Superstition Mountains Arizona
Central Arizona

Best Hikes in Phoenix – You Should Take Now

Lace up your boots. Grab some water and lets get hiking! There are so many urban hiking trails here are some of the best hikes in Phoenix for all skill levels. Just a short walk or drive depending on your base and you can be hiking on one of the areas beautiful trails.


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There is a trail for every level hiker in Phoenix. The outdoors is one of the main attractions in Arizona. With over 300 days of sun and unrivaled sunsets, Arizona is an ideal vacation spot for adventure lovers and hikers. Below is a list of some cool hikes in the Phoenix area.


Get Outdoors! The Best Hikes in Phoenix

Surrounded by mountains the metro Phoenix area has trails for every level of hiker and some of the best urban hikes in the country. Towering Saguaros, desert vistas and riparian preserves are all part of Phoenix area hiking trails. Here are some of our favorites

Blue Wash Trail

This desert hike takes you on the Blue Wash Trail and ends at Camp Creek Falls. Beautiful hike and horseback riding trails.

Blue Wash Trail

Camelback Mountain

Arguably the most well-known mountain in Phoenix. Camelback looks like you guessed it – a camel’s back. There are several hiking trails to choose from.

camelback mountain in Phoenix

Estrella Mountain

Hikers can chose from over 33-miles of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Estrella Mountain Regional Park is in Goodyear.

Estrella Mountain

Jewel of the Creek

This beautiful hike at Jewel of the Creek is a 26 acres preserve. The site has three trails along Cave Creek at the northern end of the town.

Jewel of the Creek Hike

Lookout Mountain

Short moderately difficult desert hike with great views, Lookout Mountain is dog friendly.

Lookout Mountain Trail Phoenix

McDowell Mountain

With more than 40-miles of trails McDowell Mountain Regional park is popular for hiking and horseback riding.

McDowell Mountains

Papago Mountains

A popular short urban hike, Hole in the Wall at Papago Park, has a rewarding view of the surrounding desert. This hike is near the Phoenix Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

papago park

Piestewa Peak

Centrally located, Piestewa Peak is a popular hike for both tourists and locals. Dogs are not allowed on the Summit Trail.

Piestewa Peak hike Phoenix, Arizona

Sonoran Preserve

Three trailheads, 23 trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riding. The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve in North Phoenix includes the Dixie Mountain Summit.

Sonoran Preserve desert

South Mountain

One of the largest city parks in the world, South Mountain Park has more than 50 trails to hike and offers fantastic views of the city and surrounding desert.

south mountain arizona view

Superstitions Mountain

One of the most prominent mountains in Phoenix, the Superstitions are famous for the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.

Superstition Mountains Arizona

Sunrise Mountain

Sunrise Mountain is across Westwing Parkway from Westwing Mountain. This preserve borders Happy Valley Road and Westwing Parkway.

Thunderbird Mountain

A hike at Thunderbird Mountain will wind you around the Hedgepath Hills in Glendale. These easy and moderate hike are perfect for if you want to take a quick hike

Thunderbird mountain in Phoenix

West Wing Mountain

A prominent mountain range in northern Peoria residential area.

westwing mountain

White Tank Mountains

One of the best places to see petrogyphs in Phoenix. The White Tank Mountains offer 11 hiking trails for all skill levels.

Phoenix White Tank Waterfall Trail

Phoenix Hiking Tips

  • Hike early in the morning before it gets too hot (summer is not the ideal time to hike)
  • Hike with a buddy or let someone know where you’re hiking.
  • Bring lots of water, even if it isn’t that hot out. A good rule of thumb is to start hiking back to your car when you’ve used 1/3 to 1/2 of your drinking water.
  • Be kind to your best friend. If it is hot outside think about how hot the ground is on your dog’s paws. It is illegal to take your dog on a Phoenix hiking trail when the temperature reaches 100 degrees.

A Local’s Guide for First Time Visitors – Things to Do in Phoenix