The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Travel by Brit

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 cross the street and hike a mountain in the afternoon for a work break. If you’re ready to experience the incredible views Greater Phoenix has to offer, check out these best hikes in Phoenix! All the trails on this list are free.

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.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

Map of the Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale & Phoenix

Best Hiking Trails in Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale

1) Pinnacle Peak Trail 

  • Length: 4.0 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 1,033 feet 
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Trail Type: Out & Back 
  • Dog-Friendly: No 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Pinnacle Peak
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Pinnacle Peak

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). In addition to hiking, this trail is also great for running, bird watching, and hiking with kids.

Best Hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve in Scottsdale 

2) Gateway Loop Trail 

  • Length: 4.4 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 655 feet 
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Trail Type: Loop 
  • Dog-Friendly: Yes 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Gateway Loop Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Gateway Loop Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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 for mountain biking. Try this Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour to explore the Sonoran Desert with a trained guide. Also, you can bring your dogs on this hike. We took our golden retriever, Sedona, and she met lots of furry friends on this trail!  

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 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Tom's Thumb - Tom's Thumb Trailhead

Also located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Tom’s Thumb Trail is an iconic 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.

Best Hiking Trails at Thunderbird Conservation Park in Glendale

4) Cholla Loop 

  • Length: 3.5 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 567 feet 
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Trail Type: Loop 
  • Dog-Friendly: Yes 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Cholla Loop - Thunderbird Mountain

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 other great hikes, like the Arrowhead Point Loop. Cholla Loop is my favorite because it’s the perfect length—not too long and not too short. I recommend parking at the Thunderbird Parking Lot and crossing the street to start this trail.

Best Hiking Trails at Papago Park in Phoenix

5) Hole-In-The-Rock Trail 

  • Length: 0.2 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 200 feet 
  • Difficulty: Easy 
  • Trail Type: Out & Back 
  • Dog-Friendly: Yes 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Hole-In-The-Rock - Papago Park

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 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Double Butte Loop Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Double Butte Loop Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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 suggest bringing this trail map with you to help you navigate the mountain and use the restroom before you come! I also recommend parking at the West Buttes Parking Lot for the quickest access to the trail.

Best Hiking Trails at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in Phoenix

7) Piestewa Summit Trail 

  • Length: 2.2 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 1,137 feet 
  • Difficulty: Extremely Difficult 
  • Trail Type: Out & Back 
  • Dog-Friendly: No 
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Piestewa Peak - Phoenix Mountains Preserve
The Best Hikes in Phoenix - Piestewa Peak - Phoenix Mountains Preserve

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. 

Best Hiking Trails at Desert Vista Trailhead in Phoenix

8) Dixie Mountain Loop

  • Length: 3.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 401 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Type:  Loop
  • Dog-Friendly: Yes


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 Dixie Mountain Loop 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, climb up the Dixie Mountain 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 toward 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 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 Tortoise 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. 

Best Hiking Trails at Camelback Mountain 

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.

Echo Canyon Trail should only be attempted by experienced hikers. This hike is a steep, uphill scramble to the top, and you may have to use your hands at some points. Make sure you bring proper shoes and plenty of water. However, the challenge is rewarding, because you are met with stunning views of Greater Phoenix once you reach the top!

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 Phoenix. If you’d feel more comfortable conquering this hike with the help of a knowledgable guide, consider booking this Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hike.

Helpful Hiking Supplies to Bring When Hiking in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Wondering what to bring when hiking in Phoenix and Scottsdale? In addition to sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing, here are some of my top recommendations:

  • Hiking Backpack — Store your water bottle and other gear in a backpack to keep your hands free. I love hiking backpacks from the North Face and Patagonia. They are high quality and hold up well!
  • Hiking Boots — Many trails in Scottsdale and Phoenix are rocky and slippery, so wearing shoes with good traction is a must. I love my Merrell Women’s Moab Hiking Boots. They’re comfortable and affordable and have held up well on hikes throughout the country in Leavenworth, Upstate New York, Maui, and, of course, Arizona!
  • Refillable Water Bottle — Staying hydrated on the hot and dry desert trails in Phoenix and Scottsdale is crucial (and trust me… cold water is preferable!). I used to love my Hydro Flask, but I’ve recently gotten hooked on Owala water bottles since trying them. I love how easy it is to sip water on the go (or on a hike!).
  • Dog Water Bottle — We love this portable dog water bottle when hiking with Sedona and Dakota. It doesn’t leak and is easier to use than a collapsible water bowl.

Explore the Best Hikes in Phoenix and Scottsdale

And there you have it! The ten best hikes in Phoenix. I love that no matter where you are in Phoenix or Scottsdale, 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!

Save the Best Hikes in Phoenix for Later

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Brit! I'm a writer from Phoenix, AZ who loves coffee, golden retriever puppies, and obviously, travel! I help ordinary women (like me!) dream, plan, and do extraordinary travel experiences.

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