Hikes in Phoenix
Phoenix Hikes
Phoenix hikes are an amazing way to explore the stunning Arizona landscape and will make you realize that Phoenix is so much more than its dynamic urban center. Right within city limits, nature reserves and protected areas provide outdoor adventurers with a jaw-dropping selection of trails to explore. Put aside what you know about this desert center and re-imagine it as a mecca for hikers and mountain bikers. There are countless Phoenix hikes that are ready and waiting to be explored!
Flanked by the McDowell Mountains, White Tank Mountains, and the Superstition Mountains, there are peaks over 762 m to climb without ever leaving city limits. Phoenix hikes offer every bit of the one-of-a-kind Sonoran Desert scenery you’d desire, with mighty saguaros, prickly teddy bear cholla, caves, petroglyphs, barrel cactus, wildlife, and more to experience as you hike.
Whether you’re scaling Camelback Mountain, listening to a Taiko drum atop Piestewa Peak, or taking a sunset stroll through Papago Park, you’ll find that these rugged, edgy desert trails can become some of the most fascinating to explore. Read on to discover some of the most popular Phoenix hikes.
20 Best Hikes in Phoenix
Ready to start exploring? We’re making it easy to get going with 20 of our favorite Phoenix hikes. Our list includes short, easy trails, challenging summits, and everything in between. Work your way through as many as you can on the weekends or make the most of your downtime while visiting the city–you’ll want to keep exploring once you first discover the draw of the desert.
Our 20 best hikes in Phoenix are chosen to show off the highlights of Phoenix’s landscape. While starting with these Phoenix hikes is a great way to get acquainted with the area's hiking scene, remember that we’ve got plenty more route guides to keep you adventuring!
Camelback Mountain, named for its resemblance to a camel laying down, is the tallest mountain in the Phoenix area. Clearly visible from its dominating spot on the skyline, it beckons hikers with its sloping summit. Camelback Mountain offers excellent views of the city and the surrounding mountains since it’s the tallest mountain in the area. It’s a tough hike, but a rite of passage indeed!
These days, Papago Park is a recreational and hiking area, a golf course, and an access point for the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens. In years past, it was a Native reservation, a fish hatchery in the Depression, a POW camp, and a VA hospital. It’s not only a historical part of the city, but a beautiful one, with big red hills eroded like Swiss cheese. There are caves to explore and views of the city to enjoy. This trail loops the golf course–fore!!
North Mountain rises above the Phoenix area, offering a gorgeous summit with expansive views of the city and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve to the southwest. The views are really special at sunset when the mountains over the city are silhouetted in orange and yellow. This hike is fairly short, and most of the trail is actually paved, but it’s still steep enough to feel like a workout.
Piestewa Peak is one of the defining mountains of Phoenix’s skyline, rising 795 m to claim the title of the second-tallest mountain in the city. Part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the hiking trails on this mountain provide locals and visitors with the chance to challenge themselves in exchange for incredible views of the city and the mountains that surround it. This trail both reaches the summit and loops around the base of the mountain.
Lookout Mountain is an isolated peak in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The mountain offers an excellent view of the other peaks of the preserve, which are just south of it, and the city and its suburbs sprawling in all directions. The hike to the top of Lookout Mountain is a short one, but it’s no-nonsense, requiring a bit of light scrambling over rocky sections. It’s a good pick for beginners who want to try out a more adventurous trail that’s still forgiving.
The Hole in the Rock in Papago Park is one of the city’s most popular hiking trails. This short, simple Phoenix hike leads you up a red sandstone butte with a hole in it large enough to sit in. This hole is one of several in this very unique landscape, where erosion in the sandstone creates a spongelike appearance on the rocks.
The hike to Dobbins Lookout is an awesome adventure. It’s just hard enough to challenge more experienced hikers, but it’s still accessible for strong beginners thanks to its non-rocky path (relative to the usual in Phoenix) and lack of technicality. The view from the lookout is a treat, and it won’t take too long to reach it. You can also check out petroglyphs on this amazing Phoenix hike.
Mormon Trail is one of the main routes in South Mountain Park. This busy trail can be used to reach Acer Summit, or it can be used to create loop hikes with the several intersecting routes along the way. The trail isn’t technical, but it offers unique rocky desert terrain flanked by saguaros. Look for petroglyphs on the sides of this trail.
The Deem Hills Recreation Area is a fabulous park serving residents of North Phoenix. The park boasts playgrounds, a dog park, ramadas, and picnic areas. It’s a perfect place to relax on a warm afternoon. The hiking trails in this park are great, especially the Circumference Trail to Ridgeline Loop. This route climbs to the highest point in the park. While it’s not that high in the mountain world, the views are excellent.
