outdoor things to do in az

Experience Arizona's Outdoors: Top Things to Do

By Jessica ThomasNovember 10, 2025

Numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation make Arizona a dream destination for nature lovers. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from desert and mountains to forests and rivers, Arizona offers an abundance of outdoor activities that cater to all sorts of interests.

Arizona's unique climate, sunny most of the year, further adds to the allure of its great outdoors. Whether you're into hiking, water sports, wildlife watching, or just relaxing under a cactus, there's truly something for everyone in the Grand Canyon State.

Hiking and Backpacking

Arizona's hiking trails are renowned worldwide, leading through scenic landscapes and notable natural features. With over 800 miles of trails in the Grand Canyon alone, hikers are spoilt for choice.

3.4K views · 4.4K reactions | 🎢 Fun Idea to Do in Arizona! Have you checked out @canyoncoaster in Williams yet? If not, add it to your Arizona bucket list! 🤩 This exciting adventure park is home to Arizona | Az Family Adventures

First-Time Visitor Guide to Scottsdale Arizona Attractions

For a challenging hike, consider the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon, a 9.2-mile round trip that descends 3,000 feet into the canyon. Alternatively, for a more leisurely pace, the Doe Mountain Trail in Prescott National Forest offers stunning views with minimal elevation gain.

Multi-Day Backpacking Trips

For those seeking a longer, more immersive experience, multi-day backpacking trips are an excellent option. The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across the state, taking hikers through diverse ecosystems and providing ample opportunities for solitude.

Flagstaff Arizona Snowbowl Gondola Ride: Save 66% In Summer 2026!

Sycamore Falls: Northern Arizona's Best Kept Secret

The North Kaibab Trail on the north rim of the Grand Canyon offers a 28-mile looping trail where backpackers can camp along the way and appreciate the canyon's beauty from various vantage points.

Water Sports and Recreation

Arizona's rivers and lakes provide ample opportunities for water-based activities. From boating and fishing to swimming and paddleboarding, there's something for everyone.

Lake Havasu, located in the western part of the state, is a popular spot for watersports. The Colorado River that runs through it offers excellent boating and fishing, while the lake's 400 miles of shoreline provide plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.

20 Incredible Places to Visit in Arizona That Are Must Sees For Your Arizona Bucket List

Arizona Hot Springs Trail Guide For Soakers

Do these 5 things to guarantee you'll have the BEST trip to Arizona

the sun is setting at the edge of a canyon with a river running through it

Romantic Date Ideas & Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ

Whitewater Rafting

For thrill-seekers, Arizona's rivers offer exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences. The Salt River, with its class III and IV rapids, is a favorite among rafters. The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon offers a more serene float interspersed with exciting rapids.

The unique experience of whitewater rafting in the Sonoran Desert, where the roar of the river drowns out the silence of the desert, is not to be missed.

Hot Springs

After a day of hiking or adventure, there's nothing quite like soaking in a natural hot spring. Arizona has many hidden gems, offering relief and relaxation.

Saguaro Lake Arizona: The Ultimate Guide - Simply Wander

Best Self Guided Trip to Kayak Emerald Cove » The Modern Female Hiker

236 reactions · 19 shares | This otherworldly place is hiding just outside Flagstaff, AZ… 🌋 Welcome to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, a landscape shaped by a volcanic eruption nearly 1,000 years ago. | Jessica Kesti

a woman is standing in the middle of a large wave like area with sand on it

This Enchanting Emerald Cove in Arizona Can Only Be Reached by Kayak

Slide Rock State Park - The Best Place for Families to Swim in Arizona

10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore in the American Southwest

The Best Sedona, Arizona Hikes for Photos | Away Lands

Hiking Fossil Springs Trail to Toilet Bowl — Fossil Creek Wilderness, AZ — Backcountrycow | Backpacking and Outdoor Travel

two photos with the words fossil creek in arizona, and an image of a waterfall

The Chavez Pass Hot Springs, nestled in the Tonto National Forest, is a popular spot. The hot spring pours into a series of pools, each at varying temperatures, providing a comfortable soak under the stars.

With so much to explore, Arizona's great outdoors beckon all. From challenging hikes to serene float trips, there's an adventure waiting for everyone. So pack your bags, head out, and experience the stunning beauty of Arizona firsthand.