One of the greatest things about Arizona is the nearly endless hiking options, but when summer temperatures in the Valley start exceeding 100 degrees we definitely don’t recommend braving the heat for a hike. Fortunately, Phoenix is only a few short hours away from several cooler Arizona cities with great trails that offer stunning views, so mix it up this summer and check out some of these fantastic out of town adventures. 

Flagstaff

Humphrey’s Peak 

Experienced hikers should be sure to check out this well-known, scenic hike that ends at San Francisco summit — the highest point in Arizona at over 12,000 feet! The hike is approximately 9 miles and features stunning mountain views in the summer, however, it’s not for beginner hikers with its more than 3,000-foot elevation gain and narrow paths.

 Hikers should expect to take 5 to 8 hours to complete the full hike, so make sure to come prepared with plenty of water and snacks!

#FrayLifeTip Dogs are allowed, but be sure they’re leashed and physically up for the challenge. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlyL3UcndvR/

Sedona

Devil’s Bridge

Looking for a great photo op and a relatively short hike with breathtaking views just two hours away from Phoenix? Devil’s Bridge is a great hike for you. The moderately difficult, popular hike concludes on the stunning (and narrow!) Devil’s Bridge and is a 4.2 mile round trip with a modest 500 foot elevation gain. 

Plus, dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkB__tWhP5g/

Strawberry

Fossil’s Creek 

Despite being a difficult, 9-mile hike, Fossil Creek continues to be one of Arizona’s most popular hikes thanks to its stunning waterfalls and red rocks. There are 9 trailheads that vary slightly in difficulty and length, but all require proper preparation and plenty of water. 

However, the end view is worth it, especially if you bring your (leashed) dog with you! 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzgeduHH5Wq/

Prescott 

Lynx Lake Loop Trail 

This easy, 2.4 mile hike in the Ponderosa Pine Forest is easy enough for kids and beginner hikers, making it a great option for a family hike (including dogs!). Plus, it surrounds the beautiful lake, making for some great views. 

For the more ambitious hikers, there’s also the 11.5-mile Lynx Lake Trail that boasts a more than 1,000 food elevation increase and many of the same stunning lake scenery. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpV9Z5Dle1C/

Grand Canyon National Park

Rim-to-Rim 

There is no shortage of amazing hikes at the Grand Canyon National Park but for hikers looking for a challenging trail and a great view of different areas of the canyon, this is a fantastic option. This difficult hike is 21.6 miles and has an elevation of 5,298 feet, with some people completing the journey in a day and others taking breaks to camp.

 While the hike isn’t easy, it does offer great canyon and waterfall views, but make sure to be prepared with water, food and camping equipment. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzlQ2e3pMPa/

Where do you like to hike around Phoenix? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to tag us on socials using #PHXFray and #FrayLife.

Check out some of these awesome staycation ideas for this summer.