Arizona's Best Rock Climbing Hikes: Trails for Scrambling, Climbing, and Hands-On Adventure
Arizona is a dream destination for hikers who love a little extra challenge -- the kind of trails that require your hands as much as your feet. Between its volcanic peaks, sculpted red rocks, granite domes, and rugged canyons, the state is full of routes that blend hiking with natural rock climbing and scrambling.
If you're craving a hike that pushes your comfort zone (in the best way possible) and rewards you with jaw-dropping views, these adventurous trails belong on your list.
1. Tom's Thumb - McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Scottsdale)
Tom's Thumb is one of Arizona's most iconic formations -- a massive granite spire rising out of the McDowell Mountains. The trail to the base of the thumb is steep and strenuous, but the final scramble up the surrounding boulders offers fun, hands-on climbing without technical gear.
The area is full of massive boulders, fissures, and rock slabs that beg to be explored. It's a perfect introduction to scrambling and a great viewpoint for sunrise.
Why it's great:
Granite playground atmosphere + stunning summit views
Difficulty: Moderate-hard
2. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail (Phoenix)
Camelback is famous for its steep ascent, but what makes Echo Canyon special is the sustained scrambling sections. Hikers use installed railings, natural rock holds, and angled slabs to climb their way to one of the best viewpoints in Phoenix.
The route requires balance, good shoes, and confidence -- but the reward is spectacular. For many locals, this is the hike that started their love for hands-on adventuring.
Why it's great:
Exposed scrambling + classic Phoenix skyline views
Difficulty: Hard
3. Flatiron via Siphon Draw - Superstition Mountains (Apache Junction)
The Flatiron climb is legendary -- and for good reason. The final mile of the hike is an intense hands-on scramble up slickrock, chutes, and boulder fields. You'll be climbing, crawling, and pulling yourself up natural steps carved into volcanic rock.
It's not technical climbing, but it's demanding, fun, and endlessly rewarding.
Why it's great:
A challenging scramble with one of the best summit views in Arizona
Difficulty: Very hard
4. Picacho Peak - Hunter Trail (Between Phoenix & Tucson)
Picacho Peak's Hunter Trail offers the most unique scramble in Arizona: steel cables and handholds help hikers scale exposed rocky sections along the ridgeline. It's part hike, part climb, part obstacle course -- an unforgettable experience if you're not afraid of heights.
Why it's great:
Via ferrata-style adventure without needing harnesses
Difficulty: Hard
5. Sedona's Red Rock Scrambles - Bell Rock & Cathedral Rock
Sedona is known for its smooth red sandstone, making it a natural playground for scrambling. Two must-do routes:
Bell Rock Scramble: Choose-your-own-adventure terrain where you can climb as high as your comfort allows.
Cathedral Rock: A steep, iconic slot-like scramble that requires using hands, feet, and occasional climbing moves.
Both offer unforgettable views across Sedona's glowing landscape.
Why they're great:
Iconic red rock climbing experiences with adjustable difficulty
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Safety Tips for Scrambling & Rock-Climbing Style Hikes
- Wear grippy shoes -- smooth rock needs traction.
- Use your center of gravity -- stay low and stable when climbing.
- Test handholds and footholds before putting weight on them.
- Avoid wet or icy rock -- especially in Sedona and the Superstitions.
- Bring gloves for routes with cables or rough rock.
- Know your comfort zone -- scrambling is fun when you're controlled, not scared.
Final Thoughts
Rock climbing hikes offer a completely different kind of adventure -- tactile, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Arizona's rugged terrain gives hikers countless opportunities to climb, scramble, and explore the desert in a new way. Whether you're scaling the steep walls of Flatiron or navigating the granite playground of Tom's Thumb, hands-on hiking opens up a sense of accomplishment few other trails can match.
Pack your shoes, your courage, and plenty of water -- Arizona's climbing trails are waiting.