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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
101 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1h
Directions to Trailhead

Marcos de Niza and Pima Loop Route Guide

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This hike in the South Mountain Preserve is short, but it packs in some good adventure. There are some sections of hands-on climbing on this trail that'll entertain hikers who like scrambling and probably deter small children. The entire loop is easy to complete on a time budget and tends to see heavy traffic. Try to hike this trail when the wildflowers are blooming.

Route Description for Marcos de Niza and Pima Loop

This hike explores the northeastern end of the South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix. Enjoy wide-open city views and views of the rest of the preserve stretching away from you. The trail is short enough to complete when you’re in a time crunch, but it does include some sections that require hands-on climbing. Little kids will need help to get through these sections and hikers who won’t like scrambling may wish to skip this one altogether.

Make sure you bring water with you on this hike and try to finish your trail before the heat of the afternoon hits.

From the trailhead, go left onto Desert Classic Trail and then take an immediate right to hike up through a set of switchbacks onto the ridge. Traverse the ridge, which has the best views of the hike. At the 4-way junction, go sharply right onto Beverly Canyon Trail. At the next 4-way junction, take another right onto National Trail.

National Trail will lead you back to the trailhead along the base of the ridge.

Getting to the Marcos de Niza and Pima Loop Trailhead

The trailhead for this hike is at the end of E Pima Canyon Road.

Route Information for Marcos de Niza and Pima Loop

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    October-May

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Loop

Marcos de Niza and Pima Loop Elevation Graph

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