10 Best Hikes in Phoenix

From the Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona is known for its scenic hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the desert landscape. However, you might be surprised to discover that you don’t have to ever leave Phoenix to encounter incredible hikes for all skill levels.

As a Phoenix native, I’ve grown up hiking all the trails in the Phoenix area. Hiking is my favorite way to stay active, and I love that I can literally cross the street and hike a mountain in the afternoon for a work break.

If you’re ready to experience the incredible views Phoenix has to offer, check out this list of the ten best hikes in Phoenix! All the trails on this list are free, and they are located within Greater Phoenix.

But before you embark on the best hikes in Phoenix, please read these tips for staying safe. Newsflash: It’s really hot in Phoenix. Like really hot. Please bring plenty of water, and hike when it’s cool outside to avoid heatstroke.

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Pinnacle Peak Park 

Location: Scottsdale, AZ 

Trail Map

1) Pinnacle Peak Trail 

Length: 4.0 miles 

Elevation Gain: 1,033 feet 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Trail Type: Out & Back 

Dog-Friendly: No 

Pinnacle Peak Trail is a busy, well-maintained trail that offers spectacular views of North Scottsdale. This is one of the best hikes in Phoenix for beginners who are looking for something a bit more challenging—you’ll gain over 1,000 feet in elevation, but over several miles. 

The gorgeous desert wildflowers that bloom in March, April, and early May are definitely the highlight of this trail. There’s nothing more spectacular than admiring the orange, yellow, purple, and pink blooms against the crystal blue Arizona sky. I adore Phoenix in the spring, and these gorgeous wildflowers are a huge reason why (despite what my seasonal allergies might think). 

Aside from admiring the flowers and hiking, this trail is also great for running, bird watching, and hiking with kids. However, dogs are unfortunately not allowed on this trail. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of other awesome hikes to bring your pup on! 

McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve 

Location: Scottsdale, AZ 

Trail Maps: South Region & North Region

2) Gateway Loop Trail 

Length: 4.4 miles 

Elevation Gain: 655 feet 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Trail Type: Loop 

Dog-Friendly: Yes 

Just a few miles south of Pinnacle Peak lies the McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve, home to dozens of fabulous hikes in Scottsdale, including the Gateway Loop Trail!  

The Gateway Loop Trail is a busy trail located in the South Region of the McDowell Mountains and accessed at the Gateway Trailhead. You’ll start the hike from the parking lot on Saguaro Trail (0.3 miles), leading you to the Gateway Loop Trail.  

This trail is relatively flat, which makes it one of the best hikes in Phoenix for mountain biking. Try this mountain biking tour to explore the Sonoran Desert with a professional, trained guide! Also, you can bring your dogs on this hike. We took our golden retriever puppy, Sedona, and she met lots of furry friends on this trail!  

Bonus Tip: Stop at the Gateway Saddle about halfway through the hike for a scenic photo! 

3) Tom’s Thumb Trail 

Length: 4.0 miles 

Elevation Gain: 1,236 feet 

Difficulty: Difficult 

Trail Type: Out & Back 

Dog-Friendly: Yes 

Also located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Tom’s Thumb Trail is an iconic, well-maintained hike that features a large granite boulder (aka thumb) that’s easily visible in Scottsdale.  

You can access Tom’s Thumb from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, located in the North Region of the McDowell Mountains. This hike is challenging (it’s an uphill climb for the first mile or two), but it levels out toward the end. Once you reach the pinnacle, there are tons of large boulders to sit on so you can enjoy the incredible views of Scottsdale!  

Dogs are permitted on this hike, but I wouldn’t recommend bringing them unless they are active large-breed dogs. Also, watch your step coming down—there’s lots of loose gravel on this hike, and it’s easy to lose your footing.

Thunderbird Conservation Park 

Location: Glendale, AZ 

Trail Map

4) Cholla Loop 

Length: 3.5 miles 

Elevation Gain: 567 feet 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Trail Type: Loop 

Dog-Friendly: Yes 

Cholla Loop is a fantastic hike on the west side of Phoenix in Glendale, AZ. It’s a great workout without being strenuous, and it offers incredible views overlooking the Phoenix area. This trail is less known than others on this list, so it’s usually less busy. Plus, you can bring your dog along!

Thunderbird Mountain also offers some other great hikes—like the Arrowhead Point Loop. Cholla Loop is my favorite, however, because it’s the perfect length. You’ll know you’ve reached the top once you see the American flag waving at you! 

Papago Park 

Location: Phoenix, AZ 

Trail Map 

5) Hole-In-The-Rock Trail 

Length: 0.2 miles 

Elevation Gain: 200 feet 

Difficulty: Easy 

Trail Type: Out & Back 

Dog-Friendly: Yes 

Hole-In-The-Rock is the shortest hike on this list (it’s a five-minute walk, to be honest) but provides a unique view of Downtown Phoenix. You won’t believe you’ve only gained 200 feet in elevation!  

This hike gets its name from the large, red sandstone butte with a naturally eroded hole you can walk inside at the end of the trail. It’s a great photo opportunity, making it one of the best hikes in Phoenix during a trip to Arizona.  

Dogs are permitted on this hike, and it’s an easy, manageable trail to take small children on. However, it’s so short that I recommend pairing it with the Double Butte Loop Trail located just across the street so you can get a “real” hike in, too. 

6) Double Butte Loop Trail 

Length: 2.3 miles 

Elevation Gain: 50 feet 

Difficulty: Easy 

Trail Type: Loop 

Dog-Friendly: Yes 

Located in Papago Park, the Double Butte Loop Trail takes you around two impressive buttes in just 2.3 miles. This hike is excellent for all skill levels—you’ll only gain 50 feet in elevation, so it’s more like a long, scenic walk.  

