Earlier this year, I came to the very real realization that my parents are aging; they’ve finally reached the age my grandparents were in my childhood memories. I think they, too, are recognizing their ages because earlier this week my dad mentioned that he wants to hike the Grand Canyon at least once before he becomes too old to do so.

So, in honor of my dad’s desire to one day achieve that goal, I’m composing a list of hikes with breathtaking vistas, long trails, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every hiker should consider adding to their own list.

  1. Arizona Trail (the whole dang state)

Coconino National Forest/Flickr I think it’s appropriate this list starts with the epic, 800-mile long trail that runs vertically across the state. It shows off some of the state’s highlights and our incredibly diverse environment. Trail information: Arizona Trail website

  1. Big Loop (Chiricahua National Monument)

Matt Mets/Flickr Nestled within a sky island, this 8.5-mile trail takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the monument, including the spectacular hoodoos and other unique rock formations. It’s one sight you won’t forget any time soon! Trail information: Hike Arizona website

  1. Brown’s Peak Trail (Four Peaks)

Tiffany Joyce/Flickr Growing up in the East Valley, the Four Peaks were a constant presence on the horizon and always seemed so far away. You can get a personal view from the summit, Brown’s Peak, by hiking this trail. It is only 5.2 miles as a round trip but the steep hike up the peak will have your legs aching the next day. Trail information: Hike Arizona

  1. Escalante Route (Grand Canyon)

Moyan Brenn/Flickr Did you know that only a handful of people have hiked the full length of the Grand Canyon? It’s quite a feat to achieve but if it’s not something you’re quite up for (all 600 miles of it), then another option that is the Escalante Route, which winds 12 miles through the canyon for some spectacular views few people will ever see. Trail information: Grand Canyon National Park and Hike Arizona

  1. General Crook Trail (Mogollon Rim)

Arizona Traveler/Flickr Mapping 145 miles from Prescott to a spot just outside the little community of Clay Springs. This was originally a supply route between Fort Whipple, Fort Verde, and towards Fort Apache, then later became the state’s first historic trail. You’ll cross the Verde Valley and the Mogollon Rim while hiking this epic route. Trail information: Hike Arizona (part 1, part 2, part 3)

  1. Great Western Trail (Arizona)

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Another amazingly long trail that blazes through Arizona, the Great Western Trail is one that runs from Arizona through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The trail is still in the making, but the Arizona portion of the trail currently begins near Scottsdale and extends just northwest of the San Francisco Peaks before picking up again near the Vermilion Cliffs. Trail information: Arizona State Parks

  1. Havasu Canyon Trail (Grand Canyon)

Richard/Flickr Another Grand Canyon hike, this one highlights the descent into the canyon to Supai and the numerous, stunning waterfalls you’ll find along Havasu Creek. This is definitely a trail you don’t want to miss! Trail information: Hike Arizona website

  1. Humphreys Summit Trail #151 (Humphreys Peak)

Alan English CPA/Flickr If you’ve ever wanted to stand at the top of the world, this is a good spot to get that experience. This hike will take you to the tallest point in Arizona—Humphreys Peak—and you’ll find the most amazing view from the top! Trail information: Hike Arizona

  1. North Kaibab to Bright Angel Trails (Grand Canyon)

Madeleine Deaton/Flickr If hiking from one rim to the other is your goal, you might want to give these two trails at the Grand Canyon a try. The two give you an epic experience that will leave you feeling sore for days but is well worth the effort. Trail information: Rim to Rim

  1. Parson’s Trail (Sycamore Canyon)

Alan English CPA/Flickr Looking for a gorgeous view of the Verde Valley? You don’t have to look far but this trail through Sycamore Canyon takes you from the desert environment, through a lush riparian area, to the edge of the pines. Beautiful! Trail information: Hike Arizona website

  1. Siphon Draw Trail (Flat Iron at Superstition Mountains)

Take A Hike Arizona/Flickr If seeing the Superstition Mountains from afar doesn’t quite do it for you, then you need to plan on doing this hike! It comes out to just under 4 miles, leading you along the base of the Superstitions to an incredible view of the Flat Iron. If you’re feeling up to it, a hike right up Flat Iron will make a crazy workout but at least it comes with a fantastic view. Trail information: Hike Arizona website

