Arizona Hiking Trails: Other than the Grand Canyon

Everyone knows that you can go to Arizona and hike the Grand Canyon, but what about other trails? There is plenty of great hiking in Arizona that has nothing to do with jockeying for position at the Grand Canyon. Many of them are difficult, but they reward with beauty that is seldom matched anywhere in the world. Here are five of the best.

The Wet Beaver Loop is an extremely difficult trail, but it is an awesome hike in the Wet Beaver Wilderness Area. It is a 22-mile round trip and you will need more than one day to complete it, as you will be making a large loop to return from where you began. It is interspersed with camps, Waldroup canyon, and waterfalls. You have to wade through water for a portion of the hike. So, be prepared to get wet, and do not bring children along.

Picacho Peak hike is not too far from Casa Grande. It provides a stunning view of the Sonora desert from the top. This seven-mile round trip is very steep at times, and has many switchbacks. And, if you take the alternate trail to return from the peak you will add an extra couple of miles.

It is advisable to wear gloves on this hike and you may need to use steel cables to aid your climb at times. You must be in good physical condition to undertake this hike as some Class 3 climbing will be necessary.

Kendrick Mountain is a moderately easy trail. This 9.2 miles round trip features a look at a cabin and ends in some spectacular views of Red Mountain, Mount Humphreys, Sycamore Canyon, and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You will come across a series of short switchbacks toward the end that provide breathtaking views.

Paria Canyon. This hike starts in Utah, but right near the border, and immediately moves into Arizona. The road to the trailhead is frequently washed out, and so you need to keep a sharp eye on the weather to avoid flash floods. And, because the trail ends far away from the car, it's nice to take advantage of a shuttle for the ride back, especially since this a multi-day trip. Additionally, as you will be going through wilderness area, you will need to obtain a permit from the BLM.

The trail becomes prone to quicksand and quite muddy, especially if you go just after the rains. You will have to pick around quite a bit on this trail and in fact, there will be no trail once you reach the canyon. The only way is to follow the river. You will be walking through a narrow slot canyon with spectacular formation. Remember to avoid this trail if rain is forecast as there is no escape from flash floods in the Narrows.

This trail offers some fantastic features including a cave "room" in one of the walls, Judd Hollow, the Wrather Canyon and the Wrather Arch. There are also various other routes, springs and canyons, the formations and views of which make this hike an amazing and worthwhile experience.

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About the author: Glenda Jao is the chief writer at For Arizona, visit there today for the latest Arizona advice, and their free newsletter is well worth signing up for too. If you want to read more Arizona articles go to: www.forarizona.com/articles
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