When it comes to spectacular hikes in Arizona, people often think of the world-famous destinations of Havasupai, Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon. One problem with those destinations is they require permits or passes that can be expensive and hard to get.
Many of Arizona’s top hiking destinations require you to get a permit many months ahead of time
To hike in the Grand Canyon, a National Parks Pass is required. If you want to do a multi-day hike you’ll need luck on your side. The National Parks Service implemented a lottery system for permits which requires that you apply for a reservation 13 months in advance. If you “win” it will cost you big bucks for the experience.
It’s even harder to get a permit for Havasupai – the hiking experience famous for towering turquoise waterfalls on tribal lands in the western stretches of the Grand Canyon. That will set you back about $300 if you’re lucky enough to score a reservation on the one day they go up for sale – February 1 of each year.
Antelope Canyon, the mystical system of slot canyons shown below, requires advance reservations on a tour led by a Navajo guide. And it’s not cheap.
Want the inside scoop on more amazing places like this? Grab a copy of Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide.
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Thankfully, there are plenty of fantastic hikes around Arizona that are totally free and totally awesome.
Thankfully, there are plenty of fantastic hikes around Arizona that are totally free and totally awesome. They require no pass or permit all. I reached out to some people in a hiking group I belong to and they helped me put together the list below.
These totally awesome hiking trails in Arizona don’t require a pass or permit
Phoenix & Central Arizona
- Cholla & Summit Trails (Camelback Mountain)
- Peralta Trailhead (Superstition Mountains)
- Hieroglyphics (Gold Canyon)
- Wave Cave (Superstition Mountains)
- Piestewa Peak (Summit Trail)
- Lost Ranch Trail (South Mountain)
- Hidden Valley (South Mountain)
- Garden Valley (Superstitions)
North Central and Rim Country
- Bell Trail (Wet Beaver Creek)
- Fossil Creek (Oct thru April)
- Rim Lakes Vista Trail
- Willow Springs Trail
Northern Arizona
Southern Arizona
Elsewhere in Arizona
I’ve personally completed many of the hikes listed above and can attest most of them deliver world-class experiences. Pick a few and go check em out.
Want more hiking ideas?
Check out the AZ Wonders Hiking Guide
Hikes in places like the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon draw people from around the world to Arizona. They’re unforgettable experiences but they can be expensive and very challenging to get permits for. Try out a few of the hikes listed above and you’ll quickly see that you don’t need a permit to experience a world-class hike in Arizona.
Wouldn’t be the first occasion of different trails with same name. I should do a blog post on that topic. 🤣
Oh…I guess it is the same one! Great!
I clicked on the Red Mountain trail. That’s a different Red Mountain than the one I’ve hiked on and camped on many times. The one I’ve done is on the way to the Grand Canyon NW of Flagstaff and it is an old volcano.
Great list.