To see a list of statewide trails for differing activities, visit the Arizona Office of Tourism 
Enjoy detailed trail information from the Arizona State Trails Guide. This page gives you a few examples of great trails in the state; there are, of course, many other great trails to hike and explore in Arizona. The Arizona State Trails Guide is a geographically comprehensive set of trails in Arizona that provide trail descriptions and locations to 550 trails in the state. These are trails that have been accepted into the Arizona State Trails System, and can range in length, elevation, user characteristics, and location. Order a copy of the Trails Guide in our Gift Catalog. You may also learn more about the State Trails System.
Note: Click on the small maps to see a larger map for each trail.
Trail Description:
The Holbert Trail is a difficult, fairly steep and long 2.5-mile trail. The trail heads north to the Gila Range over a rumply bajada terrain. Hikers should watch for petroglyphs on a boulder at mile 0.7. After momentarily joining the road at mile 1, the trail starts a climb up a scenic canyon with unique geological features — a rock cave at about mile 2, and an unusual formation at mile 2.2 near the Dobbins Extension Trail. The Trail ends at the National Trail where it looks at panoramic views of central Phoenix and of San Juan Valley to the west.
Flora and Fauna
The ecosystem in South Mountain Park is typical of the lower Sonoran Desert. With more than 300 species of plant life, you can see creosote, brittlebush, palo verde trees and many variety of cacti along the trail, just to name a few. The fauna in the desert is also typical of the lower Sonoran Desert so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for scorpions, chuckwallas and rattlesnakes. You may have the opportunity of spotting a javelina, cottontail rabbit or jackrabbit in the park as you hike along the trail. The bird population can vary throughout the seasons and include Gambel’s Quail, roadrunners, great horned owls and Harris’s hawks. Be sure to visit the South Mountain Environmental Education Center for more information on the Flora and Fauna of the area.
Directions to Trail Head:
From I-10 exit Baseline Road and head east, or from Central Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix, drive south on Central Avenue to the park entrance, 2 miles south of Baseline Road; turn left at first gatehouse; drive towards Activity Complex, and park on the south side of the lot for the parking spaces to access trailhead.
Trail Description:
Located in the pines on top of Mingus Mountain, this 2.3-mile trail offers good views of the Verde Valley, the Cottonwood area and the red-rock country above Sedona. At an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, this trail passes through a ponderosa pine forest and includes plant species such as alligator juniper, turbinella oak and deerbrush. Leaving the parking area near the radio facilities, the trail descends gradually to the southeast, staying above the rim. At about 1.35 miles, however, the trail turns sharply to the south and begins a steep, twisting descent to where it ends on FR 413. Steep portions of this moderately used trail might be seriously eroded; equestrians should be especially cautious. Leashed pets are per mitted on this trail.
Directions to Trail Head:
From Jerome, go west on Highway 89A to FR104, at the summit north of Mingus Mountain. Take FR104 south for about 2.6 miles to the Mingus Mountain campground. Continue south from campground on FR104A (right fork at campground) for about 0.5 miles to trailhead near radio facilities.
Trail Description:
This 4.7-mile long trail with an elevation change of approximately 600 feet. The trail is rated as easy by the Forest Service. Traveling south to north, Little Elden Trail winds along the north side of Little Elden Mountain through stands of Gambel oak and ponderosa pine, ending at Schultz Tank. From there, trail users can connect with the Dry Lake Hills/Mt. Elden trails to the south, or the Kachina Peaks Wilderness to the north. Little Elden Trailhead provides access to Little Elden Trail just south of its midpoint. A spur trail provides access to and from Little Elden Springs Horse Camp in the same area. The horse camp offers 15 campsites and easy access for trucks pulling horse trailers. This trail is part of the Arizona Trail. Trail users are asked to practice Leave No Trace techniques. Mountain bikers and hikers should be prepared to yield the trail to equestrians.
