There are more breathtaking hikes in Arizona than we could possibly count, but Wave Cave Trail just might be among the top ten. This short-and-sweet adventure may be one of the best hikes near Phoenix. It leads to one of the most striking scenic overlooks around, with views so incredible, they’re almost otherworldly.

Clocking in at just 3.2 miles long, Wave Cave Trail is a short-and-sweet hike that showcases the Superstition Wilderness like you've never seen it before. It starts off relatively flat and unassuming, but with a canyon this massive looming ahead, you know that's about to change.
AllTrails/Kim Johnson
Wildflowers abound on either side of the path, brightening up the arid desert landscape. Since the hike is so quick, there's plenty of time to stop and smell the roses — pun intended.
AllTrails/Brian Oman
The trail is pretty straightforward, and directive arrows are placed every so often to further ensure nobody gets off track. Watch your step, as rattlesnakes have been spotted on numerous occasions.
AllTrails/Lisa Kristine

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Expect little in the way of elevation gain — until the final ascent, that is. It's a pretty steep incline up to the cave, but the views are worth every drop of sweat and burning muscle fiber.
AllTrails/Tori Kort
On foggy days, the panoramic scene is even more spellbinding. A hauntingly beautiful, low-hanging mist is framed by the huge rock window, making for a picture-perfect vista that belongs on the bucket list of every Arizonan.
AllTrails/Amy Miller
Time your hike around sunset for an even more enchanting spectacle. Pastel skies blanket the distant mountains in a dim evening glow, a sight that promises to enthrall everyone who beholds its glory.
AllTrails/Casey Bryan
What's better than a classic Arizona sunset? A classic Arizona sunset viewed from the Wave Cave, of course. Don't forget your camera!
AllTrails/Andrea Hansen-Hanzuk

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.

Have you ever hiked Wave Cave Trail? If so, do pictures do it justice? Let us know your thoughts, and check out our previous article for another hike that leads to an awe-inspiring scenic overlook: The Trail In Arizona That Will Lead You On An Adventure Like No Other.

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