Desert Hikes
Arizona’s Best Desert Hiking Trails
Thousands of trails are generously sprinkled throughout Arizona for the enjoyment of novice and experienced outdoor lovers alike, and these trails encompass the array of habitat types available within this diverse and beautiful state. People flock to the Sonoran Desert each fall to experience the unique wonders of this special place from the variety of scenic trails found within it. Desert hiking trails are often avoided during the summer months, or used with extreme caution early or late in the day when temperatures aren't soaring toward triple digits. We’ve put together a list of Arizona’s best desert hiking trails that you can enjoy right now, and throughout the next couple of months, until summer returns with a vengeance. As with any Sonoran Desert hiking experience, bring plenty of water and snacks to go with your appetite for adventure.
Buckskin Mountain State Park
This Parker, AZ area park sits comfortably on Arizona’s west coast along the shores of the Colorado River, and offers a variety of desert hiking options for park visitors. Check out a couple of our favorite western Arizona trails below, then check out the park’s trail page for even more info about the awesome Colorado River country trails that can be accessed from this cool little park.
The Lamb Springs Trail traverses 2.3 miles (one-way) through a beautiful slice of western Arizona desert and connects the Buckskin Mountain trail system with nearby River Island State Park. The Lamb Springs Trail is adjacent to a wilderness area and truly gives a feeling of remoteness as you step deeper into the western Arizona backcountry. Throughout the journey, hikers will experience the diversity of both mountainous terrain and desert wash country. Please use this isolated trail with caution and ensure you are prepared for the rugged country before tackling this gorgeous adventure through the western Arizona desert.
You’ll find nearly one mile (0.9 mi) of desert beauty along the Market Trail. This trail gives hikers a great sense of admiration for the beauty of this diverse area. The trail starts out along the highway and then gives up some fantastic Colorado River views before cutting into a more remote, mountainous area. As with other trails in this system, an old copper mine can be seen along the way, helping hikers understand the widespread use of this region by miners back in the day.
Catalina State Park
Tucson’s answer to accessible trail experiences are aplenty within Catalina State Park. Some of the Sonoran Desert trail experiences found here will lead trail users into chaparral country higher in the Santa Catalina Mountains, yet others stay grounded in the lower country. Check out our picks for great desert hikes in Tucson, then plan a trip to this popular hiking destination!
The first few miles of the 9.1-mile (one-way) Sutherland Trail are easy hiking. Beginning at the trailhead parking lot, the trail gradually climbs 700 feet. Plan on 90 minutes of walking time from the trailhead to the park boundary. After one mile, the trail weaves in and out of the park and the Coronado National Forest (including the Desert Bighorn Sheep Management Area and the Wilderness Area, which is closed to dogs and bicycles respectively). There is a 2.2-mile trail link on the north end of the park that connects the Sutherland Trail with the 50-Year Trail. Continuing on Sutherland, this difficult trail climbs through Cargodera Canyon with a steep and rocky ascent to roughly 8,600 feet elevation ending at the Mt. Lemmon Trail (to Mount Lemmon). The total elevation gain is 5,900 feet.
The Canyon Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile loop through that begins in the desert foothills and ends at the trailhead parking lot. The loop is created by a link connecting the Romero Canyon Trail and the Sutherland Trail. The trail is relatively flat, but about halfway around there is a slope with approximately 90 stairs. There is a bypass trail around the steps for horses. Plan on 90 minutes of walking time to complete the loop. The Canyon Loop Trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow may result in wet feet.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
On the doorstep of Sky Island adventure, hikers will find a variety of trails at Kartchner Caverns from the low desert areas (Sonoran/Chihuahuan desert interface) in the park, all the way up to oak woodland type habitat higher in the Whetstones. The variety of plants and animals you’ll experience along the way is astounding, and the southern Arizona views are priceless! A large, spacious campground and four camping cabins are available here to extend your adventure potential!
The new Ocotillo Trail is a 1.7-mile addition to the previously existing Foothills Loop trail. The full loop, which encompasses both trail segments, is about 3.2 miles in total. Ocotillo can be accessed from the Foothills Loop in two locations. North: from the group ramada, take the Foothills Loop north (counterclockwise) and turn right onto the Ocotillo Trail after about 1/2 mile. South: from the group ramada, take the Foothills Loop south (clockwise) and continue straight onto the Ocotillo Trail after about 1 mile.
The Foothills Loop Trail is approximately 2.5 miles, rated moderate to difficult. There are four access points; one at the northwest end of the Discovery Center parking lot near the group use ramada, one at the north end of the lower campground, one at the north end of the upper campground, and one at the trailhead gate leading into the National Forest. The trail climbs the limestone hill north of the cave and descends into the wash that follows the fault between the Whetstone Block and the San Pedro Block. A short spur trail at the upper portion of the Foothills Loop Trail leads visitors to the scenic Mountain Viewpoint.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Just outside the Phoenix Metro area in sunny Apache Junction, Lost Dutchman State Park is your gateway to Superstition Mountains adventure! Access a variety of Sonoran Desert trails from within the park, or, if you're looking for more, some trails lead into adjacent Tonto National Forest land and deeper into the mystery shrouded depths of this iconic central Arizona mountain range.
Explore the Siphon Draw trail while winding into a canyon of the same name. This is a 4-mile round trip experience, and is a very scenic Sonoran Desert hike! From the junction, it is possible to hike up the Flatiron (5.8 miles roundtrip), although this is not a designated, maintained trail at some points along the way. It's advised that only experienced hikers in good shape attempt to hike to the top, as the climb is steep and difficult to follow. Allow at least five hours for the Flatiron hike, up and back.
The Native Plant Trail features beautiful native plants of course! A variety of cholla, prickly pear, ocotillo, and more will line your path, with names and pronunciations on labels to guide you along. Make sure to ask for the native plant trail guide at the ranger station for plant descriptions as well! One of the coolest things to see along this trail is the “Watch Me Grow” saguaro – a cactus that the park started measuring 25 years ago! Though slow growing, you can see how the saguaro in time becomes the sentinel of the desert. To find the Native Plant trail, park in the 15-minute parking lot to the right of the ranger station, and follow the path just beyond the accessible parking sign.
Picacho Peak State Park
The epitome of a Sonoran Desert trail experience, Picacho Peak boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna native to this unique region and it can all be experienced via the trail network within the park. There are trails available for hikers of all skill levels, from easy flatland loops to rugged mountain summits! Stay a night or two in the spacious campground to give yourself enough time to try them all!
The Hunter Trail is accessed from Barrett Loop in the flats on the north side of the park and continues to the top of the rugged peak that gives the park its name. As the trail climbs the mountain, the Sonoran Desert views of the surrounding area become more expansive. The route is steep and twisting, with steel cables (gloves are recommended) anchored into the rock in places where the surface is bare and footing is poor.
Interpretive trails like the Nature and Children's Cave trails are available in more accessible areas and include informative signage along the way. These trails are a great alternative for anyone that would like a deeper connection with the Sonoran Desert, without traversing a mountain summit. The Calloway Trail is a little more moderate, but still relatively negotiable, and leads to a beautiful overlook.
