Arizona is one of the best places to explore the outdoors with kids, and with everything from towering saguaros and red rock canyons to pine forests, alpine lakes, and flowing creeks, there’s something to discover in every season.
During the cooler months, families can explore the desert trails around Phoenix and Tucson. When summer temperatures climb into the triple digits, Arizona’s mountain communities offer cooler weather, shady forests, and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
Four years ago, our family packed up and moved to Arizona’s White Mountains, and one of the biggest blessings has been having endless trails right outside our door. With five kids ranging in age from 1 to 13, we’ve spent countless hours hiking through the woods, exploring lakes, chasing lizards, finding snails, and stopping every few minutes to inspect a pinecone, bug, or interesting stick. We’ve also heard our fair share of dramatic trail complaints, especially the classic, “My legs are going to fall off!” Somehow, those same kids are always asking when we can go hiking again.
Whether you’re pushing a stroller around a lake, helping a preschooler spot wildlife, or tackling a scenic trail with older kids, there’s a family-friendly hiking adventure waiting somewhere in Arizona.
We’ve organized our favorite trails and destinations by region, making it easy to find somewhere to explore close to home or plan a weekend getaway.
Phoenix & the Valley: Family-Friendly Desert Hikes
Best time to explore: October through April, depending on temperatures.
The Phoenix area has some wonderful trails for families, including paved nature paths, short desert walks, and hikes with beautiful views that don’t require climbing an entire mountain. During the cooler months, these are great ways to get kids outside without driving far from the city.
Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park (Phoenix)
One of the easiest ways to introduce kids to hiking! This short trail leads to a large opening in the red sandstone with views of the surrounding area. Kids love exploring the unusual rock formations, although you’ll want to keep little ones close around the steps and drop-offs.
Papago Park Nature Trail (Phoenix)
For an easier walk without the climb, try Papago Park’s Nature Trail. The short path winds through desert scenery, making it a nice choice for younger children who want to walk on their own.
Judith Tunell Accessible Trail at South Mountain (Phoenix)
This accessible trail features two half-mile loops with hard-surface paths, benches, shaded rest areas, and signs about desert plants and wildlife. It’s a great option for families with strollers or toddlers who aren’t quite ready for rocky trails.
Penny Howe Barrier-Free Trail (Phoenix)
Located at North Mountain Park, this short paved trail is perfect when you want a little outdoor adventure without committing to a long hike. It’s especially nice for younger children who enjoy stopping to look at plants, rocks, and insects along the way.
Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park (Waddell)
This popular 1.8-mile round-trip hike offers beautiful desert scenery and ancient petroglyphs along the way. After significant rainfall, you might even see a waterfall! The distance makes it a good choice for older toddlers who enjoy walking or younger children in a hiking carrier.
Hieroglyphic Trail (Gold Canyon)
This approximately 3-mile round-trip hike leads to petroglyphs and seasonal pools beneath the Superstition Mountains. It’s a fun adventure for school-age kids who enjoy climbing over rocks and exploring, but the uneven terrain makes it less suitable for toddlers walking independently.
Gateway Loop and Nature Trails (Scottsdale)
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers beautiful desert scenery, and the Gateway Trailhead is a good starting point for families. Choose the shorter nature trail for younger kids or tackle a longer loop with older children. Keep an eye out for saguaros, lizards, and desert birds.
Lost Dog Wash Trail (Scottsdale)
This Scottsdale trail offers wide desert views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Families can walk a short section and turn around whenever they’re ready, making it a flexible choice for different ages.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (Gilbert)
Not every family hike needs to involve a mountain! The Riparian Preserve has easy walking paths around ponds where kids can spot ducks, turtles, and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them, and plan to spend some extra time watching the birds.
Tucson & Southern Arizona: Family-Friendly Hikes
Best time to explore: October through April for lower-elevation desert trails, with higher-elevation mountain options during warmer months.
