9 Best Hiking Trails in Phoenix to Explore
Arizona offers an impressive system of over 600 non-motorized hiking trails and paths.
With its breathtaking landscapes, thriving parks, and peaceful mountains, the state is certainly a paradise for adventurers, nature lovers, and hikers. It's also the home of amazing golf courses, and home of some amazing shopping malls, and luxury jewelry stores, particularly in Scottsdale.
At the center of all this is Phoenix - the bustling heart of Arizona and the ideal place to wander off on one of the best hiking trails the state has to offer.
From well-known attractions to hidden gems of natural beauty, here are the best 9 trails in and around Phoenix that you need to know about - and you will barely need to leave the Greater Phoenix Area at all to explore them!
Before you go: Located in the Southwestern US, Arizona benefits from warm winters and extremely hot summers. This is great for all-year-round excursionists! However, you should always carry with you water, an emergency kit, and a GPS locator. And don’t forget to pack the best backpacking flashlight by EcoGearFX.com for your night hike!
1. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail
If you are looking for the most popular - and yet most evocative - train around Phoenix, look no further than the Echo Canyon Trail in Camelback Mountain. Located at a brief 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, this trail is for experienced hikers. And yet, the jaw-dropping view of the valley visible from atop Camelback Mountain makes the effort worth the prize!
Depending on your level of fitness, you can complete the hike in under three hours. Expect rapidly climbing sections and paths filled with boulders and slick rocks.
From Phoenix: 11.4 miles
Length: Out & back 2.5 miles
Elevation: 1,200ft
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, not dog friendly, accessible for older kids
Location: 33.5131858, -111.9479306
Pro tip: Due to this trail’s popularity, finding parking at the trailhead can be difficult. Bike there instead!
2. Pinnacle Peak Park - Pinnacle Peak Trail
Pinnacle Peak Park is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona for hikers and nature lovers - and for a reason! Regardless of your hiking experience, this hiking trail will offer stunning views of the valley and over the 600-foot-tall granite summit.
Since the park is also a sanctuary, this is truly the ideal destination for animal lovers looking for close encounters with jackrabbits, squirrels, roadrunners, lizards, and cactus wrens.
From Phoenix: 32.2 miles
Length: Out & back 3.9 miles
Elevation: 1,174ft
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, not dog friendly, accessible for kids
Location: 33.7274806, -111.8667761
Pro tip: Look for a separate rock climbers access trail to the summit if you are after this activity.
3. Lost Dutchman State Park - Siphon Draw Trail
The Siphon Draw Trail in the Superstition Mountains’ Lost Dutchman State Park boasts some of the most magical and suggestive scenery of all hiking trails around phoenix. Following indications for the Siphon Draw Trail #53, you can enjoy unparalleled views of Mexican poppies and lupine fields.
Some highlights of the trail include a slick rock chute and The Basin. If you are a truly experienced hiker, you can continue past the waterfall towards the Flatiron and the summit. This second section comes with a 1,700-foot ascent, unmaintained trails, and steep sections where you will need to pull yourself up. Make sure you have the necessary gear and experience!
From Phoenix: 51.6 miles
Length: Out & back 5.5 miles
Elevation: 1,113ft
Difficulty: Moderate, great for dogs, accessible for kids
Location: 33.4593505859375, -111.480102539062
Pro tip: You’ll need $7 for the entry fee
4. McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Tom’s Thumb is another popular destination for tourists and Arizonian hikers alike. Following the trail, you will have the chance to admire endemic flora and fauna typical of the Sonoran Desert. Tom’s Thumb is a challenging, intimidating trail that comes with its fair share of strenuous switchbacks and boulder-filled sections. And yet, the opportunity to take a thumbs-up selfie side-by-side with this trail’s famous rock formation makes it a must-visit destination.
