Urban Hiking in the Valley of the Sun

In the heart of the Arizona desert lies Phoenix, a sprawling metropolis of 1.3 million residents. Of course Phoenix provides all of the expected activities and events that the average urbanite expects, but Phoenix manages to give a special opportunity to those who love exploring the outdoors. The sunshine filled skies of Phoenix offer more to its residents and visitors than poolside tanning opportunities. Local residents know that those same clear skies offer exciting opportunities for outdoor exploration of Phoenix’s mountain and desert preserves.

The state of Arizona contains hundreds of state parks and preserves and nearly 26,000 acres of them are within Phoenix’s city limits. The city is home to 6 mountain parks/preserves containing more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Phoenix’s residents and visitors have the opportunity to explore the mountains, rivers, and desert valleys of the Sonoran desert, without ever leaving the city.

Before venturing out to any of Phoenix’s 6 parks, keep in mind that this is the desert. That means that it is a dry and usually warm climate. Being prepared with plenty of water is extremely important. Each year Phoenix Park officials respond to hikers who find themselves weakened from hydration and unable to make their way back. Some suffer even worse consequences by sudden falls and injuries brought on by lack of water. Also remember that some of the desert wildlife can be inhospitable to guests. Rattlesnakes, scorpions and coyotes are not an uncommon site in many of these parks; so make an effort to stay aware at all times. Park officials request that all visitors use courtesy on the trails and be respectful of all plant and wildlife.

North Mountain Park contains 5 self-guided hiking trails; the Penny Howe, Shaw Butte, Maxin Lakin, North Mountain, and Charles M. Christiansen Memorial. These five trails range in level of difficulty from easy to difficult, traverse over 20 miles of desert terrain, and accommodate hiking, biking and horseback riding. Along these trails, North Mountain and Shaw Butte reach heights of just over 2,100 feet and provide spectacular panoramic views of Phoenix. Guided bird-watching hikes are available depending on the season. Paved parking, picnic areas, and restrooms are also available.

Papago Park
Van Buren Street and Galvin Parkway

What makes Papago Park unique is its red-rock. The red-rock (iron oxide-hematite) formed somewhere between 6 and 15 million years ago creates strange red buttes that seem otherworldly to visitors of the park. Through erosion, holes in the red-rock buttes, called tafoni, formed to make the scenery even more dramatic. At some places, the tafoni are so large that they allow visitors to sit inside and gaze out over the park from within the butte itself. The park’s easy trails meander across more than 5 miles of this unique terrain making it ideal for new hikers and families. Parking, picnic, horse stables, and restroom facilities are available.

South Mountain Park and Preserve
10919 S. Central Avenue (south of Dobbins Road)

Phoenix ’s South Mountain Park/Preserve is not only the largest of Phoenix’s parks but it is the largest urban park in the United States. It is composed of over 16,000 acres including 58 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Trails vary in difficulty from easy to difficult and reach peaks of over 2,300 feet. Mount Suppoa is nearly 2,700 feet but is not accessible via public trails. The park attracts nearly 3 million visitors each year who come to view the 300+ species of plant and animal life and explore the park’s three mountain ranges; The Ma Ha Tauk, The Gila, and The Guadalupe. Parking, picnic, horse stables, and restroom facilities are available.

Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw
2701 E. Squaw Peak Lane / 2421 E. Northern Avenue

The Dreamy Draw Area Park and Preserve lies beneath the shadow of Piestewa Peak’s 2,600-foot summit. Of the seven self-guided trails in the park, three are rated moderate to difficult climbs. The remaining four are easy to moderate hikes. All trails are multi-use meaning there are available for hiking, biking and horseback riding with the exception of the Summit Trail. Hikers on Summit Trail will climb more than 1,200 feet in elevation and reach the summit of Piestewa Peak. Biking and horseback riding are restricted on this trail and even Fido is required to stay away. Fido is welcome on any of the other six trails in the park though, and there are beautiful valleys and washes to enjoy along these trails. Parking, restrooms, and picnic areas are available.

There is no mystery how Camelback Mountain got its name. Its distinctive “hump” and read sandstone attracts thousands of hikers each year to its four, short, but often steep, trails. The Summit and Cholla Trails are rated strenuous to difficult, and recommended for experienced hikers only. Bobby’s Rock and the Ramada Loop Trails are better suited for beginners. The popularity of this park makes parking, which is already in short supply, difficult, and on weekends there is often a wait for a space. A few of the mountain’s neighboring resorts offer guided hiking and biking treks up the mountain. There are no restroom or picnic facilities available.

Reach 11 Recreation Area
North of the Central Arizona Canal between Cave Creek and Scottsdale Roads

Reach 11 Recreation Area was designed with the equestrian in mind. Within its 1,500 acres of desert visitors will find the Arizona’s Horse Lovers Park, a 90-acre world-class equestrian facility. The Horse Lover’s Park includes four lighted arenas, water troughs, wash racks, tie stations, and a practice paddock. These facilities are available for rental and special event functions. If you’re not the riding type there is still plenty to see and explore here. The park, which is 7 miles long and less than a half mile wide, includes 18 miles of wide, multi use trails. Guided bird-watching hikes are available depending on the season. All facilities including restrooms, picnic areas and parking are available

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Hike In Phoenix, Urban Hiking Guides