Directions to Trail Head:
Drive 5 miles northeast of Flagstaff on US 89. Turn west (left) on FR 556 and drive 2 miles to Little Elden trailhead located on the north (right) side of the road. Equestrian can park at the Sunset Trailhead or the trailhead just west of the Little Elden Springs horse camp on FR 556. The trail may also be accessed from Schultz Tank or via the Sandy Seep Trail.
Trail Description:
This trail travels a fairly level route along the desert floor, dipping in and out of washes gouged along the western edge of the Superstition Mountains. From Jacob’s Trailhead, the trail shows panoramic views of the Four Peaks, Goldfield Mountains, and the Phoenix metropolitan area. The trail parallels Lost Dutchman State Park and intersects with both legs of the Treasure Loop Trail, ascends gradually to the junction with the Prospector’s View Trail, then passes the Siphon Draw Trail at about mile 2. After a wet winter, this segment of the trail colors with a strong show of wildflowers. At mile 4.2, the trail crosses a large ravine, then climbs to its highest point up a ridge. The trail descends gradually and curves westward to its end at the Broadway Trailhead.
About the Superstitions
The Superstition Mountains have been a source of mystery and legend since early times. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation by a number of different Native American groups, up until the 1800s. Even the name is inspired by Pima Indian legends.
During the 1840s, the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed a rich gold mine in the Superstitions. According to legend, an Apache ambush ended the family's last expedition, and the gold remained in the area. In the 1870's, Jacob Waltz ("the Dutchman") was said to have located the mine through the aid of the Peralta descendant. Waltz and his partner, Jacob Weiser, worked in the mine and allegedly hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions. Most stories place the gold in the vicinity of Weaver's Needle.
Directions to Trail Head:
From US 60 and Hwy. 88 in apache Junction, drive north 5.5 miles on Hwy. 88, and turn east (right) onto First Water Rd. (FR78); drive 0.7 miles to open area on right; trail sign is across the wash. Or drive 0.9 miles east on US 60; exit north (left) at Royal Palm Dr. , and turn right onto Broadway Rd.; drive 3.4 miles to the trailhead.
Trail Description:
This 1.75-mile loop trail includes three short loops. It starts at the picnic area and proceeds around the north side of the pond. On the east side of the pond, the trail divides into the first loop. The left leg takes the hiker down through a mesquite bosque and through the first arroyo. The right leg follows the east side of the pond, and proceeds through a stream area and outdoor classroom. The two legs of the loop join at the base of a mesa and the trail leads to the mesa top. From the mesa top, another loop trail spurs off to the north. This interpretive loop, Indian Village Interpretive Trail, describes various aboriginal cultures that have lived in southeastern Arizona. The trail continues down the east side of the mesa and divides into another loop that meanders through a second arroyo.
About the Lake:
Roper is a stocked lake, making it a great place for kids to catch their first fish. If you've always wanted to learn how to sail board, then this is the place to do it. Boats are limited to only small electric motors, creating ideal conditions to bring a sail board and hit the water. Five miles of trails throughout the park let you stretch your muscles and view the wildlife.
Directions to Trail Head:
The park is located off U.S. Route 191, six miles south of Safford. Dankworth Pond is located three miles south of Roper Lake. Trailhead is at picnic area. Learn more about Roper Lake State Park.
Trail Description:
The Buena Vista Trail is a moderately difficult, 9 mile loop trail that follows portions of old logging roads through a hilly landscape covered with oak, manzanita, and pine trees. With an approximate elevation gain of 200 feet, the trail gives some impressive views of the Colorado Plateau to the north, as well as spectacular views of Mt. Baldy to the east. The route includes nine uphill sections and sections of loose rocks, which can be challenging on a mountain bicycle. Be sure to keep your eyes open for trail markers to help keep you on the trail as the trail utilizes and crosses many old roads and trails. Also keep a lookout for animal tracks in the sandy soil along the trail. Some animals to look out for are elk, deer, bear, scorpions and beetles.
