2026 Bucket-List Hikes In Arizona, No Permits Required
Arizona holds some of the most stunning trails in the country, and the best part is that many require zero permits or reservations. I have hiked across this state for years, chasing red rocks, desert sunrises, and mountain views that never get old.
In 2026, these ten hikes remain open to anyone willing to lace up their boots and hit the trail. Each one delivers something different, whether you crave a steep challenge, a peaceful creek walk, or a natural arch that looks like it belongs on a postcard.
No lottery systems, no advance planning stress, just pure hiking freedom waiting for you.
1. Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona
Red rock spires rise like ancient towers, and I still remember the first time I saw Cathedral Rock up close, feeling like I had stepped onto another planet.
This trail sits just outside Sedona, Arizona, in Coconino National Forest, and the trailhead starts near Back O’ Beyond Road off State Route 179.
Steep switchbacks climb quickly, so your legs will feel the burn within the first quarter mile, but the views start paying dividends almost immediately.
Sunrise paints the rock formations in shades of amber and rose, while sunset casts long shadows that make every photo look like a professional shot.
I have watched people of all ages tackle this trail, some moving slowly, others bounding up like mountain goats, yet everyone wears the same awestruck expression at the top.
No permit is needed, so you can decide to hike on a whim, though arriving early helps you snag parking and enjoy quieter moments on the rock. Every visit reminds me why Sedona earned its reputation as one of Arizona’s most photogenic corners.
2. Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail, Phoenix
Phoenix sprawls below in a grid of streets and rooftops, and reaching the summit of Camelback Mountain feels like earning a front-row seat to the entire Valley of the Sun.
Echo Canyon Trail begins at the Echo Canyon Recreation Area on East McDonald Drive in Phoenix, Arizona, and the parking lot fills fast on weekends.
This route is not for casual strollers; it demands scrambling over boulders, gripping metal handrails, and pushing through sections that feel more like climbing than hiking.
I have seen visitors turn back halfway, and I have also watched determined hikers celebrate at the top with high-fives and selfies that capture the city far below.
Early morning starts are essential in summer, as temperatures can soar, but cooler months turn this trail into a perfect workout with a view. No permits are required, so you can tackle it whenever your schedule and energy levels align.
Every time I finish this climb, my legs remind me for days that Camelback earned its reputation as one of the toughest urban hikes in Arizona.
3. Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona
Standing on a natural sandstone arch with nothing but air underneath is the kind of thrill that makes your heart skip, and Devil’s Bridge delivers exactly that experience.
The trailhead sits off Dry Creek Road in Sedona, Arizona, within Coconino National Forest, and you can choose between a longer hike or a shorter route if you have a high-clearance vehicle.
I prefer the longer walk because it gives me time to soak in the red rock scenery and build anticipation for the bridge itself. Once you reach the arch, the view opens wide, revealing layers of desert, distant mesas, and sky that stretches forever.
Photographers flock here, and I have spent more time than I care to admit waiting for strangers to finish their photo shoots so I could snap my own shot.
No permit is needed, which means you can visit spontaneously, though weekends and holidays bring crowds that test your patience. Every visit to Devil’s Bridge reminds me why Sedona remains one of the most photographed places in the entire state.
4. West Fork Trail, Oak Creek Canyon
Cool water rushes over smooth stones, and the shade from towering trees turns West Fork Trail into a refuge when the rest of Arizona bakes under relentless sun.
This trail follows West Fork Oak Creek in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona, starting from a trailhead along State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff. I have hiked this path in every season, and fall remains my favorite, when golden leaves drift down and crunch softly underfoot.
The trail crosses the creek multiple times, so waterproof boots or sandals that can handle wet rocks make the journey much more comfortable.
Wildlife appears often; I have spotted deer, countless birds, and even a bobcat once, though that sighting felt like winning a lottery ticket.
No permit is required, so you can visit whenever the urge strikes, though spring runoff and autumn colors draw the biggest crowds. Every time I leave West Fork, I feel like I have borrowed a piece of tranquility that stays with me long after the drive home.
5. Flatiron Via Siphon Draw Trail, Superstition Mountains
Reaching the top of Flatiron feels like standing on the edge of the world, with desert spreading in every direction and the Superstition Mountains rising like jagged teeth.
Siphon Draw Trail starts at Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction, Arizona, and the route climbs relentlessly, gaining over 2,800 feet in just under three miles.
I have tackled this hike multiple times, and each attempt reminds me that steep scrambles and loose rock demand focus, strong legs, and a willingness to embrace the challenge.
The final push to the summit involves careful hand-and-foot work, but the 360-degree views at the top erase every ounce of effort it took to get there.
Summer heat makes this trail dangerous, so I stick to cooler months when the desert feels more forgiving and the sunrise paints the rocks in soft pinks and oranges.
No permit is needed, so experienced hikers can test themselves whenever they feel ready. Every summit celebration on Flatiron leaves me grinning, legs shaking, and already planning the next climb.
