Best Hiking Trails in Phoenix for Every Skill Level

Why Phoenix is a Hiker’s Paradise

Phoenix, Arizona, often called the Valley of the Sun, is more than golf resorts and desert landscapes. It has become one of the top hiking hubs in the American Southwest. With over 200 miles of interconnected trails winding through the Sonoran Desert, the city offers everything from quick morning loops to demanding summit climbs. What makes hiking in Phoenix unique is how close the trails are to the city. You can start your morning with a challenging hike and still make it back downtown for brunch within the hour.

Along the way, you will also get practical tips on safety, weather, pet policies, park fees, and the best times to enjoy each trail. Some hikes shine in the soft glow of morning light, others are best during wildflower season, and a few offer unforgettable views at sunset.

Easy Hiking Trails in Phoenix (Beginner-Friendly)

These hikes are perfect for those new to desert hiking, families with kids, or anyone craving a scenic walk without steep elevation.

1. Hole-in-the-Rock Trail (Papago Park)

What to Expect:
Hole-in-the-Rock isn’t just an easy hike; it’s an experience packed into a short time. You’ll walk over warm red sandstone, see intriguing shapes carved by wind and water, and arrive at the “hole” just in time to see the sun cast glowing light across the desert. It’s ideal if you have limited time, are recovering from other hikes, or want something to ease into desert terrain.

• Length: ~0.3 miles round trip
  
• Time: ~15–20 minutes
  
• Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
  
• Highlights: Natural sandstone “window” for views, excellent light at dawn or dusk, central location near the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.

Local Pro Tip:
Parking is limited, especially close to sunset. Try early morning or before dusk. During the cooler months, bring a light sweater because temperatures can drop quickly once the sun goes down.

2. Double Butte Loop Trail (Papago Park)

What to Expect:
This loop gives you a broader taste of Papago Park than Hole-in-the-Rock. The trail meanders, climbs gently, and rewards with panoramic views without requiring much effort. You’ll pass cacti clusters, occasional birdlife, and sweeping views of Phoenix’s urban edge.

• Length: 2.3 miles loop
  
• Time: ~1–1.5 hours
  
• Elevation Gain: Minimal (~100–150 ft)
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
  
• Highlights: Scenic views of red buttes, wildflowers in spring, and views of the Phoenix skyline.

Local Pro Tip:
Look out for the small side trails that lead to hidden viewpoints. In mid-spring, after a light rain, the area often comes alive with poppies and lupines, making it an excellent spot for photography.

3. Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail (South Mountain Park)

What to Expect:
This trail is great for anyone who wants a gentle walk, including families, elderly hikers, or people with mobility concerns. The paved loops are thoughtfully designed with benches, shade, and educational signage. It’s a good warm-up for more challenging hikes, especially under sunny skies.

• Length: 0.5–1 mile (two loops)
  
• Time: ~30 minutes
  
• Elevation Gain: None (paved)
  
• Difficulty: Very Easy / Accessible
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, but better suited for small dogs due to the paved path and heat exposure.
  
• Highlights: Interpretive signage, shaded rest spots, educational themes on desert flora/fauna.

Local Pro Tip:
Morning hours are the best time to head out because paved surfaces heat up quickly as the day goes on. Always carry plenty of water for yourself, and don’t forget your dog, since the ground can get hot under their paws.

Moderate Hiking Trails in Phoenix (For Adventure Seekers)

These hikes introduce more distance, steeper terrain, and more exposure. They balance challenge with reward.

4. Hidden Valley Trail (South Mountain Park)

What to Expect:
The name of this trail says it all. Hidden Valley delivers a true adventure. You’ll crawl through boulder tunnels, rock passages, experience dramatic ridges, and desert panoramas. It’s steep in sections, but well worth the effort. Midway, you’ll get views that make you appreciate why Phoenix hiking is beloved.

• Length: ~3.4 miles loop
  
• Time: ~2–2.5 hours
  
• Elevation Gain: ~900 ft
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
  
• Highlights: Fat Man’s Pass (narrow rock squeeze), desert ridges and ridgelines, sweeping views over Phoenix Valley, wildflowers in spring.

Local Pro Tip:
Wear shoes with a good grip (rock scramble parts). Also, be careful if visiting after rain, the path through the rocks can get slippery.

5. Mormon Loop Trail (South Mountain)

What to Expect:
Mormon Loop gives you both solitude and challenge. Because it’s less famous than Camelback or Piestewa, you’ll often have parts of the trail almost to yourself. The ascent is steady, and the terrain changes from soft sand to rocky ridges. Great for taking in the desert silence and photographing the setting sun.

• Length: ~4.7 miles loop
  
• Time: ~2.5–3 hours
  
• Elevation Gain: ~1,100 ft
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
  
• Highlights: Less crowd, ridge views, panoramic desert vistas, a mix of rocky and sandy terrain.

Local Pro Tip:
Leave around 7 AM to avoid the heat of the sun. Take time to stop at viewpoints along the way, as they often provide stunning scenery with very little extra effort.

6. Lookout Mountain Summit Trail

What to Expect:
This is the kind of hike that gives you a viewpoint without long travel or a steep climb for hours. You gain just enough elevation to see for miles. Many hikers use this for a fast workout, for sunset views, or to avoid the crowds on bigger trails.

• Length: ~1.2 miles round trip
  
• Time: ~45 minutes–1 hour
  
• Elevation Gain: ~450 ft
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
  
• Highlights: 360° views, less foot traffic, excellent sunset spot, clear vista over central Phoenix.

