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    Marcos de Niza Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    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
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    2.9 km
    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.
    125 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    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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    Route Description for Marcos de Niza Trail

    Marcos de Niza Trail is a hike in the northeastern end of the South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix. Enjoy wide-open city views and views of the rest of the preserve in front of you on this trail. The hike 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.

    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. You’ll head along the top of the ridgeline. The scrambling section has good handholds and footholds, but just take your time to be safe. Your outbound hike ends at the 4-way junction, where you’ll turn back and retrace your steps to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Marcos de Niza Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Marcos de Niza Trail is at the end of Pima Canyon Road.

    Route Information

    • 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

      Out and back

    Marcos de Niza Trail Elevation Graph

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    Marcos de Niza Trail Reviews

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