Directions to Trail Head:
From downtown Show Low, drive 4.8 miles west towards the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Pass the Summer Pines turnoff. Just after mile post 337 you'll see a sign, "Entering the White Mountain Apache Reservation." Turn left before the sign on to Forest Road 300 (Rim Road). Drive 300 yards. Trailhead is on the left.
Trail Description:
Cave Canyon Trail is a 2-mile, moderately difficult trail that leads from Cave Creek Basin to Florida Saddle and the northern end of the Santa Rita Crest. Florida Saddle is one of the two main trail hubs in the Santa Ritas. The climb up Cave Canyon Trail is relatively steep. From the trail’s high perspective, the smooth, bulging slopes of the Mustang Mountains stand out across the broad lower Cave Creek Valley. North of the Mustangs lie the Whetstones, and beyond is the San Pedro Valley. Farther south, the horizon is defined by the massive Huachucas capped by 9,466-foot Miller Peak. A loop can be put together using Cave Canyon and Gardner Canyon trails and various combinations of other high country trails (See forest service website for more info )
Flora and Fauna along the Trail
Vegetation on this trail ranges from scrub oak and pinyon-juniper woodlands in the lower elevations to pines and Douglas fir higher up. The diverse ecosystem provides excellent habitat for wildlife. Wildlife is abundant and diverse, from white-tailed deer and black bears to gray squirrels and songbirds.
Directions to Trail Head:
At an intersection 21 miles south of Interstate 10 and 4 miles north of Sonoita on AZ 83, turn west onto Gardner Canyon Road (FR 92). Keep to the left at three-quarters of a mile and take the right fork at 4 miles around a piece of private property. Continue a total of 10.3 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. (Please note that the road leading to the Cave Creek Trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle, especially when the stream has water in it.)
Trail Description:
For the most part, this trail follows the course of an old ditch used to bring water from Bear Spring to mining operations farther east in the historic Kentucky Camp area. The ditch and the original trail are said to have been constructed by Chinese laborers around 1900. This easy trail follows the level, circuitous course marked out for the waterway across the canyon-cut landscape. To get started, trail users must make a short scramble over a low hill through which a tunnel was cut to allow water to flow from Casa Blanca Canyon into Gardner Canyon. From the south end of the tunnel, the trail is easy to follow to Bear Spring in broad Casa Blanca Canyon. Chinaman Trail #137 is part of the 790-mile, cross-state Arizona Trail.
Directions to Trail Head:
From Sonoita, drive 4 miles north on Highway 83 and turn west (left) onto FR 92. Go 6.3 miles to FR 785. Follow FR 785 about 3 miles to Tunnel Spring. (The site has a small, round watering trough next to a barbed wire fence.) Park there and scramble up and over the hill on the south side of the road to the trail.
Trail Description:
This trail meanders along the Mogollon Rim under the cover of pine and fir trees. The trail gets a look at spectacular views from the Rim at three vistas. Interesting rock outcroppings punctuate the path. 3.5 miles. Pets are allowed on the trail. The middle section of the trail at the trailhead access has a paved surface for disabled recreationists.
Flora and Fauna of the Mogollon Rim, Arizona:
Stretching from just southwest of Flagstaff to the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, the Mogollon Rim marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. The long escarpment, thousands of feet high in some areas, extends for nearly 200 miles across central Arizona. Average elevation of this undulating rim and plateau country is about 7000 feet.
The Mogollon Rim is known for its stands of ponderosa pine, which comprise the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States. Much of the gentle plateau country just north of the rim has been heavily logged. Timber production was a major part of the region's economy earlier this century, helping to establish a few towns in and near the vast pine forests of the area. Today, the United States Forest Service manages much of the region as part of four national forests: the Kaibab, Coconino, Sitgreaves, and Apache National Forests.
Directions to Trail Head:
From Forest Lakes, drive west on AZ 260 to FR 300, and turn north (right); trailhead is just west of the highway.
Share the TrailUnderstanding shared-use trail etiquette can make hiking, biking, and riding trails more enjoyable for everyone. Learn some basic principles and tips for using shared-use trails. Learn more.
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