Aravaipa Canyon Trail is a unique route that travels along the floor of a gorgeous cliff-bound gorge southeast of Phoenix. This hike passes through a wide, wooded area into the gorge, the rocks changing from volcanic to conglomerate. There are cacti, trees, and wildlife to see along the way. This is a special trail that usually feels quite secluded.
The Brown’s Ranch Perimeter Loop is a fantastic adventure through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This loop makes use of several different trails over 22.5 km. You can see Balanced Rock and the Amphitheater on this hike. The saguaros, the mountains, and the rock formations make for great scenery, and the trail’s packed sand/gravelly footing is easy to cruise over.
The Hieroglyphic Trail is a fascinating hike that leads you up towards the base of the mighty Superstition Mountains into a canyon where petroglyphs decorate the basalt boulders and walls. These images were left here over 1,500 years ago when the Hohokam tribe lived in this area. Along with the petroglyphs, this hike shows off the towering Superstition Mountains above you and the Gold Canyon and Gila River Plain below. In the spring, it’s lined by wildflowers.
The hike to Bluff Springs and Cave via Peralta Trail is a bit of an under-appreciated gem. This hike in the Superstition Wilderness doesn’t have the hype surrounding it that other trails do, but users consistently rate it high and appreciate it for its beautiful views. This route shows off a gorgeous slice of the desert mountains, dotted with saguaros and fascinating rock formations sculpted by erosion.
The hike to Canyon Lake Marina via Peralta Trail is an ideal adventure for backpackers seeking a two day and one night trip. Beginning from the Peralta Trailhead at the far southern border of the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix, this hike traverses the rugged, gorgeous desert mountains to the lake, tucked away in the hills.
This hike is a very easy adventure that anyone of any age can enjoy. The Papago Park Butte Loop wraps around two buttes, which look like something out of an aquarium with their Swiss cheese hotels and smooth exterior. The trail is clear, easy to follow, and lined with unique desert plants and cacti.
Pinnacle Peak Trail is a great hike that’s enjoyed by hikers, runners, and climbers bound for the climbing routes on Pinnacle Peak. This route might deceive you a bit with its name–it’s not as hard as it sounds. You won’t be climbing up a peak, but you will be enjoying Pinnacle Peak and the summit next to it as you hike. Being just south of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, you can see the mountains in the preserve from this trail.
Tom's Thumb Trail is a hard hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of the best natural areas near Scottsdale. This hike climbs up past East End Peak to a viewpoint over the McDowell Mountains and the city of Phoenix spread out below. The view is a treat and the hike is relatively short, so if you’re a fast hiker, the bang for your buck is definitely there.
Western Vista Trail via Dixie Mountain Loop is a moderate hike in the Union Hills area of Phoenix. This route is moderately difficult, and we’d consider it suitable for strong beginners and older children. The hike climbs up through the hills near the base of Dixie Mountain, ending atop the hill immediately to the west of Dixie. You’ll enjoy a great view of the low peaks and the city beside you.
Telegraph Pass Trail is a hike that’s easy to reach and very popular. This moderate trail is used by hikers, dog walkers, and joggers. It’s suitable for families, but with a great view of the city from the top, it’s rewarding for all levels. Some of the trail is on concrete footing, then you’ll hike over packed dirt, so you can check this one off your list in your sneakers.
Freedom Trail is the route that wraps around Piestewa Peak’s base in its entirety. It’s sometimes called the Circumference Trail in contrast to the trail to the summit, which is called Summit Trail. This trail is much easier than the trek to the summit, so it’s a good pick for hikers who don’t feel ready to climb the whole mountain but who still want to appreciate the scenery of this peak and this part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
Scroll down to see the full list of hiking trails in Phoenix.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Phoenix
To state the obvious, it gets extremely hot in Phoenix. The summer months (May through September) aren’t just unpleasant to hike in, they’re downright dangerous due to the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. Temperatures frequently exceed 110°F (41°C), making it generally unsafe to be wandering out on the trails.
Keep in mind that Arizona experiences summer monsoons, which are heavy, brief rainstorms that can bring lightning and flash flooding. Monsoons tend to come in the afternoons, so if you plan to hike in the summer despite the heat, getting an early start is even more important.