Southern Arizona has some of the most beautiful desert scenery in the state, with towering saguaros, mountain views, creekside trails, and plenty of opportunities for kids to discover wildlife.
Desert Discovery Trail at Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
This short, paved nature trail in Saguaro National Park West is a great introduction to the Sonoran Desert. Kids can see towering saguaros up close, and interpretive signs make it easy to turn the walk into a little nature lesson. It’s also a good choice for families with strollers.
Valley View Overlook Trail (Tucson)
Located in Saguaro National Park West, this 0.8-mile round-trip trail winds through beautiful desert scenery before reaching an overlook with mountain views. It’s short enough for many young children, although the uneven ground and gentle climb make a carrier helpful for younger toddlers.
Signal Hill Trail (Tucson)
At just 0.3 miles, Signal Hill is a short adventure with an interesting reward: ancient petroglyphs! The trail includes rocky steps and uneven ground, so it’s better for older toddlers with close supervision or younger children in a carrier.
Freeman Homestead Nature Trail (Tucson)
This one-mile loop in Saguaro National Park East is a fun way to explore the desert with kids. The trail passes through beautiful saguaro habitat with interpretive signs along the way. It’s best for children comfortable walking on dirt trails or riding in a carrier.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (Tucson)
Sabino Canyon offers beautiful desert scenery, paved walking options, and opportunities to explore near seasonal water. Families can walk as little or as much as they’d like, or make the outing extra fun by riding the Sabino Canyon Crawler shuttle.
Bear Canyon and Seven Falls Trail (Tucson)
For families with older kids who are ready for a longer adventure, Seven Falls is a popular Tucson hike with beautiful canyon scenery and seasonal waterfalls. It’s a strenuous outing with creek crossings, so save this one for experienced young hikers and appropriate weather conditions.
Agua Caliente Park (Tucson)
Agua Caliente Park is a lovely option for families who want to explore nature without tackling a difficult hike. Walk around the ponds, watch for birds and turtles, and enjoy the palm trees and mountain views. It’s especially nice for younger children.
Madera Canyon Nature Trails (Green Valley)
Located in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson, Madera Canyon offers shaded forest walks, beautiful scenery, and some of the best birdwatching in Arizona. Choose a short trail near the recreation areas or explore farther with older children.
Patagonia Lake State Park (Patagonia)
Families can enjoy lakeside walking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to spot birds around the park. It’s a nice destination when you want to combine a short nature walk with a picnic or time near the water.
Kartchner Caverns State Park Trails (Benson)
Beyond its famous caves, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers hiking trails through the surrounding desert foothills. The shorter trails are a nice way to explore the area, while the cave tours can make an exciting addition for older children.
Chiricahua National Monument (Willcox)
Known for its incredible rock formations, Chiricahua National Monument feels like something from another world. Families can enjoy scenic overlooks and shorter trails among towering stone columns. Choose a route that matches your children’s ages, since some trails include steep or uneven sections.
White Mountains & Mogollon Rim: Family-Friendly Mountain Hikes
Best time to explore: Late spring through fall, with conditions varying by elevation.
These are the trails we know best. After four years of living in the White Mountains, we’ve logged more miles than I can count on many of these paths. They’re perfect for families because you can choose anything from a quick nature walk to a longer adventure, depending on how much time you have and how motivated your little hikers are that day.
Woodland Lake Loop (Pinetop-Lakeside)
A favorite among local families, this easy loop circles the lake with beautiful views, wildlife sightings, and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. It’s one of those trails where even reluctant hikers seem to find something interesting along the way.
Show Low Bluff Trail (Show Low)
A short trail with panoramic views of Show Low and the surrounding mountains. It offers a big payoff without a long hike.
Fool Hollow Lake Trails (Show Low)
Choose from several easy lakeside paths where kids can spot ducks, fish, and other wildlife.
Springs Trail #200 (Pinetop-Lakeside)
A shady forest hike featuring small bridges, seasonal creeks, and plenty of pine trees.
