage displays are in Flagstaff. The 2.7 mile Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail is our favorite fall hike because the golden leaves are simply breathtaking. We couldn’t ask for a better start to the season! Find out more here.
October 10 – Transept Trail (North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park)

Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052, United States

Are you brave enough to hike Arizona’s spookiest trail? After all, October is Halloween month. Connecting the Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim Campground, the 2.9 mile Transept Trail is said to be haunted. Even if you hike alone, you won’t be alone … find out more here.
November 11 – West Fork of Oak Creek Trail # 108 (Sedona)

West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

November takes us to the iconic West Fork of Oak Creek Trail # 108 in Sedona, which bursts into a gorgeous palette of fall hues this time of year. Unlike Flagstaff’s aspens, the trees here take on a variety of warm, seasonal colors. You certainly won’t feel like you’re in Arizona! Find out more here.
December 12 – Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail (Phoenix)

Mont Camelback, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

Our last hike of the year is the Echo Canyon Trail, which is a 2.5 mile climb to the top of Camelback Mountain. It’s a tough hike, with an elevation gain of over 1,400 feet, but the mild December climate makes it a bit more bearable. Plus, you’ll get to see the Camelback Mountain Christmas tree – perhaps Arizona’s most quirky holiday tradition! Find out more here.

So there you have it, folks: the best hiking trails for 2022 in Arizona. How many have you loaded? Which one do you prefer? Tell us in the comments! For more peaceful winter hikes in Arizona, check out our previous article.

Address: Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Address: Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

Address: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Address: Mont Camelback, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

Address: Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

Address: Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052, United States

Address: Grand Falls Road, Grand Falls Road, Arizona 86035, USA

Address: Bright Angel Point Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA

Address: Fossil Springs Trailhead Trailhead, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA

Address: Seven Falls, Bear Canyon Trail, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA

Address: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA

Address: Romero Canyon Trail, California, United States

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Lorraine J. Benz
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