| Backpacking Trails |
| | Cottonwood Trail | | This trail is a difficult 10.8-mile trail, beginning at 3,300 feet elevation, to climb another 1,440 feet. Cottonwood Trail has seasonal water flows in the Bronco and nearby Cottonwood Creek, there are also several permanent springs nearby. | |
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| Hiking In National Forests |
| | Tonto National Forest | | Tonto National Forest offers outstanding opportunities for those traveling through its diverse ecosystem: from Sonoran Desert to the ponderosa pine-forested Mogollon Rim. The varied levels of elevation (from 1,300 ft. to nearly 8,000) offer equally varied temperatures and landscapes, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forest. | |
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| Hiking In National Monuments |
| | Agua Fria National Monument | | The Agua Fria National Monument contains over 400 archaeological sites spanning some 2,000 years of human history. This large open area is popular for hunting, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Backcountry camping is also permitted. | |
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| Hiking In National Recreation Areas |
| | Hummingbird Springs Wilderness | | A colorful escarpment climbs steeply from the Tonopah Desert to 3,418 feet lending this area remarkable scenic value. Without maintained trails, the area can be backpacked easily, and primitive campsites abound. | |
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| | North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness | | This wilderness contains a 10 mile section of the Maricopa Mountains, a Sonoran Desert range and surrounding desert plains. The wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and recreation. | |
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| | Sierra Estrella Wilderness | | The 14,400-acre Sierra Estrella Wilderness contains one of the most rugged mountain ranges in Arizona. The extreme elevation differences have caused diverse plant and animal communities. | |
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| | Table Top Wilderness | | Table Top Wilderness covers more than 34,000 acres and features the highest peak in the area. Visitors are rewarded with solitude on the trails within the wilderness. | |
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| Hiking In Wilderness Areas |
| | Big Horn Mountains Wilderness | | Nine miles of the jumbled ridgeline of the Big Horn Mountains cross the Wilderness. Although there are no trails, hikers can access the area from the northern, eastern, and western boundaries. There are plenty of primitive campsites. | |
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| Hiking In Wildlife Preserves & Refuges |
| | Saddle Mountain | | Saddle Mountain is one of the last places in central Arizona that offers unbelievable solitude. The side canyons that surround and penetrate the two mountain masses that form the saddle provide a remoteness that carries visitors away from the hustle and bustle of city and sprawling suburban centers. | |
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| Long Trails (9+ miles) |
| | Cave Creek Trail | | This easy 9.9-mile trail, begins at 3,300 feet elevation, climbing to just over 4,000 feet. This path is good for hikers and mountain bikers. | |
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| | Cottonwood Trail | | This trail is a difficult 10.8-mile trail, beginning at 3,300 feet elevation, to climb another 1,440 feet. Cottonwood Trail has seasonal water flows in the Bronco and nearby Cottonwood Creek, there are also several permanent springs nearby. | |
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| | Margies Cove Trail | | This trail is a nearly level, 9-mile route, through the heart of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness. | |
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| Medium Trails (4-8 miles) |
| | Brittlebush Trail | | This path follows a combination of former vehicle tracks and wide, unmarked desert washes. It is a nearly level, 6-mile route, but is recommended only for experienced hikers. | |
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| | Lava Flow Trail | | This trail offers a hiking opportunity of light to moderate difficulty in a varied and dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape. Three trailheads are linked by a relatively level 7 1/4-mile trail. | |
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| | Skunk Tank Trail | | This trail is a difficult 4.8-mile trail, climbing to an elevation of 4,080 feet. Skunk Tank Trail offers some dramatic views, including Cave Creek drainage. | |
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| | Table Top Trail | | This trail takes visitors from the floor of Vekol Valley the summit of Table Top Mountain in just 3.5 miles. Visitors are treated to a variety of Sonoran Desert plants, wildlife and scenic vistas. | |
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| Organizations |
| | Arizona Trail Association | | The Arizona Trail Association is a membership organization, seeking active supporters of the Arizona Trail, coordinating volunteers, and providing other essential services to the Arizona Trail project. |
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| Short Trails (1-3 miles) |
| | North Mountain Park | | This park accesses more than 7,000 acres of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. It has plenty of picnic ramadas, and a trail that is very popular. | |
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| | Quartz Peak Trail | | This trail leads visitors from the floor of Rainbow Valley to the summit ridge of the Sierra Estrella at Quartz Peak in just 3 miles. Quartz Peak Trail is extremely steep and difficult to follow in places. This is a hike for experienced and well-conditioned hikers only. | |
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| | Quien Sabe Trail | | This trail is an easy, 2.5-mile trail, traveling up 600 feet from 4,080 feet. | |
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| | The Summit Trail | | This 1.2-mile moderate to difficult trail leads to the summit of Squaw Peak and offers a spectacular view of the valley. | |
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| | Vulture Peak Trail | | This is a short, steep trail taking hikers from the base of Vulture Peak to a saddle just below the summit, in two miles. The final ascent is not maintained and should be attempted only by experienced and well-conditioned hikers. | |
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| Trail Systems |
| | Papago Park | | Besides Papago buttes and an extensive trail system, Papago Park also includes the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Golf Course, and a sports complex. Both the Zoo grounds and the botanical gardens are excellent places to study wildlife including many native, non-captive yet approachable species. | |
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| Walking & Nature Trails |
| | Cave Creek Trail | | This easy 9.9-mile trail, begins at 3,300 feet elevation, climbing to just over 4,000 feet. This path is good for hikers and mountain bikers. | |
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| | Cottonwood Trail | | This trail is a difficult 10.8-mile trail, beginning at 3,300 feet elevation, to climb another 1,440 feet. Cottonwood Trail has seasonal water flows in the Bronco and nearby Cottonwood Creek, there are also several permanent springs nearby. | |
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| | Quien Sabe Trail | | This trail is an easy, 2.5-mile trail, traveling up 600 feet from 4,080 feet. | |
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| | Skunk Tank Trail | | This trail is a difficult 4.8-mile trail, climbing to an elevation of 4,080 feet. Skunk Tank Trail offers some dramatic views, including Cave Creek drainage. | |
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