From Phoenix: 36.7 miles
Length: Out & back 4.2 miles
Elevation: 1,200ft
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, dogs are allowed, accessible for older kids
Location: 33.6945° N, 111.8017° W
Pro tip: Due to the typical desert feel, this trail is best enjoyed early on in the day, when the heat hasn’t set in yet.
5. Tonto National Forest - Butcher Jones Trail
The Butcher Jones Trail is an easier, family-friendly trail that has remained one of the most beautiful hidden gems of the area. Shortly after the beginning of the trail, you will find a small beach area where you can cool off and make the most of the rest of the hike.
From Phoenix: 43.7 miles
Length: Out & back 5.8 miles
Elevation: 180ft
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, great for dogs, great for families
Location: 33.576042, -111.514240
Pro tip: You will need to get a Tonto parking permit ($6) before you go.
6. Phoenix Mountains Preserve - Piestewa Summit Trail
The Piestewa Summit Trail is as popular as Camelback Mountain, and even more scenic and beloved by hikers. With its impressive ascent of over 1165 feet, this trek is for expert and prepared hikers who are confident with steep switchbacks and rocky stairs.
Depending on your level of experience, you will need between 45 minutes and two hours to complete this hiking trail.
From Phoenix: 9.4 miles
Length: Out & back 2.3 mile
Elevation: 1,167ft
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, dogs not allowed, best for experienced hikers
Location: 33.5473716,-112.0230235
Pro tip: If you are looking to enjoy a mountain hike, this is a great trail choice. Get here at 7 pm and you’ll have plenty of time to complete the trail by 11 pm.
7. Phoenix Sonoran Preserve - Apache Wash Trail
The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is packed with unmissable hikes, including the impressive Dixie Mountain Loop. However, if you are looking for an adventure to enjoy with your whole family, the Apache Wash Trail should be your trail of choice. Situated in the Sonoran Preserve North, the Apache Wash Trail might not be so much of a workout, but it certainly is a great place to soak in the stunning landscape of the Sonoran desert.
From Phoenix: 30.6 miles
Length: Out & back 3.5 miles
Elevation: 164ft
Difficulty: Easy, great for families
Location: 33.7674355,-112.0473664
Pro tip: There are no water points on the trail, so make sure you pack plenty of liquids will you.
8. Phoenix Mountain Reserve - Lookout Mountain Summit Trail
The Lookout Mountain Summit Trail on the Phoenix Mountain Reserve is a moderate path that is suitable for families with kids and dogs. The views you will enjoy along this hike are fantastic, and you will also be able to enjoy the natural landscape in all its beauty. While still popular, this trail is not as well-known as the Camelback or the Piestewa Summit Trail, so you can enjoy an adventure without dealing with crowds or traffic.
From Phoenix: 18.3 miles
Length: Out & back 1 mile
Elevation: 472ft
Difficulty: Moderate, kids need to be supervised and dogs kept on leashes
Location: 33.6237809,-112.0542791
Pro tip: If you are after an easier hike the 2.2-mile Trail 308 is an excellent alternative for less experienced hikers and families.
9. Usery Mountain Regional Park - Blevins Trail
The Belvins Trail is one of the easiest trails on this list - but is one not to be overlooked! It provides an excellent introduction to the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and provides visitors with the chance to sight rare wildlife species and flora such as saguaros and tangled ocotillos.
From Phoenix: 34.6 miles
Length: Loop 3 miles
Elevation: 97ft
Difficulty: Easy, accessible for families with dogs and kids
Location: 33.465512, -111.606118
Pro tip: The trail is also accessible by bike and horseback.
Discover More Hiking Trails To Explore At Adventure For Less
Thanks to the proximity to stunning lakes and lakes, and the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Sonoran desert, Phoenix is a dream destination for all hikers and adventurers. And yet, a lifetime isn’t enough to enjoy the hundreds of paths and trails located at a stone’s throw from downtown Phoenix.
Get started with the ones above and continue your Arizona exploration on Adventure For Less.
