Ready for adventure? Explore Arizona’s diverse terrain and climate zones along trails with knockout views and ties to the state’s intriguing backstory. Gear up, reserve a campsite or state park cabin and set off on an Arizona hiking odyssey that can last for years to come. Here are just a few of the trail systems visitors can enjoy at Arizona’s 34 state parks.
Explore more than 600 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails in Arizona’s State Parks.
Waterfront Trails
Arizona boasts a surprising number of state parks located near rivers and lakes. The Colorado River is the main attraction at state parks along Arizona’s western border. Set off on a rugged trail system that connects Buckskin Mountain State Park and River Island State Park. Keep heading north to hike the riverside trail systems at Cattail Cove State Park and Lake Havasu State Park. In other parts of the state, Dead Horse Ranch State Park rests on the banks of the Verde River and has a trail system that winds around lagoons and follows the shoreline under a canopy of shade trees. Visitors also find an oasis in the low desert at Roper Lake State Park, featuring a trail system that captures views of the water and Mount Graham hovering nearby.
High-Elevation Hikes
Many hikes within the Arizona State Parks Trails System have dramatic elevation changes that lead to astonishing views. At Catalina State Park north of Tucson, visitors climb the north face of the Santa Catalina Mountains and marvel at the massive saguaros that thrive in the foothills. At Lost Dutchman State Park east of Phoenix, experienced hikers come from around the world to climb the strenuous Siphon Draw and Flatiron trails. The trail system at Red Rock State Park near Sedona features many climbs that lead to massive red rock formations.
Historic Pathways
Most Arizona state parks anchored by historic attractions are all about the attraction. At Jerome State Historic Park in Jerome and Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, for instance, visitors get a museum experience. At other state parks, trails lead into Arizona’s rugged natural beauty before revealing the historic tie-in. At Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, hike along a trail that connects the presidio to the Anza Trail. At Homolovi State Park and other parks with prehistoric ruins, visitors can expect some trail time to reach the park’s namesake attractions.
Hours & Pricing
For hours and pricing, please visit the website.
For More Information
Arizona State Parks & Trails
1110 W. Washington St., Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85007 1-877-MY-PARKS