Because this trail is flat and partially paved, it’s one of the best hikes in Phoenix for mountain biking, and dogs and children can complete this hike with ease.  

One thing to note about this trail is that there aren’t any restrooms, and it’s not well-marked. I would suggest bringing this trail map with you to help navigate your way around the mountain and use the restroom before you come! 

Phoenix Mountains Preserve 

Location: Phoenix, AZ 

Trail Map 

7) Piestewa Summit Trail 

Length: 2.2 miles 

Elevation Gain: 1,137 feet 

Difficulty: Extremely Difficult 

Trail Type: Out & Back 

Dog-Friendly: No 

Looking for a rewarding challenge? Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is one of the best hikes in Phoenix for you—it’s the second-highest peak in the Phoenix Mountains!  

The best way I can describe climbing Piestewa Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak) is a series of stairs that just keep going, going, going, and going. It’s a steep incline with lots of switchbacks, stairs, and some rock climbing until you reach the top.  

This hike is not for the faint of heart, but the views of Phoenix are absolutely breathtaking (and totally worth it!). Once you reach the summit, there are plenty of places to sit while you catch your breath and relax.  

Dogs are not allowed on this hike (for a good reason), and only experienced hikers should attempt this trail. Wear hiking shoes or tennis shoes with good traction, and bring plenty of water. 

Desert Vista Trailhead 

Location: Phoenix, AZ 

Trail Map 

8) Dixie Mountain Loop

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 401 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Type:  Loop

Dog-Friendly: Yes

The Dixie Mountain Loop is one of the best hikes in Phoenix for someone looking for a trail that’s not swarming with people.

Located in North Phoenix, the Dixie Mountain Loop is one of the dozens of hikes in the Sonoran Preserve—the Desert Vista Trailhead is just one of three trailheads on this mountain range! The other trailheads are called the Apache Wash Trailhead and the Desert Hills Trailhead.

To get to this hike from the trailhead, start at Hawk’s Nest and proceed to Dixie Mountain Loop. It’s a dog-friendly trail, and although it’s a longer hike, it’s not too difficult.

If you’re looking for a challenge along the way, climb up the Dixie Moutain Summit when you pass it on the trail. You’ll gain nearly 700 feet during a 0.2-mile summit for incredible views.

Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the old, rusty Jeep frame you’ll pass towards the end of the loop. It’s one of the fun things to spot on this trail!

9) Desert Tortoise Trail

Length: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 53 feet

Difficulty:  Easy

Trail Type:  Out & Back

Dog-Friendly: Yes

The Desert Tortoise Trail is one of the best hikes in Phoenix for an easy climb that offers beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert. You’ll walk on the desert floor and see a variety of cacti, desert flowers, and wildlife. I’ve seen cactus wrens, owls, jackrabbits, and all kinds of critters on this hike! I haven’t seen a desert tortoise on this trail yet, but it’s honestly one of my goals.

To access this hike from the trailhead, you’ll take Hawk’s Nest to the Desert Tortoise Trail, and then turn around once you’ve reached the end.

Or, take to Desert Tortise to Valle Verde Trail (1.2 miles) & back Hawk’s Nest (0.4 miles) to make it a loop. It’s 2.7 miles in total this way, and you’ll gain 533 feet in elevation instead. 

Camelback Mountain 

Location: Phoenix, AZ 

Trail Map 

10) Echo Canyon Trail

Length: 2.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,280 feet

Difficulty: Extremely Difficult

Trail Type:  Out & Back

Dog-Friendly: No

Not only is Echo Canyon Trail one of the best hikes in Phoenix, but it’s also considered the most challenging hike in the Greater Phoenix area. It’s located on Camelback Mountain, which gets its name from the two rock formations that make the mountain look like a kneeling camel.

This hike is a steep, uphill scramble to the top, and you may have to use your hands at some points. However, the challenge is rewarding, because you are met with stunning views of Greater Phoenix once you reach the top!

Echo Canyon Trail should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Make sure you bring proper shoes and plenty of water. I have some recommendations for items to bring along below.

Also, expect the trail to be busy, especially if you’re hiking in the spring or winter. This hike is one of the most popular in the Phoenix area!

Hiking Supplies to Bring Along

Although Phoenix is a beautiful and fun place to hike, it can also be dangerous, especially when it’s hot outside. It’s important to have the right supplies to ensure you stay cool & safe. Here are some of my recommendations:

• Hiking Backpack (especially for trails when you’ll need to use your hands, like Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain)
• Hiking Boots (or tennis shoes with good traction)
• Snacks!
• Refillable Water Bottle
• Dog Water Bottle (we love using this one for Sedona)
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight or headlamp (if you’re hiking to catch the sunrise or sunset)

Start Exploring the Best Hikes in Phoenix!

And there you have it! The ten best hikes in Phoenix. I love that no matter where you are in Phoenix, there’s always a hike nearby!

I’d love to know…. have you been on any of these hikes? Or are there any hiking trails that aren’t already on my list that I need to try? Let me know in the comments below!

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Save the Best Hikes in Phoenix for Later!

Did you love this post about the best hikes in Phoenix? If so, check out these other posts about things to do in Arizona:

• 10 Best Hikes in Sedona
• Ultimate Guide to Soldier Pass Trail & Soldier Pass Cave
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
• Complete Guide to Hiking Tom’s Thumb Trail
• How to Spend One Perfect Day in Sedona
• 10 Best Things to Do in Prescott
• 10 Best Places to Eat in Prescott
• 20 Best Wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail
• 12 Best Things to Do in Jerome: America’s Largest Ghost Town
• 11 Best Day Trips from Phoenix