There’s a great trail for every skill level within a short drive from anywhere in Greater Phoenix. As outdoor enthusiasts will tell you, the region is a mecca for hiking. To help you choose your route, here is a list of the best trails.
Blevins Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park
For an easygoing introduction to quintessential Sonoran Desert scenery, this trail is your pick.
The flat, meandering path lets you take your eyes off your footing to scope out towering saguaros, tangled ocotillos, bristling bushes of cholla, and the banded ridgeline of nearby Pass Mountain.
Difficulty Rating: Easy. Distance: 3-mile loop
Usery Mountain Regional Park Trail Map
Double Butte Loop and Hole-in-the-Rock Trail in Papago Park
The best way to ogle the uncanny red sandstone formations of Papago Park is by hiking around (and inside) them. The smaller two of these beautiful buttes can be explored on an easy dirt loop that starts in the West Park parking lot, accessible from Galvin Parkway. Then, drive across the street to the park’s east side for a quick climb up rocky stairs to peek out from the cave-like Hole-in-the-Rock, a popular landmark (and prehistoric solstice-tracking tool) with views of an oasis and distant city skyline.
Difficulty Rating: Easy. Distance: 2.3-mile loop (Double Butte) and 825 feet out and back (Hole-in-the-Rock)
Waterfall Trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Saguaros, ancient petroglyph carvings, wide paths, and rocky outcroppings along this easy trail provide a slice of Sonoran Desert beauty without tricky footing or much elevation gain. Sighting the namesake waterfall at the end of the trail is rare, but possible if you hike after a rain.
Park entrance is $6.
Difficulty Rating: Easy. Distance: 1.8 miles out and back
Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail in South Mountain Park/Preserve
This steep trail leans toward the more difficult side of a moderate hike, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a must-see for views, desert flora, and fun rock formations. Start at the Mormon Trailhead and connect with the National Trail to head south.
That was the hard part: The remainder of the hike is for peeking at petroglyphs, playing around a natural tunnel, and a tight squeeze through “Fat Man’s Pass.” The lollipop-shaped loop brings you back to Mormon Trail for your descent.
Difficulty Rating: Medium. Distance: 4 miles out and back
South Mountain Park and Preserve Trail Map
Pinnacle Peak Trail in Pinnacle Peak Park
A groomed pathway provides an easy footing for soaking up the scenic views, spotting wildlife, and greeting passersby—it’s a popular trail, and not without reason.
The incline to 2,750 feet is gradual and well-maintained, and while you won’t be able to clamber on the true “pinnacle” of granite at the top, the trail still offers raw panoramic views of the desert unfolding below.
Difficulty Rating: Medium. Distance: 3.5 miles out and back
Dixie Mountain Loop in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
One of the newer areas in Phoenix’s desert preserve system offers a rolling loop trail through wild and undeveloped desert, notable for its diversity of plant life and spring wildflowers. If you want to add some elevation, there are two summits accessible from the loop: Dixie Mountain Summit is .22 miles to the top and rated difficult, and the Western Vista Trail is .34 miles to the top and rated moderate.
Difficulty Rating: Medium. Distance: 3.82-mile loop
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Trail Map
Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain
The summit of Camelback is one of the highest hikes in Phoenix and arguably the best view you can achieve here on two feet. That means this trail stays very busy, but don’t let it deter you from tackling the Phoenix landmark. Echo Canyon Trail climbs from the north side parking lot to a height of 2,704 feet (and we mean climbs – you’ll need your hands free for 1,200 feet of elevation gain, some scrambling up a steep slope at the beginning and hopping boulders near the peak). Save some time to relax and enjoy the 360-degree beauty at the top.
Difficulty Rating: Hard. Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Yes, there is an opportunity to take a thumbs-up photo with this trail’s signature formation. To get there and enjoy the views, otherworldly upland boulder fields and desert flora along the way, you’re going to need to gain some elevation. The trailhead’s north side starts you out with a series of strenuous switchbacks. Once you’re up in the land of boulders, keep an eye out for rock climbers and enjoy the trail until you reach the Thumb itself.
Difficulty Rating: Hard. Distance: 4.6 miles out and back
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Northern Region Trail Map
Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron in Lost Dutchman State Park
If other trails seem like a walk in the park, you’re probably ready to tackle this exhilarating climb in the Superstition Mountains. Start on the Siphon Draw Trail through the airy open desert until you hike up inside a basin of smooth, polished rock. You’ll have some time to admire its beauty before it’s evident you’re going to need to clamber up it on all fours. Once at the top, additional obstacles include another hand-over-hand rock face and a rugged, unmarked trail. A flat clearing awaits you at the end with staggering views out to the west. Pack a lunch for energy before making your way back down.
Difficulty Rating: Hard. Distance: 6 miles out and back
Lost Dutchman State Park Trail Map
Source: Visit Phoenix
All Photos via Unsplash