From canyons and red rock formations to sand dunes, dangerous bridges and hidden valleys, desert hiking offers a truly unique outdoor experience. While extreme heat can make desert adventures near impossible to conquer in summer months, the moderate temperatures of fall, winter and early spring are ideal times to explore the desert regions of the American Southwest.
Take a break from your regular mountain climbs, beach walks and waterfall treks to visit the fantastic desert landscapes in your own backyard. We’re dishing on seven single-day desert hikes that will show you a new sandy side of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California and New Mexico.
Experience the Southwest on one of these desert hikes in America.
1. Chesler Park Loop Trail
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Distance: 10.4 miles
Level: Difficult
From grassy meadows that suddenly appear out of nowhere to canyons that make it feel like you’re on Mars, this desert loop in Canyonlands National Park is one of the most interesting desert hiking trails in the U.S. The round-trip hike will take about six hours and gain 1,800 feet in elevation, so you’ll need to be in decent shape to tackle it in one day. The good news is, the views of Elephant Hill, the Needles formations and the Colorado River below will make all the effort feel worth it. Learn more.
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2. Dry Creek Vista Trail
Sedona, Arizona
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Easy to moderate
Sedona is abundant with great trails and beautiful scenery, but if there’s only time for one hike, Dry Creek Vista is the one to choose. After you cross a few vistas and navigate one or two steep inclines, you’ll reach Devil’s Bridge after about three miles. This legendary sandstone arch will offer epic views of the surrounding area and provide the chance to take some pretty incredible pictures. If you aren’t faint of heart, you can walk across it too. If you’d rather not hike the full six miles, you can drive to a parking lot within about a mile of the bridge with an off-road vehicle. Learn more.
3. Maze Loop Trail
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Distance: 6.5 miles
Level: Moderate
There are shorter and more popular trails in Joshua Tree, but this desert hike is less crowded and known for its incredible scenery. The notable features on this loop include unusual rock formations, desert washes, slot canyons and large forests of Joshua trees. The “Window Rock” formation and the rock walls that seem to be man-made are other reasons this trail is worth the slightly more difficult terrain. If you want to add another two miles or so, check out the Window Loop trail that will eventually connect back up with the Maze Loop for more amazing rock formations. Learn more.
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4. Calico Hills Trail
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Moderate
The stunning red rocks and boulders set against the desert scenery and blue skies of the Nevada desert are what make this trail a must for any avid hiker. Beginning in Sandstone Quarry, you’ll explore a rock amphitheater, sandstone cliffs and plenty of ravines just off the path. Though the trail is six miles with some moderate climbing, there are plenty of shorter distance options you could try, ranging from a half mile to two miles. If you’re looking for something longer, combine this hike with other trails in Red Rock Canyon to explore more of what the area has to offer. Learn more.
5. The Narrows Trail
Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 3.6 miles
Level: Moderate
Without a doubt, The Narrows is one of the top 10 hikes on earth. This desert slot canyon hike in Zion National Park will take you through the Virgin River in knee-deep water while you witness stunning 1,500-foot rock walls that are up to 20-feet wide in sections. Be aware that because of all the water you’ll need to navigate, the hike into the famous “Wall Street” section will take about two hours, while the hike back will be slightly less difficult. Rent appropriate gear ahead of time (boots and poles) and check water levels to make sure the trail hasn’t been closed for flash flooding. Learn more.
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6. Telescope Peak Trail
Death Valley National Park, California
Distance: 14 miles
Level: Difficult
This desert hike guides you to the highest summit in Death Valley, and the 11,331-foot drop down to Badwater Basin below is higher than the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While you won’t have to hike up to Telescope Peak from the Basin, you will climb almost 3,000 feet in elevation from Mahogany Flat Campground where the trail begins, making this a strenuous 8-hour day trek (round-trip). Once you reach the top, the views of the desert valley will make it all worth it. Learn more.
7. Alkali Flat Trail
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Distance: 5 miles
Level: Moderate
This well-marked hiking trail through New Mexico’s beautiful white sand dunes heads across what used to be Lake Otero during the Ice Age, and covers a whopping 1,600 square miles. While the trail isn’t extremely long or difficult, it isn’t as flat as the name suggests and will take about three hours to complete. Make sure you spend some time at the monument to take in the views before you turn around. If you’re up for it, the area is known for its amazing sunrises. Learn more.
