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
Some of us love trip planning and some of us just… don’t. Take the stress out of your trip with an expert-planned adventure tour, letting you let go and focus on the fun stuff. Check out some incredible adventure tours in Arizona.
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
Desert Tortoise Trail
The Desert Tortoise Trail is a pretty hike near Dixie Mountain in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. This hike is 4.3 km long and rated as moderate. It’s generally suitable for most skill levels and dogs are allowed to join you on this trail, although we would recommend keeping them on leash and close to you due to the number of cholla on the side of the trail. Expect moderate traffic.
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Perl Charles and Voaz Loop
The Perl Charles and Voaz Loop is a 6.9 km moderately difficult hike that makes use of two popular trails in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve to create one rewarding loop. This loop has great views of nearby Piestewa Peak without the same level of crowds that the trails around Piestewa tend to experience. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
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Perl Charles Memorial Trail
The Perl Charles Memorial Trail is one of the main routes in the Piestewa Peak area of Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This route guide covers a moderately difficult 11.3 km loop that has a great view of the peak and the surrounding desert hills. This route is also popular with trail runners. Enjoy the variety of the trail and expect moderate traffic.
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Corona de Loma Trail
The Corona de Loma Trail is a hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is 10.3 km long and is rated as difficult. It’s popular for conditioning for backpackers and hikers training for longer hikes. It’s not the best choice for kids but it’s a good pick for those who want to work for their views. The trail offers pretty desert scenery, from plants to the hills and ridges of the preserve. Expect light traffic on this hike.
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Old Man Corona Loop
The Old Man Corona Loop is a hard hike in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve. This route is about 9.7 km long and offers a good workout. It’s popular for conditioning for backpackers and hikers training for longer hikes. It’s not the best choice for kids but it’s a good pick for those who want to work for their views. The trail offers pretty desert scenery, from plants to the hills and ridges of the preserve. Expect light traffic on this hike.
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Mohave Trail
The Mohave Trail is a moderate hike that leads up through the hills in the Phoenix Mountain Park. This trail climbs up and over a hill with a nice view of the park and the surrounding hills. You’ll also enjoy a view of Piestewa Peak right beside you. Expect a somewhat rocky trail with two moderately steep climbs and a moderate amount of traffic. Dogs are allowed on this trail if they’re kept on leash.
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Maxine Lakin Nature Trail
The Maxine Lakin Nature Trail is a moderate hike that leads up through the hills in the Phoenix Mountain Park. This trail climbs up and over a hill with a nice view of the park and the surrounding hills. You’ll also enjoy a view of Piestewa Peak right beside you. Expect a somewhat rocky trail with two moderately steep climbs and a moderate amount of traffic. Dogs are allowed on this trail if they’re kept on leash.
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Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail
Camelback Mountain is Phoenix’s most dominant peak, named for its resemblance to a camel laying down. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the city. This guide leads you up Camelback Mountain on Cholla Trail on an out and back approach. More hikers take Echo Canyon Trail on the other side of the mountain. Cholla Trail is a bit more technical and requires scrambling. The route is challenging and shouldn’t be underestimated, but from the top, you’ll have an incredible view of the city and the surrounding mountains since this is the tallest peak in the Phoenix area.
Camelback Mountain is not a beginner or kid-friendly hike. There are multiple rescues on this mountain every season and hikers have died from dehydration and accidents up here. If you’re a new hiker or you’re not used to hiking in desert conditions, save this one for the future. Should you want to hike the entire length of the mountain point-to-point, check out our Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail route guide.
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Lost Dog Trail
This hike is a 6.8 km out and back adventure that leads you through the scenic Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale. Enjoy an area filled with unique desert plants, making this a great hike to pick if it’s rained recently or it’s blooming season. The hike is rated as moderate but it leans to the easy side of moderate, so all ages and skill levels should be able to enjoy it. Expect heavy traffic on this trail.
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Lost Dog Wash to Ringtail Loop
The Lost Dog Wash and Ringtail Loop is a 7.1 km moderately difficult trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve that is good for all skill levels. This hike really shows off the plants and wildlife of the desert on a trail that travels along a ridge adorned with most of the plant species this area is known for. If you can hike it after rain you’ll be especially impressed. Expect heavy traffic.