Turkey Track Trail (Pinetop-Lakeside)
Gentle terrain, forest scenery, and opportunities to spot deer make this a great beginner trail.
Los Burros Trail (Pinetop-Lakeside)
Choose a manageable section of this forest trail system for a walk that feels adventurous without being overwhelming for younger hikers.
West Fork Trail (Greer)
A peaceful creekside hike featuring wildflowers, mountain views, and plenty of shade.
Butterfly Trail (Greer)
A beautiful forest trail where families may spot birds, butterflies, and wildlife. Choose a short section with younger children, since the full route is more demanding.
Little Colorado River Trail (Greer)
Follow portions of the Little Colorado River through beautiful alpine scenery. Pick a short out-and-back section for younger hikers.
Tal-Wi-Wi Trail (Alpine)
A forest nature walk worth exploring with younger hikers. Check current trail access and conditions before visiting.
Luna Lake Shoreline Walks (Alpine)
Enjoy a gentle walk near the lake with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and mountain scenery.
Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area (Near Springerville)
Easy walking opportunities through wetlands and meadows where visitors may spot elk, deer, and other wildlife.
Heber Hollow Trail (Heber-Overgaard)
A short forest walk to explore with younger hikers. Confirm the current trail route and access before heading out.
Rim Lakes Vista Trail (Mogollon Rim)
One of Arizona’s most scenic walks, offering sweeping views from the Mogollon Rim. The paved sections are especially appealing for families with younger children.
Willow Springs Lake Shoreline Walks (Mogollon Rim)
Enjoy easy lakeside exploring with opportunities to spot birds and wildlife. Stick to established paths and choose a short section appropriate for your kids.
Black Canyon Lake Shoreline Walks (Mogollon Rim)
Perfect for families looking to stretch their legs while enjoying mountain scenery.
Woods Canyon Lake Trail (Mogollon Rim)
A beautiful lakeside hike with cool temperatures, fishing opportunities, and gorgeous forest views. Some sections are rocky, so a carrier may be easier than a stroller.
Payson, Pine & Strawberry
Best time to explore: Spring through fall, depending on elevation and weather.
Water Wheel Falls (Payson)
Kids love the waterfalls, pools, and creek scenery along this popular route. Because of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and dangerous flash-flood potential, it’s better for older children with close supervision. Never enter the canyon when storms or flooding are possible.
Horton Creek Trail (Near Payson)
One of Arizona’s most beloved forest hikes, following a cool mountain creek through tall pines. Families don’t have to complete the entire trail to enjoy the scenery, so turn around whenever little legs are ready.
Pine Trail to the Mogollon Rim (Pine)
Short sections offer beautiful views and forest scenery without requiring families to complete the full climb. Choose your route carefully, since parts of the trail are steep.
Fossil Creek Wilderness (Near Strawberry)
The turquoise water makes Fossil Creek a popular destination, but it’s not an easy toddler hike. Access, permits, road conditions, and trail difficulty vary significantly. Save the strenuous routes for experienced families with older children and check official access information before visiting.
Strawberry Schoolhouse and Nearby Nature Walks (Strawberry)
A fun stop for younger explorers interested in Arizona history. Pair a visit to the historic schoolhouse with a short walk in the surrounding area.
Prescott
Best time to explore: Spring through fall, with many lower-elevation walks also enjoyable on mild winter days.
Watson Lake Trails
Kids love exploring the granite boulders while parents enjoy incredible lake views. Some shoreline trails are rocky and steep, so choose an easier section for younger children.
Lynx Lake Shoreline Trail
An easy lakeside trail with opportunities to spot ducks, herons, and other wildlife. A great option for families who prefer a leisurely walk.
Granite Basin Trails
Several trails wind through beautiful granite scenery and pine forests, with options for shorter family walks.
