The best walks and hikes in Apache County

Apache County's varied elevations make it a year-round hiking destination. The lower desert areas, like Petrified Forest National Park, are most pleasant during the cooler months of spring and fall. For summer hiking, the high country of the White Mountains and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests offers a cool escape from the heat.

Yes, there are many accessible trails perfect for families. The Puerco Pueblo Trail loop is a very short, paved path of about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) that leads to ancestral Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs, making it both easy and educational.

Dog policies vary significantly. In Petrified Forest National Park, pets are generally not allowed on trails or in the backcountry; they are restricted to paved roads and parking lots. However, many trails in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check the specific regulations for the area you plan to visit before bringing your dog.

The White Mountains are a high-elevation environment, so it's important to be prepared. Weather can change rapidly, even in summer, so bring layers of clothing. The air is thinner at altitude, so allow yourself time to acclimatize and carry plenty of water. Be aware of local wildlife, including bears and elk, and know how to store food safely if you're camping.

For most of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, yes, you must be accompanied by an authorized Navajo guide. The only exception is the White House Trail, a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that allows visitors to descend to the canyon floor independently to view the White House Ruins.

Yes, the region offers several loop trails. For a challenging, full-day circular hike in the high country, consider the Mount Baldy Trail loop. This nearly 16-mile (26 km) route provides an immersive experience in the Mount Baldy Wilderness.

It depends on where you hike. Accessing trails within Petrified Forest National Park and Lyman Lake State Park requires an entrance fee. However, many trails within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are free to access, though specific trailheads or recreation sites may have day-use fees. Always check ahead for the area you plan to visit.

Apache County is known for its incredible geological diversity. You can hike through the colorful badlands and see ancient fossilized trees on the Onyx Bridge Trail in Petrified Forest National Park, or explore the lush, pine-clad alpine environment of the Escudilla Wilderness.

Absolutely. For expansive views over the Painted Desert, the hike from the Painted Desert Visitor Center to Tawa & Kachina Points is an excellent choice. This relatively easy walk follows the rim, offering stunning vistas along the way.

The trails in Apache County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible diversity, from the unique geology of the petrified forests to the serene beauty of the high-altitude mountain trails.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the White Mountains offer strenuous routes. The East Baldy Trail to Granite Formations is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 5 miles (8.2 km) that involves a significant ascent into the Mount Baldy Wilderness, rewarding hikers with beautiful forest scenery and unique rock features.

Petrified Forest National Park is the premier location. While the popular Crystal Forest Trail is excellent, you can find more solitude and impressive specimens on the Jasper Forest Trail, an unpaved route that explores an area with a high concentration of fossilized logs.