Local Pro Tip:
Bring a headlamp if you’re staying late. The descent into near-darkness can be tricky if unfamiliar.

Challenging Hiking Trails in Phoenix (For Experienced Hikers)

These are for serious hikers. Expect steep climbs, exposure, potentially unmarked or rugged terrain, and limited shade. Be well prepared.

7. Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail

What to Expect:
Echo Canyon is famous—and for good reason. It starts steep, quickly ramps up, and includes sections where you’ll need to use your hands to stabilize. The view at the top is glorious: Phoenix, Camelback, Paradise Valley, and surrounding ridges all on display. But the hike demands respect: heat, exposure, and risk of slips.

• Length: ~2.4 miles round trip
  
• Time: ~2–3 hours, depending on pace and rest breaks
  
• Elevation Gain: ~1,400 ft
  
• Difficulty: Hard
  
• Pet-Friendly? No, dogs are not allowed (due to safety & trail erosion)
  
• Highlights: Iconic summit, steep rock scrambles, rails/hand-assisted sections, sweeping panorama.

Local Pro Tip:
Start no later than 7 AM outside of fall/winter. Bring extra water, consider trekking poles, and avoid times when trails are closed for heat.

8. Camelback Mountain – Cholla Trail

What to Expect:
Cholla gives you a bit more breathing room early in the hike before things get steep. The views are expansive, and there’s more variety along the ridgeline. Still, exposure to the sun and heat is significant, so prepare accordingly.

• Length: ~3 miles round trip
  
• Time: ~2.5–3.5 hours
  
• Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft
  
• Difficulty: Hard
  
• Pet-Friendly? No, dogs not allowed
  
• Highlights: Slightly gentler start than Echo, exposed ridgeline, less crowded, rewarding views.

Local Pro Tip:
Watch the sky as you hike. Many sections have no shade, so bring sunscreen, wear a wide-brim hat, and try to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day in the summer months.

9. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

What to Expect:
If you want one of the “classic Phoenix hikes,” Piestewa is it. It’s known for being well-maintained, but relentless: your legs will feel the climb on the way up, and the descent demands careful footing. Because of proximity to neighborhoods, expect crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Length: ~2.2 miles round trip
  
• Time: ~1.5–2.5 hours
  
• Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft
  
• Difficulty: Hard
  
• Pet-Friendly? No, dogs not allowed (high traffic, steep sections)
  
• Highlights: Steep switchbacks, an iconic local summit, excellent views, and popular among both locals and visitors.

Local Pro Tip:
Check parking early, as many spots fill up quickly. On hot days, the trailhead may close midday. Start early if hiking in warm weather.

10. Telegraph Pass to National Trail (South Mountain)

What to Expect:
This is one for the endurance hiker. It’s long, it’s rugged, and portions are exposed. You’ll get a real sense of desert wilderness even though you’re not far from the city. Great vistas, rewarding views, and fewer people. But once you leave the more developed trailheads, facilities drop off.

• Length: ~7.5 miles round trip
  
• Time: ~4–5 hours or more, depending on rest stops.
  
• Elevation Gain: ~1,200+ ft
  
• Difficulty: Hard
  
• Pet-Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash, but bring lots of water and plan carefully.
  
• Highlights: Remoteness, stretching into the National Trail, changing landscapes, solitude.

Local Pro Tip:
Map out access points; bring navigation tools; plan for shade breaks; ensure your dog is ready for an extended hike in sun exposure.

Hidden Gems Just Outside Phoenix (Day Trips & Lesser-Known Trails)

These hikes are further away but reward with solitude, unique geology, and wider vistas:

• Wave Cave Trail (Superstition Mountains): ~3 miles out & back, ~900 ft elevation. Famous rocky “wave” formation. Seasonal water flow sometimes occurs after rain. Moderate difficulty. Pet-friendly on leash for most sections; rocky terrain might be hard on paws.
  
• Siphon Draw to Flatiron (Lost Dutchman State Park): ~6 miles out & back, significantly rugged at the end. Exposure, scrambling. No shade, many parts. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but the steep rock sections can be challenging, making this trail best suited for experienced hikers with their dogs.
  
• Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle (Gold Canyon): ~4–5 miles, fantastic views of Weaver’s Needle, desert flora, rugged ridgelines. Wise to combine with sunrise or an early morning start. Pet policy: dogs on leash; summer heat is serious.

These trails are great when you have a full day, want to escape the city crowds, and are okay with driving 30-60 minutes each way.

What to Pack for Phoenix Hiking

Preparation can make or break an experience. Here’s what to have in your photo-ready desert backpack:

• Plenty of water (more than you think) + collapsible bottle for refill if available
  
• Sun protection: sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
  
• Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with grip
  
• Lightweight layers (early morning or evening can be chilly)
  
• Snacks high in protein/electrolytes
  
• Navigation tools: GPS map, offline map, or well-marked trail app
  
• First aid basics; blister care (rocks and terrain can be unforgiving)
  
• Microfiber towel or bandana (for sweat, sun, cooling)
  
• For hikers with dogs: extra water for pet, bowl, leash, paw protection (if rocky), waste bags

Final Thoughts & Choosing What’s Right for You

Each hiker has different goals: views, distance, solitude, challenge, or a bit of all. When picking your trail:

• Match the hike’s difficulty and distance to your current fitness level.
  
• Always consider heat and weather conditions.
  
• If hiking with pets or kids, prioritize leash-friendly, accessible, shaded, short hikes.
  
• Use morning or late afternoon hours for best light and cooler temps.
  
• Respect the environment, stay on trails, pack out trash, leave no trace.

Frequently Asked Questions