Flagstaff & Munds Park
Best time to explore: Late spring through fall. Snow and ice can affect higher-elevation trails well into spring.
Buffalo Park (Flagstaff)
A wide, mostly flat loop with incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks. It’s a great option for families who want mountain scenery without a strenuous climb.
Picture Canyon Natural & Cultural Preserve (Flagstaff)
Combines hiking with petroglyphs, a seasonal waterfall, and fascinating volcanic landscapes. Choose shorter sections for younger children.
Aspen Loop Trail (Flagstaff)
One of Arizona’s prettiest forest walks, especially when the aspens begin changing color. Check the route and trail conditions before heading out.
Kendrick Park Wildlife Trail (Flagstaff)
A short nature trail perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy looking for plants and wildlife.
Kachina Trail (San Francisco Peaks, Near Flagstaff)
Tall pines, wildflowers, and mountain views make this a beautiful family hike. Choose a short section with younger children, as the full trail is longer and more challenging. This trail is near Arizona Snowbowl, not Munds Park.
Munds Canyon Trail (Munds Park Area)
Explore forest scenery and mountain views away from some of the busier Flagstaff destinations. Confirm the route and access before visiting.
Sedona
Best time to explore: Fall through spring, with early mornings preferred during warmer months.
Bell Rock Pathway
One of Sedona’s most beginner-friendly hiking areas, with beautiful red rock views and opportunities to explore. Families can stick to the easier pathway or let older children enjoy supervised rock scrambling.
Fay Canyon Trail
A mostly level hike through a dramatic red rock canyon. It’s a great choice for families who want to experience Sedona’s scenery without a major elevation gain.
West Fork Trail
Older kids enjoy the creek crossings, canyon walls, and shady forest sections. The water crossings and rocky terrain make this more challenging for toddlers.
Red Rock Crossing
A short walk with postcard-worthy views of Cathedral Rock and opportunities to explore near Oak Creek. It’s a wonderful place to spend time by the water, although children need close supervision around the creek.
Williams
Best time to explore: Late spring through fall.
Kaibab Lake Trail
An easy lakeside hike with fishing opportunities and beautiful mountain scenery.
Dogtown Reservoir Trails
Peaceful forest and lakeside walking opportunities surrounding a mountain reservoir.
Cataract Lake Trail
An easy walk around a scenic lake popular with local families.
Davenport Lake Trail
A short nature walk ideal for younger children.
Bill Williams Mountain Area Trails
Explore forest scenery and local history around Williams. Choose shorter, lower-elevation routes for younger hikers rather than the strenuous summit trail.
Keyhole Sink Trail
A short hike leading to ancient petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall. It’s a fun adventure for school-age kids interested in history and exploring.
Sycamore Falls Trail
Best visited after rain or snowmelt when the waterfall is flowing. Some routes and viewpoints involve rugged terrain and steep drop-offs, so choose carefully when hiking with children.
Grand Canyon North Rim & Jacob Lake
Best time to explore: Typically late spring through fall, subject to seasonal access, closures, and park conditions.
The North Rim offers incredible scenery and cooler temperatures, but families should check current National Park Service updates before planning a trip. Road access, visitor facilities, and trails may be affected by seasonal closures or wildfire damage.
Bright Angel Point Trail
A short, scenic trail with incredible canyon views. Despite the distance, the exposed edges and steep drop-offs require very close supervision of children. Check whether the trail is currently open.
Transept Trail
A scenic route through pine forests with canyon overlooks. Choose a short section for younger hikers if access is permitted.
Cape Royal Trail
A short walk leading to one of the North Rim’s most spectacular viewpoints. Confirm road and trail access before visiting.
Point Imperial Walks
Short walking opportunities near one of the highest viewpoints in Grand Canyon National Park, subject to current access conditions.
Jacob Lake Forest Walks
Enjoy easy forest exploring and wildlife viewing around the Jacob Lake area. Choose established trails and check local conditions.
