phoenix hiking
Central Arizona

Phoenix Hikes You Should Take Now

June 14, 2020 /

Lace up your boots. Grab some water and lets get hiking! Phoenix has some of the best urban hikes. 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! Phoenix Hikes

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

Piestewa Peak
Centrally located, Piestewa Peak is a popular hike for both tourists and locals.
South Mountain
south mountain phoenix hike
One of the largest city parks in the world, South Mountain has more than 50 trails to hike and offers fantastic views of the city and surrounding desert.
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
McDowell Mountain
mcdowell mountain
With more than 40-miles of trails McDowell Mountain Regional park is popular for hiking and horseback riding.
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.
White Tanks
One of the best places to see petrogyphs in Phoenix. The White Tank Mountains offer 11 hiking trails for all skill levels.
Lookout Mountain
Short moderately difficult desert hike with great views.
The Superstitions
One of the most prominent mountains in Phoenix, the Superstitions are famous for the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.
Papago Mountains
A short urban hike with a rewarding view of the surrounding desert. This hike is near the Phoenix Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Jewel of the Creek
26 acres preserve with three trails along Cave Creek at the northern end of the town.
Sunrise Mountain
Sunrise Mountain is across Westwing Parkway from Westwing Mountain. This preserve borders Happy Valley Road and Westwing Parkway.
WESTWING mOUNTAIN
A prominent mountain range in northern Peoria residential area.
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.
Blue Wash Trail
south mountain phoenix hike
This desert hike takes you on the Blue Wash Trail and ends at Camp Creek Falls. Beautiful hike and horseback riding trails.
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.

Phoenix Hiking Tips

  • Hike early in the morning before it gets too hot
  • Let someone know where you’re hiking
  • Bring lots of water. 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.
  • If the outside temperature is 100 degrees or higher 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 to Phoenix, Arizona
phoenix hikes

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