Spring and fall are somewhat milder, but you can still easily expect daytime temperatures to hover between 77°C to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) in March, April, October, and November. Should you be hiking in these months, make sure you bring lots of water, turn back when your water is halfway done, and wear sun protection. Begin your hike early in the morning or early in the evening to avoid the heat of the day.
Winter is the best time to hike in Phoenix. In January, February, and December, temperatures rise to a much more manageable 68°C to 71°F (20°C to 22°C) daytime high. While hotter days can still occur, you’re at a much lower risk of heat-related issues on the trail in the winter.
Other Outdoor Activities in Phoenix
While the trails are excellent, hiking is certainly not the only way to explore Phoenix! This region boasts plenty of space for other outdoor activities.
Adventurers on two wheels can take advantage of the many mountain bike trails. Those with four-legged friends can explore horse and dog-friendly trails. Campers can set up their tents in sites near the city, and birders and animal lovers will be spoiled with the fascinating variety of species that call the desert home.
How to Plan a Trip to Phoenix
Planning a trip to Phoenix is pleasantly less high-pressure than planning trips to some of Arizona’s other outdoor destinations. You won’t find long lines of cars vying for trailhead parking here, nor will you be strapped for places to stay.
Phoenix has a good selection of accommodation options, from hotels in each corner of the city to short and long-term vacation rentals. Renting a car will make getting around the city as easy as possible, especially since Phoenix lacks a well-developed transit system. Trailhead parking is normally easy to find, save for the busiest weekends.
Some of the parks and recreation areas near Phoenix charge modest day-use fees, but most of the routes are free to hike.
Arizona Adventure Tours
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix
What is Phoenix known for?
The Desert Botanical Gardens, hot air balloons, Papago Park, Chase Field, sports games, golfing, and vacationers.
Why is Phoenix so popular?
Phoenix balances an affordable cost of living, job opportunities, and recreation in a way that makes it very attractive to many.
What is the population of Phoenix?
As of 2021, the population of Phoenix was approaching 1.7 million.
Does it get really hot in Phoenix?
Yes, extremely hot. The summers in Phoenix are some of the hottest in any major city in the United States.
Explore other great hiking regions in the United States
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Best Hikes in Phoenix
Warpaint Loop
This hike is an easy wander through the flat areas in front of the hills of Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This hike is great for kids and hikers of all skill levels and it requires almost no elevation change. Grab the family, the dogs, or just head out on your own for a relaxing walk in nature with no hard work needed. Expect heavy traffic on this trail.
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Marcos de Niza Trail
The Marcos de Niza Trail is a 2.9 km out and back hike in the South Mountain Preserve of Phoenix that sees heavy traffic. This hike is nice and short and it offers awesome views of the rest of the preserve and the city below. We don’t recommend it for small children because of the hands-on climbing required, but older kids and adventurous beginners should be able to enjoy it.
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Phoenix Mountain Nature Trail 304
The Phoenix Mountain Nature Trail 304 is a 2.3 km easy hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This route starts and ends in the Phoenix Mountain Park, making it easy to get to when you’re already spending time in the park. This is a user favorite for quick breaks in nature at the end of the week, and it’s an excellent choice for families, too. Expect moderate traffic.
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Desert Classic Trail
The Desert Classic Trail is an 14.2 km trail that stretches across the South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix. Note that this route guide is a point-to-point guide of the entire distance of the trail. Should you not have a car shuttle, you can hike as far as you like before turning back. This trail is a bit longer, but it’s steady in terms of elevation gain. You can cruise through this route pretty efficiently with its lack of big climbs or descents. Expect heavy traffic, including bike traffic.
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National Trail Out and Back Hike
The National Trail Out and Back hike leads you from the Pima Canyon Trailhead to the overlook on National Trail, covering half of the entire distance of the point-to-point National Trail. This is a great way to experience the National Trail when you don’t have a car shuttle that makes the entire point-to-point route feasible. Expect varied terrain, a few steeper climbs, and an overall demanding hike due to the distance. Also, expect heavy traffic.
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Shadow Mountain Trail
The Shadow Mountain Trail leads you around the portion of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve that Shadow Mountain is in. This small park is easy to get to in the city, the views are natural, and the somewhat primitive trails make you feel like you’re not still right in Phoenix. Choose this one for a quick adventure with family or the dogs.
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Bursera and Gila Trail Loop
The Bursera and Gila Trail Loop is a hike in a quieter corner of Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is 5.8 km long and sees light traffic, making it a pleasantly quieter escape in the preserve than many of the other trails. You can also enjoy this hike as-is or use the connecting trails to add some distance if you want to keep exploring. You can tailor the difficulty a bit by going clockwise versus counterclockwise.
