Easy hikes and walks in Gila County
4.4
(42)
413
hikers
85
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Gila County traverse a diverse landscape, ranging from desert lowlands to high-altitude pine forests. The region is characterized by rugged mountains like the Pinal Mountains, the expansive Mogollon Rim, and significant portions of the Tonto National Forest. Numerous water features, including Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, and the Verde River, contribute to varied riparian environments. This geographical diversity provides a wide array of natural settings for outdoor exploration.
Best easy hiking trails in Gila County
- The most…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.0
(2)
41
hikers
2.97km
00:51
90m
50m
Embark on the Pine Creek, Anna Mae, Gowan, and Waterfall Loop for an easy hike through Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. This route takes you into a canyon filled with…
3.0
(1)
5
hikers
3.44km
01:04
170m
100m
Embark on the Bulls Eye Loop Trail for an easy hike through a gentle desert landscape, where you will discover unique rock formations along the path. This route offers appealing…
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3.0
(1)
3
hikers
3.84km
01:08
120m
100m
The Peach Orchard Loop offers an easy hiking experience, covering 2.4 miles (3.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 404 feet (123 metres). You can expect varied terrain, transitioning…
5.0
(2)
2
hikers
6.68km
01:51
120m
110m
The Cypress-Stewart Ridge Extended Loop offers an easy hiking experience through the unique Granite Dells of Tonto National Forest. As you follow the 4.2 miles (6.7 km) route, you will…
1
hikers
640m
00:15
80m
0m
Embark on an easy hike along the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail, a short but rewarding journey through the Sonoran Desert. This route covers just 0.4 miles (0.6 km) with an…
1
hikers
591m
00:10
20m
0m
Discover a refreshing escape on the Water Wheel Falls Trail, an easy hike that takes you through a lush oasis in the Tonto National Forest. This short route covers just…
1
hikers
964m
00:15
0m
0m
The Green Valley Park Main Lake Loop offers a refreshing and easy hike, perfect for a quick escape. You will enjoy picturesque views of the main lake, complete with a…
1.96km
00:38
150m
0m
Embark on an easy hike along the See Spring Trail #185, a delightful 1.2-mile (2.0 km) route that takes approximately 38 minutes to complete. You will gain 491 feet (150…
926m
00:15
0m
40m
Discover the Ellison Creek Cascades Trail, an easy hike that guides you through the picturesque Tonto National Forest. This short route covers just 0.6 miles (0.9 km) with no elevation…
5.31km
01:23
10m
90m
The Fred Haught Trail offers an easy hiking experience, perfect for a leisurely outing. You will wander through diverse landscapes, including shallow canyons and forested ridges, shaded by towering ponderosa…
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Popular around Gila County
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Tips from the Community
Green Valley Park is considered the “Jewel of Payson” and is located at the end of Main Street. There is a main lake with a couple smaller ponds on the property that the walking paths circle around. There are a bunch of other recreational amenities at the park and its numerous trailheads, making it the perfect spot for a short family hike without having to leave town.
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As the trail follows the East Verde River, you can see some beautiful gorges and cascades. The trail gets less defined at this point, but if you want to continue, there is a path that follows the Ellison River to a larger cascade and swimming hole. Just remember to be careful and watch out for slippery rocks!
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This trailhead marks the start of a short but very popular trail leading to cascades and swimming holes in the East Verde River and Ellison Creek. There is parking at the Trailhead but keep in mind there is a day use fee, and it can get pretty crowded in the summer.
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This creek bed runs through the trails on the north end of the park. You will want appropriate footwear hiking through the trails around Pine Creek since it can be rocky and sometimes slippery in the creek bed and its surrounding area.
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This is a very popular State Park and hiking location with viewpoints of the Tonto Natural Bridge and trails surrounding the area. Try to get there early in the morning on weekends as it is quite popular, especially in the warmer months. There is a $7 entrance fee for adults (14+) and the park is typically open from 9-5 daily.
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Just a few meters from the Parking lot get a view over Theodore Roosevelt Lake and your first glimpse of Tonto Monument.
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The General Springs Canyon is picturesquely crossed by a creek and offers unique impressions. If you can, you should definitely pitch your tent here, there are invitingly many possibilities.
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The General Springs Cabin is a former Forest Service work cabin and was built in 1915. Although a sign prohibits its use, the door is always open and the cabin can be used for shelter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Gila County?
Gila County offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 30 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the region features more than 80 hiking trails across various difficulty levels.
What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Gila County?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for hiking in Gila County due to milder temperatures. This allows for comfortable exploration of the diverse landscapes, from desert lowlands to high-altitude pine forests.
What do other hikers say about easy trails in Gila County?
The easy hiking trails in Gila County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 380 hikers have used komoot to explore the region, often praising the varied terrain and scenic beauty.
Are there easy trails with waterfalls or water features in Gila County?
Yes, Gila County has several easy trails that lead to beautiful water features. You can explore the Water Wheel Falls Trail or the Ellison Creek Cascades Trail for refreshing views. The Pine Creek, Anna Mae, Gowan, and Waterfall Loop also offers scenic water features.
Are there family-friendly easy hikes in Gila County?
Many easy trails in Gila County are suitable for families. Routes like the Green Valley Park Main Lake Loop offer short, accessible walks. For a slightly longer adventure, the Pine Creek, Anna Mae, Gowan, and Waterfall Loop is also a great option for families.
Are there easy loop trails in Gila County?
Yes, Gila County offers several easy loop trails perfect for a round trip. Popular options include the Bulls Eye Loop Trail, the Peach Orchard Loop, and the Cypress-Stewart Ridge Extended Loop. These routes provide varied scenery without retracing your steps.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on easy hikes in Gila County?
Gila County's easy hikes traverse a remarkably diverse range of landscapes. You can expect everything from desert lowlands to high-altitude pine forests, rugged mountain views, and scenic riparian areas along creeks and rivers. The region includes parts of the Tonto National Forest and the majestic Mogollon Rim.
Are there any historical or cultural sites accessible via easy trails?
Yes, Gila County offers opportunities to explore historical sites. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail provides access to ancient dwellings. Additionally, the Tonto National Monument features well-preserved cliff dwellings, and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park offers trails to the world's largest natural travertine bridge.
Where can I find easy trails near lakes or rivers in Gila County?
For easy trails near water, consider the Green Valley Park Main Lake Loop, which circles Green Valley Park Lake. The region also features large bodies of water like Roosevelt Lake and the Verde River, with trails in their vicinity offering riparian scenery.
Are there easy trails that offer great views in Gila County?
Many easy trails in Gila County provide scenic vistas. The diverse terrain, including the Mogollon Rim and parts of the Tonto National Forest, ensures numerous viewpoints. While specific easy trails for views aren't highlighted in the data, the general landscape promises picturesque surroundings. For panoramic views, consider areas around the Mogollon Rim.
Are there any easy trails suitable for spotting wildflowers in Gila County?
Gila County's diverse ecosystems, ranging from desert to pine forests, support a variety of flora. While specific trails for wildflowers aren't listed, the spring months are generally the best time to see wildflowers blooming across the region's easy trails, especially in areas with varied vegetation.
What are some of the longer easy hikes available in Gila County?
If you're looking for a longer easy hike, the Cypress-Stewart Ridge Extended Loop is a good option, covering approximately 4.1 miles (6.7 km). Another excellent choice is the Fred Haught Trail, which is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long.
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