Best Trail Running in Arizona

Trying to find the best trail running in Arizona? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Nevada, Henderson

02 :06 hrs
3.3 mi
58.033447 ft
Hard

Running through 5 former railroad tunnels, this trail follows the bed of a railroad track used to haul supplies for the Hoover Dam project in the 1930s. The tracks were dismantled in 1962, and then converted into a hiking and biking path. Each of the tunnels is approximately 300 feet long and 25 feet wide, and the open trail provides views of Lake Mead. Don’t miss this adventure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2

Arizona, San Tan Valley

01 :21 hrs
2.9 mi
254.42694 ft
Moderate

Trailhead is about half mile from the parking lot. When you get to the trail you will have to go through the fence opening. The trail starts off easy then as you make your way to the wave you go up in elevation and the trail becomes a little more difficult with some steep climbs. Dogs can make it up and back down with some help and direction.

3

Arizona, Coconino County

00 :53 hrs
1.9 mi
79.25244 ft
Easy

The Rim Trail runs for approximately 13 miles along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, offering stunning and easily accessible views of the massive canyon below. There are multiple access points and shuttle stops that can be used to customize hikes of varying distances and the trail is relatively flat and mostly paved making it a good choice for hikers of any skill level. This section of the trail starts from Grand Canyon Village on the south rim and heads west to the overlook at Hopi Point. Parking is not allowed for private vehicles at Hopi Point between March 1st and November 30th but shuttles are available for hikers who want to cover the trail one-way and hitch a ride back to the visitor center. The trip can also be done as a longer out-and-back hike if desired. Dogs are allowed on the trails but not on the shuttle buses.

4

Arizona, Maricopa County

01 :49 hrs
4.4 mi
206.31586 ft
Moderate

Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this loop trail is a good option for hikers looking to get a good overview of the area without having to hike too far. The trail starts at the Gateway access parking lot and follows a half-mile trail over a bridge to the junction of the Gateway Loop trail. From here you can choose which direction to hike. The loop hike leads up to Gateway Saddle where many prominent landmarks can be seen to include Thompson Peak, McDowell Peak, and Tom's Thumb. There are many intersecting and connecting trails along the route so pay close attention to trail markers.

5

Arizona, Cochise County

08 :36 hrs
3.7 mi
856.6614 ft
Hard

Trail begins at the top of Ramsey Canyon and leads to the crest of The Huachuca Mountains. Nice introductory hike to the Huachucas. The trail crosses Ramsey Creek several times as it climbs into the Huachuca Mountains. The preserve is on private property and a $6 permit is required to hike.

6

Arizona, Yavapai County

02 :18 hrs
4 mi
411.3612 ft
Hard

This adventure will take you down 1,500 feet into a canyon where you'll get the spectacular chance to see Fossil Creek Springs and Fossil Creek Dam. Both water features run at roughly 60-70 degrees year round (according to a ranger), making the water just right for a dip in as long as it's not too cold outside! From the top of the trailhead, you must hike approximately 4 miles down to a fork in the trail where you can choose to continue to either the dam (about .5 miles away) or the springs (about .2 miles away). Once you hit the water in either direction, take a break, enjoy, swim a little! Then get ready for the hike out! Permits are only required in the Spring & Summer, during the rest of the year permits are not required and you can actually camp down near the creek overnight. The campgrounds are closed Spring & Summer; permits can be purchased online at http://recreation.gov (just search Fossil Springs, AZ).Hike tracked from the bottom of the canyon out! Just start at the end point for your way in, the trail is easy to follow once you reach the trailhead.

7

Nevada, Clark County

00 :06 hrs
0.2 mi
24.109924 ft
Easy

Atlatl Rock is a short, fun hike, perfect for elderly persons and children. This short trail leads around Atlatl Rock, a geologically interesting formation with archeological significance as well. A constructed staircase (not marked) extends into a break in the formation where petroglyphs can be found. Parking is nearby, and no advanced preparations are necessary for this short excursion.

8

Arizona, Maricopa County

00 :26 hrs
0.7 mi
2.3009949 ft
Easy

Zanjero Park is best known for its Burrowing Owl Habitat. This multi-use trail links up to the San Tan Trail and is scenic with low traffic where you can bike, walk, run, etc.

9

Arizona, Maricopa County

02 :23 hrs
9.3 mi
117.455444 ft
Expert

The Hawes Loop trails offer scenic and fun singletrack in North Mesa. There are multiple interconnecting loop trails that can be combined together for a longer or customized ride. The views along the trail are excellent and include the city of Phoenix, the McDowell Mountains, Salt River and more. The trail is a loose and rocky with steep exposure and can be very tricky on the downhill.

10

Arizona, Flagstaff

01 :31 hrs
1.6 mi
109.16516 ft
Moderate

This popular hike leads over varied terrain through scenic red rock country to the well-known spot of Chicken Point. The trail also leads past a sinkhole named Devil's Dining Room and has a connecting trail to Submarine Rock. The trail is mostly exposed but has very mild elevation change making it a good option for hikers of all skill levels. The trailhead is easily accessible and only requires driving on a dirt road for a very short distance.

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