8 Spring Hikes in Arizona
Springtime in Arizona is one of my favorite times of the year, because although you can hike in the winter, it really feels like the state is coming back to life in the spring. There’s so many wildflowers and so much in bloom from Northern Arizona to Southern Arizona. The weather is perfect. And the sky is typically clear, leaving for amazing views from the summit! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite hikes from Tucson to Flagstaff and places in between that I’ll be venturing to in the next couple of months. Be sure to read the descriptions for important information regarding permits, parking, etc. Here are 8 spring hikes in Arizona!
Thumb Butte
Image via AZ Utopia
Location: Prescott
Length: 2.2-mile loop trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Thumb Butte is one of Prescott’s most popular hiking trails due to its proximity to downtown Prescott. This moderate loop trail is just over 2 miles long and takes an average of 1 hour and 18 minutes to complete. At points it even offers great panoramic views of Prescott! Be advised that this trail requires the purchase of a day-use pass and keep in mind that it's located in Prescott, so be sure to check the weather before heading out.
Hole in the Rock
Image via The Outbound
Location: Tempe
Length: 0.3-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: Easy
Hole in the Rock is a super quick and easy hike at Papago Park in Tempe. It’s only 7 minutes one-way, so unless you’re super short on time, I’d highly recommend tacking it onto the end of another hike at Papago. If you plan it right, you could do an evening hike and end with watching the sunset at Hole in the Rock.
Fossil Creek Falls
Image via Outdoor Project
Location: Strawberry
Length: 2.2-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Fossil Creek Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes I’ve done, as the water is clear blue. It’s best to start this hike earlier in the day for a couple reasons. One, because it’s one of the more popular trails up here given the end destination being the beautiful falls. And two, because the majority of the hike is in the direct sun. So even though there are spots to stop and swim, it can get dangerously hot in the summer. Be advised, a permit is required to park at and hike Fossil Creek and must be obtained before you go. You can find info for doing that here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863.
Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trailhead
Image via Where We Went Next
Location: Sedona
Length: 3.9-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Head out at the Mescal trailhead and enjoy the beautiful red sandstone cliffs, stunning views, and a challenging yet rewarding climb that leads to the end destination of Devil's Bridge. Don’t forget to take a picture on the natural bridge once you reach it! Be aware of parking stipulations at the popular trailheads around Sedona, as some of them don’t allow parking on the weekends and you’ll have to use the free shuttle service.
Walnut Creek via AZT Walnut Canyon Trail
Image via All Trails
Location: Flagstaff
Length: 5.1-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
This 5.1 mile hike includes well-marked trails and beautiful views and takes an average of 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. It offers a mostly flat hike through the Ponderosa Pines and Walnut Canyon, but with minimal shade, it is recommended to start earlier in the day.
Tumamoc Hill
Image via The Daily Wildcat
Location: Tucson
Length: 2.9-mile out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Given its location on U of A property, the Tumamoc Hill trail is a popular hike for students and those located in the area. It takes roughly an hour and a half to complete, is paved, has great views, and is one of the only hikes in the Tucson Mountain Range that permits night hiking. Leave your pups at home, as they’re not allowed, and be sure to get there early, especially on weekends.
Tom’s Thumb
Image via Arizona Highways
Location: Scottsdale
Length: 4.0-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: Hard
Tom’s Thumb is rated a difficulty of hard, but it’s also one of my favorite hikes in Scottsdale. It begins at Tom's Thumb Trailhead and then takes a series of switchbacks up to Tom's Thumb spur that leads you to amazing views of the southern McDowell Mountains and urban Phoenix. There is no water fountain at the trailhead so be sure to bring plenty with you!
Water Wheel Falls
Image via All Trails
Location: Payson
Length: 1.6-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
The Water Wheel Falls trail is a short hike with beautiful views, rock formations, scrambling, and swimming holes. This is more of a primitive trail, so be careful and pay attention to your surroundings so you don’t get lost. Keep an eye on the weather before you go, as the area is prone to flash flooding.
I’m always out and about exploring Arizona and beyond and I typically take you along for the ride too. And let me know if there’s a hike I need to check out this spring!