Uncle Jim Trail
A scenic option for families with older children who are comfortable with longer hikes.
North Kaibab Trail (Upper Section)
Even a short section offers incredible canyon scenery, but this is a steep, demanding trail with serious elevation changes. It’s best reserved for experienced families with older children, and only when the trail is officially open.
Worth the Detour: Crown King
Best time to explore: Spring through fall, depending on road and weather conditions.
Horsethief Basin Trails
Easy walks, fishing opportunities, and beautiful mountain scenery make this area a fun escape for families.
Horsethief Lookout Trail
A rewarding hike for families with older children who enjoy mountain views and a little more adventure.
Crown King Historic Walking Tour
A fun way to explore Arizona’s mining history and stretch your legs while visiting the mountain community.
Scenic Stops Along Senator Highway
Perfect for short walks, overlooks, and family photos. Be aware that portions of the road are rough and may not be suitable for all vehicles.
When Is the Best Time to Hike in Arizona?
One of the best things about living in Arizona is that there’s almost always somewhere to hike. You just have to know where to go!
Winter (December–February): Head to Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona for mild desert weather. Higher-elevation trails may have snow and ice, and some mountain roads close for the season.
Spring (March–May): One of the best times to explore desert trails, especially when wildflowers are blooming. As temperatures rise, start heading toward Prescott, Payson, and higher elevations.
Summer (June–August): Escape the heat in the White Mountains, Flagstaff, Williams, the Mogollon Rim, and other higher-elevation areas. Avoid low-desert hiking during extreme heat, and remember that summer monsoon storms can develop quickly.
Fall (September–November): Enjoy cooler mornings in the desert and beautiful fall colors in Arizona’s mountain communities. Aspen trees around Flagstaff and other high-elevation areas are especially beautiful.
Tips for Hiking with Kids in Arizona
Hiking with kids doesn’t have to mean tackling a five-mile trail or reaching the top of a mountain. Some of our favorite family adventures have been the shortest ones.
Start small. A half-mile nature walk is plenty for a toddler. As kids get older, you can gradually work up to longer trails.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Arizona’s dry climate can be deceiving, even when temperatures feel comfortable.
Pack snacks. Lots of snacks. A snack break can turn around a tired little hiker surprisingly quickly.
Let kids explore. Stop to watch lizards, look at flowers, or examine an interesting rock. Sometimes the little discoveries are what they remember most.
Choose the right gear. Strollers work well on paved and accessible trails, but a hiking carrier is usually better for rocky or uneven terrain.
Watch the weather. Desert heat, mountain thunderstorms, flash floods, snow, and ice can all create dangerous conditions. Check forecasts, trail closures, and park alerts before heading out.
Stay on designated trails. Teach kids to leave plants, wildlife, rocks, and historical artifacts where they find them. Watch for cactus spines and rattlesnakes, and give wildlife plenty of space.
Know when to turn around. If everyone is tired, the weather changes, or the trail is harder than expected, there’s nothing wrong with calling it a day.
The Best Part of Hiking with Kids
One thing we’ve learned after years of hiking with five kids is that success doesn’t always look like finishing the trail. Sometimes success is making it halfway before someone needs a snack break. Sometimes it’s carrying a toddler, convincing a tired child that their legs are not actually falling off, or spending an hour throwing rocks into a lake instead of hiking at all.
Most importantly, hiking with kids isn’t about reaching the destination as quickly as possible. It’s about skipping rocks in a creek, spotting wildlife, collecting pinecones, and making memories together.
Some families will finish every mile. Others will turn around early. And some will spend an hour exploring a lakeshore and call it a day.
That’s one of the best things about Arizona. Whether you’re wandering through a saguaro forest in January or exploring an alpine lake in July, there’s always another adventure waiting around the bend.
Trail conditions, accessibility, fees, permits, and seasonal closures can change. Check with the managing park, forest, or land agency before visiting.