  1. West Fork Trail (West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon)

Coconino National Forest/Flickr Okay, who wouldn’t want to go on a hike through this picturesque canyon? The trail is a fairly easy one, especially when you compare it to a few of the previously listed trails, but the views make this one of the most popular trails in the state and an absolute must-do for any Arizonan. Trail information: Hike Arizona website

  1. Wildcat Trail (Monument Valley)

Al King/Flickr Last but not least is one of the most iconic spots in Arizona and by walking this trail, you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite old Western flick. The trail is about 3.2 miles and is a pretty easy one that delivers on fantastic views. Trail information: Hike Arizona website

Do you have any other trails you hope to hike before your knees decide to give out on you? If you want to add other Arizona places to your bucket list, check out our article The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Arizona Who Loves The Outdoors.

Coconino National Forest/Flickr

I think it’s appropriate this list starts with the epic, 800-mile long trail that runs vertically across the state. It shows off some of the state’s highlights and our incredibly diverse environment. Trail information: Arizona Trail website

Matt Mets/Flickr

Nestled within a sky island, this 8.5-mile trail takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the monument, including the spectacular hoodoos and other unique rock formations. It’s one sight you won’t forget any time soon! Trail information: Hike Arizona website

Tiffany Joyce/Flickr

Growing up in the East Valley, the Four Peaks were a constant presence on the horizon and always seemed so far away. You can get a personal view from the summit, Brown’s Peak, by hiking this trail. It is only 5.2 miles as a round trip but the steep hike up the peak will have your legs aching the next day. Trail information: Hike Arizona

Moyan Brenn/Flickr

Did you know that only a handful of people have hiked the full length of the Grand Canyon? It’s quite a feat to achieve but if it’s not something you’re quite up for (all 600 miles of it), then another option that is the Escalante Route, which winds 12 miles through the canyon for some spectacular views few people will ever see. Trail information: Grand Canyon National Park and Hike Arizona

Arizona Traveler/Flickr

Mapping 145 miles from Prescott to a spot just outside the little community of Clay Springs. This was originally a supply route between Fort Whipple, Fort Verde, and towards Fort Apache, then later became the state’s first historic trail. You’ll cross the Verde Valley and the Mogollon Rim while hiking this epic route. Trail information: Hike Arizona (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

Another amazingly long trail that blazes through Arizona, the Great Western Trail is one that runs from Arizona through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The trail is still in the making, but the Arizona portion of the trail currently begins near Scottsdale and extends just northwest of the San Francisco Peaks before picking up again near the Vermilion Cliffs. Trail information: Arizona State Parks

Richard/Flickr

Another Grand Canyon hike, this one highlights the descent into the canyon to Supai and the numerous, stunning waterfalls you’ll find along Havasu Creek. This is definitely a trail you don’t want to miss! Trail information: Hike Arizona website

Alan English CPA/Flickr

If you’ve ever wanted to stand at the top of the world, this is a good spot to get that experience. This hike will take you to the tallest point in Arizona—Humphreys Peak—and you’ll find the most amazing view from the top! Trail information: Hike Arizona

Madeleine Deaton/Flickr

If hiking from one rim to the other is your goal, you might want to give these two trails at the Grand Canyon a try. The two give you an epic experience that will leave you feeling sore for days but is well worth the effort. Trail information: Rim to Rim

Looking for a gorgeous view of the Verde Valley? You don’t have to look far but this trail through Sycamore Canyon takes you from the desert environment, through a lush riparian area, to the edge of the pines. Beautiful! Trail information: Hike Arizona website

Take A Hike Arizona/Flickr

If seeing the Superstition Mountains from afar doesn’t quite do it for you, then you need to plan on doing this hike! It comes out to just under 4 miles, leading you along the base of the Superstitions to an incredible view of the Flat Iron. If you’re feeling up to it, a hike right up Flat Iron will make a crazy workout but at least it comes with a fantastic view. Trail information: Hike Arizona website

Okay, who wouldn’t want to go on a hike through this picturesque canyon? The trail is a fairly easy one, especially when you compare it to a few of the previously listed trails, but the views make this one of the most popular trails in the state and an absolute must-do for any Arizonan. Trail information: Hike Arizona website

Al King/Flickr

Last but not least is one of the most iconic spots in Arizona and by walking this trail, you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite old Western flick. The trail is about 3.2 miles and is a pretty easy one that delivers on fantastic views. Trail information: Hike Arizona website

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.