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Hiking in Arizona's Playground

From late fall through early spring, hikers at all levels enjoy hiking the vast network of scenic hiking trails in the Lake Havasu City area.

Top 5 Lake Havasu City Area Hikes

"The biggest mistake that visitors to Lake Havasu City make is packing swimming trunks and fishing poles but leaving the hiking boots at home."
~Roger Naylor, travel writer for The Arizona Republic, avid Arizona hiker and member of the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame

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Lake Havasu City's hiking trails feature a wide range of terrain, natural diversity and scenic beauty. Whether your hikes are easy, extreme or somewhere in between, trails range from short, paved paths to steep, rocky slopes.

hiking in lake havasu city, arizona

Along the way, enjoy inspiring lakeside scenery, windswept desert views and sweeping vistas from atop red rock mountains. Explore unique features such as mysterious rock formations and abandoned mining areas.

Hikers also head to our trails to see the diversity of wildlife in the area. Keep a lookout for bighorn sheep, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, bobcat and a myriad species of birds.

Explore the resources on this page to make the most of your hiking adventure in Arizona's Playground.

Arizona hiking safety and conservation tips

Backpacking and hiking in Arizona's deserts can be one of the most captivating experiences imaginable. But as with any outdoor activity, proper preparation is necessary to fully appreciate the journey into nature. Here are a few safety and conservation precautions to keep in mind to better experience hiking in Arizona's desert landscapes:

  • Take plenty of water
  • Wear a hat and use sunscreen
  • Wear sturdy, thick-soled shoes
  • Never head out alone and always let a responsible person know where you're going and when you plan to be back.
  • Dispose of waste properly: if no trash receptacles are available, carry out all trash from what you have brought in.

For a complete hiking checklist designed for hiking in Arizona's desert climate, click here.

Trail Name Distance (Round Trip) Hiking Time Time to Trailhead* Vehicle Required Aesthetic Rating**
Walks
Island Trail 3.6 miles 1.5 hours 2 minutes No
 
 
Mohave Sunset Trail 4 miles 2 hours 0 minutes No
 
 
Shoreline Trail 2 miles 1 hours minutes No
 
 
Easy Hikes
Easy Hikes with Hills
Water Tank Trail 6.2 miles 3 hours 20 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
Moderate Hikes with Climbing
Arch Rock Loop Trail 4.5 miles 3 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
Crack in the Mountain Trail 5 miles 3 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
 
Keyhole Landing Trail 7.2 miles 4 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
Mallard Cove/Teal Point Trail 5.3 miles 3 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
Pilot Rock Trail 7 miles 4 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
SARA Mountain Park Loop Trail 5 miles 3 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
Standard Wash Trail 9.6 miles 4.5 hours 20 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
Three Dunes Trail 6.5 miles 3.5 hours 25 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
Difficult Hikes with Long Slopes or Scrambling
Crossman Peak Trail 6 miles 5 hours 60 minutes 4-wheel
 
 
 
 
Cupcake Mountain Trail 4.5 miles 5.5 hours 90 minutes 4-wheel
 
 
 
 
 
Dead Burro Canyon Trail 7.3 miles 4.5 hours 20 minutes Car
 
 
 
 
 
Iron Door Mine Trail 5 miles 4 hours 50 minutes 4-wheel
 
 
 
 
Lizard Peek Trail (Picnic Table Mountain Trail) 4 miles 3 hours 15 minutes Car
 
 
 
 

Hiking