Hiking Trails Around Phoenix You Can’t Miss

Phoenix’s desert landscape offers some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the Southwest. With its unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem, dramatic mountain ranges, and year-round sunshine, the Valley of the Sun is a true hiker’s paradise.

Whether you’re a casual walker or serious trekker, these trails showcase the raw beauty of Arizona’s wilderness right at the city’s doorstep.

1. Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail

The crown jewel of Phoenix hiking awaits adventurous souls willing to tackle its challenging terrain. This 2.5-mile round-trip journey rewards your effort with panoramic valley views that stretch for miles in every direction.

Bring plenty of water and start early to avoid the midday heat. The trail features several sections requiring hand-over-foot climbing, making it feel more like a full-body workout than just a hike.

Reaching the 2,704-foot summit feels like a genuine accomplishment, and the Instagram-worthy photos are just a bonus to the sense of achievement you’ll experience.

2. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

Formerly known as Squaw Peak, this iconic trail offers a fantastic cardio workout with stunning city views as your reward. The well-maintained 1.2-mile path climbs relentlessly upward through rocky switchbacks.

I love watching the changing colors as the sun sets over the city from this vantage point. The trail is popular with locals getting their exercise, so you’ll never feel isolated even when hiking solo.

Consider timing your hike for late afternoon when temperatures cool and the golden hour light transforms the landscape into something truly magical.

3. South Mountain’s Hidden Valley Loop

A true desert gem tucked away in the world’s largest municipal park! This moderate 4-mile loop takes you through fascinating rock formations including natural tunnels that feel like stepping into another world.

Desert wildlife thrives here – keep your eyes open for roadrunners darting across the trail or lizards sunning on rocks. The National Trail connects to this loop, offering options to extend your adventure if you’re feeling energetic.

Spring visitors are treated to wildflower displays that transform the seemingly harsh landscape into a colorful canvas. Time your hike for early morning to spot the most active wildlife.

4. Tom’s Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Named for its distinctive rock formation that resembles a thumb pointing skyward, this 4-mile round-trip hike captivates with its granite boulder fields and lush desert vegetation. The trail climbs steadily through the northeastern section of Scottsdale’s pristine preserve.

Massive saguaros stand like silent sentinels along the path. You’ll spot unique boulder formations shaped by millions of years of erosion that spark the imagination.

The thumb itself is a popular spot for rock climbers, and watching their graceful ascents adds another dimension to your hiking experience. Bring binoculars to spot distant wildlife.

5. Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain

Less crowded than Echo Canyon but equally rewarding, this alternative route up Camelback offers a slightly more gradual ascent. The trail begins in a residential area before opening up to showcase spectacular desert vistas.

Watch your footing on the upper sections where handholds become necessary. The varied terrain keeps the hike interesting from start to finish, with new perspectives around each bend.

Morning hikers might spot jackrabbits or quail scurrying among the creosote bushes. The trail’s name comes from the cholla cacti dotting the landscape – beautiful but don’t touch their deceptively soft-looking spines!

6. Pinnacle Peak Park Trail

Perfect for families and casual hikers, this well-maintained 3.5-mile out-and-back trail in north Scottsdale offers a more accessible adventure. The smooth, wide path winds around the distinctive granite peak rather than scaling it directly.

Educational signs along the route identify local plants and geological features. I’ve spotted Harris’s hawks circling overhead and once even glimpsed a bobcat slinking between boulders in the early morning hours.

Unlike many Phoenix-area trails, this one features several shaded rest areas with benches where you can catch your breath while enjoying the impressive desert panorama.

7. Papago Park’s Hole-in-the-Rock Trail

Got just 30 minutes? This ultra-short but memorable hike delivers big rewards for minimal effort! The naturally formed opening in the distinctive red butte creates a perfect frame for viewing downtown Phoenix and nearby Tempe.

Ancient Hohokam people used this geological feature as a calendar device, tracking the sun’s movement. The surrounding park offers picnic areas, fishing lagoons, and connections to the Desert Botanical Garden for an extended day of outdoor enjoyment.

Sunset transforms this spot into pure magic as golden light streams through the opening. It’s no wonder this is one of the most photographed locations in the Phoenix area.

8. Lost Dog Wash Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Named after a wash that supposedly swallowed up a prospector’s dog long ago, this gentle 4.4-mile loop offers a perfect introduction to desert hiking. The relatively flat terrain makes it ideal for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed pace.

Spring visitors are rewarded with wildflower displays that transform the desert floor. I especially love how this trail showcases the diversity of Sonoran Desert plants – from towering saguaros to delicate barrel cacti.

The trailhead features excellent facilities including restrooms and water stations. Consider extending your adventure by connecting to the Sunrise Trail for more challenging terrain and elevated views.

9. Wind Cave Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park

Located on the eastern edge of the Valley, this 3.2-mile round-trip hike leads to a fascinating wind-carved alcove in the side of Pass Mountain. The moderate climb rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Superstition Mountains and beyond.

Desert wildlife abounds here – I’ve spotted everything from Gila monsters to desert tortoises during spring hikes. The cave itself creates a natural air conditioning effect that feels wonderfully refreshing after the uphill journey.

Look for the unique crested saguaro cacti along the trail with their distinctive fan-shaped tops. These rare formations occur in less than 1 in 10,000 saguaros!

10. Dreamy Draw’s Nature Trail

Tucked between Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, this gentle 2-mile loop delivers beautiful desert scenery without the intense climbing of neighboring trails. Perfect for families or when you want a quick nature fix without exhausting yourself.

The trail meanders through classic Sonoran Desert landscape filled with brittlebush, palo verde trees, and majestic saguaros. I’ve encountered coyotes, javelinas, and a remarkable variety of birds while hiking here in the cooler months.

The name “Dreamy Draw” allegedly comes from mercury mining in the area that caused miners to experience dreamlike hallucinations. Today, it’s simply a dreamy escape from city life.