Are you looking to enjoy the great outdoors? Forget about the same old campgrounds. Backpacking allows you to fully disconnect from the world and enjoy nature in its purest form. Here in Arizona, there are plenty of camping spots that are a great launching point for an outdoor adventure. Check out a few great backpack camping spots that are off the beaten path.
They don’t call Arizona the Grand Canyon State for nothing. Though many make a pilgrimage to the massive canyon, there’s no way to get the full experience in one day. Backpackers can get a taste of the Grand Canyon with a trip to the Escalante Route. This 33-mile trek will take you rim-to-rim on the adventure of a lifetime. You will meander through everything from slot canyons to towering walls during your journey. This lesser-known trail also offers the most convenient route for backpackers. You can set up camp near your water source, the Colorado River, and stargaze during a remote stay.
Valley residents don’t have to travel far to experience nature. Thanks to the Campaign Creek Loop, there’s great backpacking right in their backyard. Campaign Creek Loop is located near Apache Junction just half an hour east of Phoenix. The 30-mile loop takes you on a journey through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. The three-day hike includes many standout features, notably ponderosa pines that may seem out of place in the desert. There is plenty of great camping by the creek, which is surrounded by stunning views of the Valley. Do you have an extra day or two? You’ll want to take a trip up Mound Mountain. It’s an 18-mile trail that takes you to the highest point in the Superstition Mountains.
The Mogollon Rim is one of Arizona’s most beautiful wonders. It’s a 200-mile escarpment that forms the Colorado Plateau. It’s home to thick forests, towering mountains, and scenic cliff side views. Backpackers can experience the best Mogollon Rim has to offer by taking a trip to Cabin Loop. The 19-mile trail is perfect for a shorter two-day adventure. What it lacks in length it more than makes up for in beauty. The trail wanders through some of the Mogollon Rim’s most amazing features. You’ll encounter various springs, livestock, and landscape changes that are sure to keep you entertained. This 7,000-foot elevation brings fresh air, lush vegetation, and unforgettable views.
There’s no shortage of great camping spots in the Grand Canyon. While Escalante Route is the premier spot for backpackers, Hermit Trail is a worthy competitor. Hermit Trail is located on the vast 95-mile Tonto Trail. Hermit Trail is notable, however, for its three water sources. The 25-mile trail takes you on a tour of the Grand Canyon on mostly flat land. The two-to-three day trail has its own hidden treasures. You’ll run into stunning geological features and a bird’s eye view of the Colorado River during your trip through the South Rim. The last leg of your trip takes you through an uphill climb on the popular Bright Angel Trail.
No good Arizona camping list is complete without at least one reference to Sedona. Sedona’s red rock beauty is famous to locals and visitors alike. While Sedona offers a number of beautiful trails, you won’t want to miss Loy Canyon. This five-mile hike is the perfect launching point for a multi-day Sedona adventure. The trail takes you through a butte canyon along the western side of a mountain. Though the trail starts on rock and sand, you’ll be surrounded by thick forest after only a couple of miles. The remarkable change in terrain is just one of the many reasons to visit this trail. It has everything from steep climbs to flat plateaus. The mid portion of Loy Canyon is a great place to set up camp. You can easily connect to nearby trails like Secret Mountain Trail at this epic backpacking spot.
