Arizona's Best Sunrise-to-Sunset Hikes: Full-Day Adventures With Big Rewards
Arizona is built for big adventures -- the kind that start with the soft glow of sunrise and end with the fiery colors of desert sunset. If you're craving a full-day experience that tests your endurance and rewards you with unforgettable views, these sunrise-to-sunset hikes deliver the magic. From red rock cathedrals to sweeping canyon vistas, these trails are designed for hikers who want to soak in every hour of daylight.
Here are the best full-day hiking adventures in Arizona -- where the journey is long, the challenges are real, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.
1. Rim-to-Rim (Grand Canyon)
Distance: 21-24 miles one way
Difficulty: Extremely strenuous
Hiking Rim-to-Rim is a bucket-list experience for serious hikers. Whether you start at the North Rim or South Rim, you'll descend through millions of years of geologic history and climb back up the opposite wall -- a journey that easily fills an entire day.
Why it's worth it:
Few hikes on earth offer this level of drama and scale. From sunrise lighting up the canyon walls to sunset painting the sky pink, every moment feels surreal.
Pro tip:
Start before sunrise. Most hikers begin around 3-4 a.m. to beat the heat and finish by dusk.
2. Kendrick Peak Trail (Flagstaff)
Distance: 9.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Hard
If you want a full day on the mountain without the crowds of Humphreys, Kendrick Peak is your summit. The trail climbs steadily through ponderosa forest before opening to wide-angle views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Grand Canyon, and endless high desert plains.
Why it's worth it:
The sunrise glow filtering through the pines and the sweeping sunset from the fire lookout are unbeatable.
Pro tip:
Bring layers -- temperatures can swing drastically from morning to evening.
3. West Clear Creek Wilderness Route
Distance: Variable (10-15 miles typical)
Difficulty: Hard (off-trail route finding required)
This isn't a simple trail -- it's a rugged wilderness route involving creek crossings, boulder hopping, and long stretches through narrow canyons. You'll spend the entire day weaving through water, shade, and towering canyon walls.
Why it's worth it:
It's one of Arizona's most immersive wilderness experiences -- peaceful, lush, and wild.
Pro tip:
This is an all-day commitment. Start with sunrise and plan to exit before sunset due to difficult navigation.
4. Reavis Ranch Trail (Superstition Wilderness)
Distance: 12-15 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate-hard
This historic trail winds through the Superstitions to the old Reavis Ranch site, where an unexpected meadow, ancient orchards, and quiet forest create a stunning contrast to the desert below. It's one of the best fall foliage hikes in Arizona and a perfect all-day trek.
Why it's worth it:
You get desert sunrise views on the climb in... and forest sunset vibes on the hike out.
Pro tip:
Pack extra water -- the Superstitions can be brutal even in spring and fall.
5. Bear Mountain (Sedona)
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Very hard
Don't let the short mileage fool you -- Bear Mountain is a full-day workout with steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, and nonstop views of Sedona's red rock country. Start before sunrise for the coolest temperatures and to catch the desert glowing pink when the sun breaks the horizon.
Why it's worth it:
From the summit, you'll see the San Francisco Peaks, Sycamore Canyon, and Sedona stretching endlessly below you.
Pro tip:
Budget extra time -- this trail is slow-going due to steep rock scrambles.
Final Thoughts
Sunrise-to-sunset hikes aren't just about covering miles -- they're about spending an entire day immersed in Arizona's raw beauty. These full-day adventures offer a deeper connection to the land, the silence, and the changing light from dawn to dusk.
Pack your layers, hydrate like crazy, and bring a headlamp just in case -- because Arizona's longest trails are also its most rewarding.