Outbound Collective logo

Arizona

Looking for the best running in Arizona? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Arizona. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Arizona

  • Sedona, Arizona

    Hike or Bike Secret Slickrock Trail

    5.0
    0.8 mi / 107 ft gain
    Wanting a short and sweet sunset or sunrise spot in Sedona away from some of the crowds? This easily accessible trail is great for people wanting picnics, a quick photography spot (we saw a couple from their wedding doing a photo shoot here), and a cool spot to watch the sun rise or set with the ...
    Read more
  • Page, Arizona

    Hiking the Ropes Trail in Page Arizona

    5.0
    The Ropes Trail is an old hiking trail below Glen Canyon Dam that has long since been abandoned by the park service. It is also one of the few trails that leads down the steep walls into the canyon. Let me say that again, it's steep. Getting there Take Highway 89 from Page going north and take th...
    Read more
  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Run Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon

    5.0
    40.79 mi / 11000 ft gain
    This run is an extreme adventure and requires lots of planning and training. The risk for injury or heat related illness is high, so take precautions and don't run alone. Group sizes of 12-30 require a $175 permit from the NPS. These trails are popular with runners, hikers, and backpackers; pl...
    Read more
  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail

    2.5
    2.4 mi
    This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...
    Read more
  • Sedona, Arizona

    Hike or Bike the Hiline Trail in Sedona

    5.0
    8 mi / 480 ft gain
    Start this incredible hike by parking at the Yavapai Point parking lot. Start the short hike (0.13 miles) on the Kaibab Trail which will run into Yavapai Vista Trail (0.27 miles) towards the Slim Shady Trail. Here you will have an incredible view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Vista an excellent pla...
    Read more
  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Bike along the San Francisco Peaks on Waterline Road

    4.0
    20 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Waterline Road is a closed service road that follows along the southern and eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ. You will pass through several miles of charred ponderosa pine as well as expansive groves of aspen trees as you make your way to the Inner Basin.The road follows...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Mojave Trail #200

    4.5
    1.88 mi / 430 ft gain
    The entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on t...
    Read more
  • Sedona, Arizona

    Climbing at Oak Creek Canyon

    5.0
    Getting There About 18 miles south of Flagstaff on the 89A, turn into the Cave Springs parking lot and look for the trail just right of the first bridge. Hike up the chossy hill until you reach a giant sandstone slot canyon in the northwest. Climbing This canyon contained the crags, known as the ...
    Read more
  • North Rim, Arizona

    Hike Point Imperial Trail

    5.38 mi
    Point Imperial is the highest point in the Grand Canyon, lying in the North Rim, at 8800ft and offering incredible views of staggered mountains. The trail itself is relatively easy.  If you're not acclimated to the elevation you'll feel short of breath, but beyond that it mostly takes you through...
    Read more
  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Go John Trail

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 804 ft gain
    As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...
    Read more
  • Morristown, Arizona

    Hike the Wild Burro Trail

    4 mi / 112 ft gain
    Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...
    Read more
  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike the Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop

    5.0
    16 mi
    To get to the trail head, drive past Lost Dutchman State Park on the 88 and then take the dirt road (on your right) with arrows leading you to First Water Trail Head.  There is an outhouse at the trailhead, so I suggest visiting it before you begin this hike.  I also started this hike about an ho...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Shaw Butte Trail

    5.0
    4.22 mi / 866 ft gain
    The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top.  Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good...
    Read more
  • Tucson, Arizona

    Hike Tumamoc Hill

    5.0
    3 mi / 800 ft gain
    Tumamoc Hill is urban adventuring at it's finest. Park on Anklam Road, directly across from St Mary's Hospital, and follow the other hikers and runners to the trailhead.Tumamoc Hill is a one-lane paved road, trafficked infrequently by University of Arizona employees who work on the Hill's ecology...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Mojave Connector Trail #202

    2.18 mi / 820 ft gain
    The best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. At .4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summ...
    Read more
  • Glendale, Arizona

    Run at Thunderbird Park

    5.0
    2 mi / 475 ft gain
    This is a great spot to go for a quick run or a short hike if you're in North Phoenix.  Thunderbird park is easily accessible with free entry and a number of picnic areas.There are 3 main hills with a variety of trail options to hike up/around each.  From the top you'll find a nice view of valley...
    Read more