6. Bell Rock Pathway, Sedona
Bell Rock rises like a massive monument, and the pathway that circles it offers one of the most accessible ways to experience Sedona’s red rock magic without breaking a sweat.
This trail begins at the Bell Rock Trailhead on State Route 179 in Sedona, Arizona, and it welcomes hikers of all ages and fitness levels.
I have walked this path with family members who rarely hike, and they loved how the views kept getting better without requiring any serious climbing.
The trail winds gently, offering close-up looks at Bell Rock’s layered sandstone and distant glimpses of Courthouse Butte and Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Sunrise and sunset turn the rocks into glowing sculptures, and I have spent many evenings here watching the light shift while other hikers pause to snap photos.
No permit is required, so you can visit spontaneously, though parking can fill quickly during peak tourist seasons. Every walk around Bell Rock reminds me that sometimes the best hikes are the ones that let you focus on the scenery instead of the struggle.
7. Four Peaks Trail, Mazatzal Mountains
Four Peaks stands as a landmark visible from much of the Phoenix area, and hiking its trails delivers a sense of accomplishment mixed with views that stretch across valleys and ridges.
The trail sits in the Mazatzal Mountains within Tonto National Forest, Arizona, and the trailhead is accessible via Forest Road 143 near the Four Peaks Wilderness boundary.
I have hiked this route on cool spring mornings when wildflowers dot the hillsides and the air smells fresh and piney. The climb is moderately challenging, with steady elevation gain that rewards you with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and desert below.
Wildlife sightings are common; I have encountered lizards, hawks circling overhead, and once a herd of javelinas that scattered as I approached.
No permit is needed, so you can plan a trip whenever the weather cooperates and your legs feel ready for a solid workout.
Every hike up Four Peaks leaves me feeling connected to the rugged beauty of Arizona’s backcountry, far from the city noise and traffic.
The crisp morning air and the scent of pine make the ascent feel invigorating with each step. As you reach the summit, the sprawling desert and mountain vistas create a view that lingers long after the hike is done.
8. Boyce Thompson Arboretum Loop, Superior
Gardens and wild desert blend seamlessly at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and walking the loop feels like stepping through a living museum of Arizona’s plant life.
This trail sits just outside Superior, Arizona, along U.S. Route 60, and the arboretum showcases cacti, trees, wildflowers, and plants from around the world.
I have visited in spring when the desert blooms explode in color, and the contrast between delicate flowers and rugged rock formations never fails to amaze me. Shaded paths wind through gardens, past a small lake, and along cliffs that shelter birds and other wildlife, making this a perfect family outing.
The loop is easy, with minimal elevation change, so even young kids and older adults can enjoy the scenery without feeling exhausted.
No permit is required, though there is a small entrance fee to support the arboretum’s conservation and education programs.
Every visit to Boyce Thompson reminds me that Arizona’s beauty extends beyond dramatic peaks and canyons into quieter, more delicate corners worth exploring.
9. Lost Dog Trail, Sedona
Solitude is a rare gift in Sedona, and Lost Dog Trail offers exactly that, winding through red rock country without the crowds that pack more famous routes.
The trailhead sits off Soldier Pass Road in Sedona, Arizona, and the path meanders through juniper-dotted terrain with views of towering formations in every direction.
I have hiked this trail on quiet weekday mornings when the only sounds were my footsteps and the occasional bird call echoing off the rocks.
The route is moderately easy, with gentle ups and downs that let you focus on the scenery instead of worrying about steep climbs or tricky footing.
Wildlife appears often; I have spotted lizards sunning themselves on warm stones and rabbits darting into the brush as I passed. No permit is needed, so you can visit whenever you crave a peaceful escape from the busier trails that dominate Sedona’s hiking scene.
Every hike on Lost Dog Trail leaves me feeling like I discovered a secret corner of Sedona that most visitors overlook in their rush to check off the famous spots.
Every hike on Lost Dog Trail leaves me feeling like I discovered a secret corner of Sedona that most visitors overlook in their rush to check off the famous spots.
The soft, rustling wind through the junipers adds a soothing soundtrack, making each step feel meditative. Sunset casts the red rocks in a golden glow, transforming the landscape into a scene straight out of a painting.
10. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, Phoenix
Phoenix spreads out below like a living map, and reaching the summit of Piestewa Peak delivers a workout and a view that make you forget the city noise you left behind.
The trailhead sits at Piestewa Peak Park on East Squaw Peak Drive in Phoenix, Arizona, and the parking lot fills early, especially on weekends.
I have climbed this trail countless times, and it never gets easier; the steep switchbacks and rocky steps demand focus and strong legs from start to finish. The summit rewards you with 360-degree views of the Valley of the Sun, with downtown Phoenix, the surrounding mountains, and endless desert stretching to the horizon.
Early morning starts are essential in summer when temperatures can turn dangerous, but cooler months make this a perfect urban adventure.
You can tackle it whenever your schedule and fitness level align, though expect company from fellow hikers pushing toward the top.
Every summit celebration on Piestewa Peak leaves me feeling accomplished, sweaty, and grateful for a trail that offers such dramatic rewards so close to the city.