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Beverly Canyon Loop
The Beverly Canyon Loop is a moderately difficult hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is just over 3.2 km long and sees light traffic, making it a pleasantly quieter escape in the preserve than many of the other trails. You can also enjoy this hike as-is or use the connecting trails to add some distance if you want to keep exploring. This route is especially nice when the wildflowers are in bloom.
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Beverly Canyon Trail
The Beverly Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This hike is 3.9 km long and offers nice canyon views. It’s also, thankfully, a bit quieter than some of the other trails in the preserve. You can also enjoy this hike as-is or use the connecting trails to add some distance if you want to keep exploring. Dogs are allowed to join you on this hike as long as they’re kept on leash.
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Phoenix Mountain Nature Loop
This hike explores an arm of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve near The Pointe. It’s an easy route without much traffic at all, so pick it on a day when you want a relaxing hike without the crowds. This route is family-friendly, dog-friendly on leash, and won’t take more than half an hour for most groups to complete. There are side trails available for hikers who want to add some distance to their adventure.
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Deems Hill Ridgeline
The Deems Hill Ridgeline hike is a 5.8 km lightly to moderately trafficked hike in the Deem Hills Recreation Area in Phoenix. This hike is moderately difficult and suitable for most skill levels. It’s a beautiful trail that tends to be nicely maintained. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they’re kept on leash.
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Pima Wash and Beverly Canyon Loop
The Pima Wash and Beverly Canyon Loop is an easy hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is just under 3.2 km long and sees moderate traffic. You can also enjoy this hike as-is or use the connecting trails to add some distance if you want to keep exploring. This route is especially nice when the wildflowers are in bloom and there are some big, squat cacti to see beside the trail.
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Ridgeback Overlook Hike
The Ridgeback Overlook is a moderately trafficked, moderately difficult hike in Phoenix, Arizona. This hike is 4.0 km long and leads you up to the top of a short ridge with lovely views of the surrounding hills, the saguaros, the cholla, and the wide blue sky. It’s a lesser-known crowd favorite, so add it to your list!
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Sidewinder and Ocotillo Loop
The Sidewinder and Ocotillo Loop is a heavily trafficked 8.4 km loop hike in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. This hike doesn’t offer big sightlines, but when the ocotillo is blooming, it becomes the star of the show. This route is shared by hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. It’s mostly undulating. Remember to share the trail and look out for one another.
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Lost Ranch Ruins to Lost Ranch Mines Loop
The Lost Ranch Ruins to Lost Ranch Mines Loop is a heavily trafficked 7.9 km hike in the South Mountain Preserve of Phoenix. This hike combines some interesting historical sites with impressive views. It’s a bit of a grind with some steep climbs involved, but it’s worth the work. We recommend this route for intermediate hikers and better. Expect heavy traffic.
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Kiwanis Trail to Las Lomitas Trail Loop
The Kiwanis Trail to Las Lomitas Trail Loop is a hike that explores the center of South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix. This trail is 12.6 km long and rated as moderate. You’ll have awesome views of the city and the rest of the preserve. There’s a steep climb no matter which way you do the loop, but other than that, the rest of the loop is fairly relaxed. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
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T-Bone Ridgeline Hike
The T-Bone Ridgeline Hike is a 3.4 km moderately difficult hike in the South Mountain Preserve of Phoenix. This route climbs steeply up to the top of a ridge with a great view of the city on one side and the mountains on the other, and then heads right back down. It’s a good workout, but it might be too steep or difficult for children or beginners. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
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L.V. Yates Loop
The L.V. Yates Loop is an easy 4.5 km loop hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This hike is a bit tough to navigate, but with a GPS route on hand, you’ll have an easier time. This hike is very easy and only requires one short section of uphill climbing. Watch for bikes and runners, who will likely also be using the trails in this area. Expect moderate traffic.
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Pyramid Peak Loop
This trail is most often used by mountain bikers and dirt bikers, but hikers are welcome to try it out, too. Expect an easy hike out to Pyramid Peak and back. The desert scenery is pleasant and you feel far outside of the city without needing to actually go far, but you will need to rely on GPS navigation to find your way unless your route-finding is strong. Expect light traffic.
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Bursera Trail
The Bursera Trail is a hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is 11.3 km long and sees heavy traffic, most of which is concentrated near the start. Look for the interesting elephant tree (Bursera) as you hike this route. Be prepared for a bit of climbing and a stiff descent, too. Poles will be quite helpful if you have them.