The American Southwest is made for travelers in search of outdoor adventure and exploration. Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Southern California and Utah offer some of the most sought-after hiking trails in the Southwest. We gathered a handful of hotels and resorts with hiking either nearby or with front-door access to trails. Don’t see a favorite trail listed here? Head to @thebestoftheSouthwest on IG to share your favorite Southwest hiking trail.

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Arizona

Castle Hot Springs | Morristown

At Castle Hot Springs, the resort itself is the hiking destination. Spread across the property’s 1,100-acre Sonoran Desert sanctuary is a network of eight private trails, ranging from leisurely canyon walks to summit climbs. Chocolate Drop Trail begins just behind the cabins and climbs about 250 feet to panoramic views, while other routes wind among saguaros, canyons, historic sites and the resort’s agave farm. Guests can explore independently or join a guided hike, with backpacks, hiking poles and water bottles available from the resort.

Trail to try: Chocolate Drop Trail for an approachable climb that begins right behind the cabins.

Enchantment Resort | Sedona

Few addresses put hikers closer to Sedona’s red rocks than Enchantment Resort, tucked deep inside Boynton Canyon. Trails are steps from the resort, while the on-site Trail House serves as headquarters for hiking, mountain biking and trail running adventures throughout Sedona’s 400-plus miles of trails. Adventure Advisors can help guests choose routes based on terrain, elevation and ability level, arrange guided outings and outfit explorers with gear.

Trail to try: Head into the Boynton Canyon trail network for classic Sedona red-rock scenery.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North | Scottsdale

Pinnacle Peak isn’t merely one of the attractions near Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. The resort backs up to it. Guests have direct access to the popular desert hike, putting the trail just steps from the property. The 4.1-mile out-and-back route gains about 1,020 feet in elevation as it winds through the Sonoran Desert, delivering expansive views along the way.

Trail to try: Pinnacle Peak for a moderate morning climb and sweeping Sonoran Desert views.

Colorado

Mountain Lodge Telluride | Telluride

Perched at about 9,000 feet amid the San Juan Mountains, Mountain Lodge Telluride was practically built for travelers who would rather spend their vacation outside. Hiking and mountain biking terrain surrounds the mountainside retreat, while the pedestrian gondola makes it easy to connect with Telluride and even more outdoor adventures without relying on a car. Nearby options range from easy riverside walks to more ambitious alpine routes, including Bear Creek, Prospect and Wasatch trails. Back at the lodge, a heated pool and hot tubs overlooking the mountains make a convincing argument for calling it a day.

Trail to try: Ask the lodge about the best walk-out route for your ability level, or use the gondola to connect with Telluride’s broader trail network.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa | Tabernash

At Devil’s Thumb Ranch, there’s little distinction between “the resort” and “the outdoors.” The Colorado retreat encompasses thousands of acres beneath the Continental Divide, with hiking routes crossing alpine meadows and forested terrain right from the ranch. Guests can set out for anything from a leisurely walk to a more demanding trek, making this one of the strongest true stay-and-hike properties on the list. It’s also a particularly good choice for travelers who want mountain immersion without making the trailhead commute part of the vacation.

Trail to try: Explore the ranch’s trail network toward Lactic Grande or ask the activities team to match a route to your desired distance and difficulty.

New Mexico

Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santa Fe

Bishop’s Lodge takes the idea of an outdoor basecamp literally. Set on more than 300 acres in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the resort’s new Basecamp serves as a hub for nature-driven adventures. Guests can step onto winding hiking trails just beyond their accommodations, with routes leading through forested clearings and toward overlooks across the high-desert landscape. The on-property Horizons View Point Trail adds a bona fide hike to the experience, while the resort’s setting alongside Santa Fe National Forest opens the door to even more exploration.

Trail to try: Horizons View Point Trail for an on-property hike with elevated views.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe | Santa Fe

At Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, a morning hike is built right into the resort experience. The on-site Camino Encantado Trail loops through the high-desert property, and complimentary guided hikes depart from the Adventure Center daily. Along the way, guides share stories about Rancho Encantado and the surrounding landscape. It’s one of the gentler entries on this list, which is precisely why it belongs: the growing get-out-and-move trend isn’t only about conquering summits.

Trail to try: Camino Encantado Trail for an approachable, on-property high-desert walk.

Southern California

Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verdes

Trade desert peaks for Pacific bluffs at Terranea Resort, where walking out the door means stepping into one of Southern California’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. The resort’s trails trace the Palos Verdes Peninsula with views of coves, Catalina Island and, during migration season, passing whales. Guests can explore independently or join Terranea’s complimentary guided coastal hike, which takes in sights including Point Vicente Lighthouse and the resort’s Sea Salt Conservatory.

Trail to try: Terranea Discovery Trail for an oceanfront walk toward Point Vicente Lighthouse.

Utah

Amangiri | Canyon Point

At Amangiri, the hiking trails aren’t an amenity adjacent to the resort. They’re part of its extraordinary 900-acre landscape. More than 12 miles of designated, waymarked trails weave through the Colorado Plateau surrounding the resort, varying in length and difficulty and revealing archaeological, geological and natural features along the way. Trail maps are available in guest suites and at the front desk, making self-guided exploration unusually easy for a property surrounded by such wild terrain. Guided adventures, which we were fortunate to experience firsthand, and via ferrata routes can take the experience several adrenaline levels higher.

Trail to try: Choose from Amangiri’s designated trail network based on time and difficulty, or ask about a guided route for deeper exploration.

Pendry Park City | Park City

Pendry Park City puts a slightly different spin on doorstep hiking. Located in Canyons Village, the resort sits steps from the Sunrise Gondola, which carries guests to Red Pine and its mountain trailheads. In other words, you can leave the car parked, walk out of your room, board the gondola and be deposited in Park City’s alpine playground. Pendry’s in-house Compass Sports makes getting outside even easier with guided hikes, e-bikes and other mountain adventures. It’s an appealing setup for travelers who want serious outdoor access without giving up restaurants, nightlife and resort comforts.

Trail to try: Ride the Sunrise Gondola to Red Pine and choose a route through Park City’s mountain trail system.

Washington School House | Park City

This 12-suite boutique hotel may sit in historic Park City rather than on a sprawling wilderness resort, but that’s exactly what makes its hiking access interesting. Washington School House describes exploring the surrounding mountains simply: walk out the door. Miles of trails rise behind town, while Town Lift is only about a five-minute walk away, giving guests another car-free route into the mountains. Afterward, Main Street’s restaurants, shops and galleries are equally walkable, making this a particularly good choice for travelers who want trail time and town time in the same getaway.

Trail to try: Walk toward Town Lift and use Park City’s mountain network to build a route that matches your morning.