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Arizona offers many hiking trails apart from the Grand
Canyon. They are difficult, but they reward with unmatched
beauty. Here are the best five.
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. This hike is not too far from Casa Grande,
and provides a stunning view of the Sonora desert from the
top. The hike is very steep at times, and there are
numerous switchbacks. The trail is seven miles round trip,
unless you take the alternate trail to return from the peak
(adding 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 hike starts in Utah near the border, and moves
into Arizona. The frequent flash floods often wash out the
trailhead, so you have to watch the weather intently. You
can make use of the shuttle for the ride back since the
trail ends far away from the car. It is a multi-day trip.
Moreover, you need a permit from the BLM because you will be
going through wilderness area.
If you go on this hike right after it rains, you will find
that you will have to pick around a bit, as the trail
becomes muddy and prone to quicksand. Once you actually get
into the canyon, there is no trail. You have to follow the
river. A narrow slot canyon with spectacular formation is
what you walk through. If rain is in the forecast for any
of the days that you plan to be hiking, you should not
attempt, as there is no way to escape flash floods once in
the Narrows.
Other fantastic features include a cave "room" in one of
the walls, Wrather Canyon (along with Wrather Arch), Judd
Hollow, and other canyons and routes, as well as springs.
The views and formations along this hike are amazing and
worth the trip.
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