The Best Hikes in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, is a hiker's paradise, offering a variety of trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. The city and its surrounding areas are home to stunning desert landscapes, mountain views, and diverse flora and fauna. Whether you're a local or a visitor, hitting the trails in Phoenix is a must-do activity. Let's explore the best hikes in Phoenix, focusing on highly rated trails and providing details on the average hiking time for each one.
1. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail
Overview
Camelback Mountain is perhaps the most iconic hiking destination in Phoenix. The Echo Canyon Trail is one of the two main routes to the summit, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Trail Details
- Length: 2.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,420 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Average Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Highlights
The trail features steep climbs, rocky sections, and breathtaking views of Phoenix from the summit. It's a popular spot, so it's best to hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
2. Piestewa Peak - Summit Trail
Overview
Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak, is another favorite among local hikers. The Summit Trail is a well-maintained path that leads to one of the highest points in Phoenix.
Trail Details
- Length: 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,190 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Average Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
Highlights
The trail offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's a steep and rocky ascent, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
3. South Mountain Park - Hidden Valley Trail
Overview
South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The Hidden Valley Trail is a scenic loop that takes hikers through some of the park's most beautiful areas.
Trail Details
- Length: 3.6 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 810 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Highlights
The trail features unique rock formations, natural tunnels, and petroglyphs. The Fat Man's Pass is a narrow rock passage that adds a fun challenge to the hike.
4. Papago Park - Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
Overview
Papago Park is known for its distinctive red sandstone formations. The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is a short, family-friendly hike that leads to a large, natural hole in the rock.
Trail Details
- Length: 0.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
Highlights
This trail is perfect for a quick outing and offers great views of the city and surrounding desert. The hole in the rock is a popular spot for photos, especially at sunrise and sunset.
5. North Mountain - North Mountain National Trail
Overview
North Mountain offers a less crowded alternative to Camelback and Piestewa Peaks. The North Mountain National Trail is a steady climb with beautiful views.
Trail Details
- Length: 1.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 614 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 1-1.5 hours
Highlights
The trail provides scenic vistas of downtown Phoenix and the surrounding mountains. It's a great option for a quick hike with rewarding views.
6. Lookout Mountain - Lookout Mountain Summit Trail
Overview
Lookout Mountain is a small peak offering a short but steep hike with excellent views of the North Phoenix area.
Trail Details
- Length: 1.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 1-1.5 hours
Highlights
This trail is perfect for a quick workout with rewarding views at the summit. It's less crowded than some of the other popular hikes in Phoenix.
7. Dreamy Draw Recreation Area - Dreamy Draw Loop Trail
Overview
The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area offers a network of trails suitable for all skill levels. The Dreamy Draw Loop Trail is a scenic loop that showcases the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Trail Details
- Length: 3.7 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 433 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
Highlights
The trail meanders through desert landscapes with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty. It's a great option for a leisurely hike.
8. McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Gateway Loop Trail
Overview
Located just outside of Phoenix in Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers a vast array of trails. The Gateway Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the preserve.
Trail Details
- Length: 4.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 655 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Highlights
The trail offers stunning views of the McDowell Mountains and the Sonoran Desert. It's well-maintained and provides a great introduction to the preserve's trail system.
9. Thunderbird Conservation Park - H-1 Summit Trail
Overview
Thunderbird Conservation Park in Glendale, just a short drive from Phoenix, offers several hiking trails. The H-1 Summit Trail is a popular choice for its panoramic views.
Trail Details
- Length: 1.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 1-1.5 hours
Highlights
The summit offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding areas. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
10. Deem Hills Recreation Area - Circumference Trail
Overview
Deem Hills Recreation Area in North Phoenix features several trails, with the Circumference Trail being a favorite for its length and scenic views.
Trail Details
- Length: 5.7 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 885 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average Hiking Time: 2.5-3 hours
Highlights
The trail circles Deem Hills, providing continuous views of the desert landscape and the city. It's a great trail for a longer, moderate hike.