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Tom’s Thumb via Gateway Trail
Tom’s Thumb via Gateway Trail is an alternative route to the top of Tom’s Thumb that’s longer and a bit more demanding than the traditional approach. This hike is just over 17.7 km long, but with views of Horseshoe Ridge, Drinkwater Peak, and East End Peak all close by, it’s a rewarding venture. Expect moderate to heavy traffic on this trail.
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Granite Mountain Loop
The Granite Mountain Loop does as it says, looping Granite Mountain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This hike covers mostly flat ground, making it easy enough for families and beginners. Enjoy a view of Granite Mountain from all angles and the rugged desert that surrounds it. This route experiences heavy traffic, so try to visit during the week if you’re able to.
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Peralta Canyon Trail to Robber’s Roost
This hike adds an extension onto the typical adventure through Peralta Canyon, taking you to Robber's Roost, a fantastic lookout point over the canyon and the desert below. You’ll likely need to rely a bit on GPS navigation to find the roost, but if you can, you’ll likely have it all to yourself. The views on the way are wonderful in their own right, too. Expect light traffic on this trail.
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Papago Buttes Out and Back
If you’re visiting Papago Park, try this out and back hike to the park’s recognizable buttes and back. This route is a more direct way to get to the buttes than the loop hike. It’s short, easy, and suitable for all ages and skill levels. Add it onto your adventures in the park for a nice way to get moving with family. Expect heavy traffic.
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Wind Cave Trail
The Wind Cave Trail is likely the most-hiked route in Usery Mountain Regional Park near Phoenix. This route is 4.7 km long and rated as moderate. There are lots of natural stairs required to get into the cave that might make it too hard of a hike for small children or hikers with limited mobility, but otherwise, this route is easy enough for most users to complete.
This route climbs up through the desert towards a cut-out in the mountain, more like half a subway tunnel than a cave, but nonetheless fun to explore, sit in, and admire the view from. With some pleasant shade and view of the Fountain Hills fountain, you could definitely spend a while up here. Expect heavy traffic on this very popular trail.
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Lone Tree via Peralta Canyon Trail
This hike adds an extension onto the typical adventure through Peralta Canyon, taking you to the Lone Tree, a lone pine tree amidst the hoodoos and rock formations of the canyon. The canyon is always a gorgeous place to hike, and this route adds on a fun treat to the end of this already enjoyable hike. Expect moderate traffic on this trail.
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Weaver’s Needle via Peralta Canyon Trail
This hike leads you to Weaver’s Needle, a giant column of stone perched above Peralta Canyon in the Superstition Wilderness. The hike through Peralta Canyon is always enjoyable with its hoodoos and dramatic rocky scenery, and ending your outbound hike at Weaver’s Needle makes for an even better trip. Expect moderate traffic on this hard hike.
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Arrowhead Point and Cholla Loop
This hike follows two main trails to loop through the Thunderbird Conservation Park in the far northern reaches of the Phoenix metro area. You’ll enjoy a sightline over the city that’s better than what you might expect from this little park. The hike is moderately difficult and should take less than 3 hours for most users to complete. Expect moderate traffic.
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Cholla Loop
The Cholla Loop is one of the three main trails in Phoenix’s Thunderbird Conservation Area, a recreational and natural area in the far northern reaches of the metro area near Glendale. This route climbs saguaro-dotted hills, follows a ridge with an excellent view of the city, and then returns you to the trailhead over the course of a moderately difficult hike.
The whole adventure is 5.6 km long and is suitable for most skill levels, including families and active beginners. Since this park is surrounded by a neighborhood, you’ll see lots of other families on the trail. The trail is obvious and easy to follow, so you shouldn’t need to bring along GPS routes or maps. A little tip: if you’re able to time your hike for the sunset, you’ll have the best view possible. Expect heavy traffic on this popular hike and consider visiting in off-peak hours if you’re able to.
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Skull Mesa Trail
The Skull Mesa Trail is an 18.2 km hike in the Spur Cross Ranch Recreation Area in Arizona. This hike is long and challenging with some tough climbs, but the view from the mesa is quite spectacular and you can find petroglyphs along the trail if you keep your eyes open. This trail is best suited for strong hikers and it’s essential to plan it for a cool day. Expect light traffic.