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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps me keep the content on my website free, like this post about The Best Hikes in Phoenix! 🙂
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
These look quite nice 🙂 I’d love to visit and hike in the area sometime.
Thank you! There are lots of fun spots to hike here! 🙂
Your posts always make me want to get outside and get moving! There are so many parts of Arizona and the Southwest in general that I’ve not yet explored. Definitely on my post-Covid bucket list!
Thanks, Claire! You’d love to explore the Southwest. Can’t wait to have you out here when Covid is a thing of the past! 🙂
This is awesome!! Just out of curiosity though, do you generally prefer to hike for sunrises or sunsets?
I love hiking at sunset! Sunrise is usually too early for me, haha.
These trails all look so beautiful! Being from Canada, I find desert landscapes so interesting. If I’m ever in the area I’ll definitely be going for Piestewa Summit Trail. I love a tough trail that rewards you with epic views. Thanks for this inspo!
Thanks for reading, Erin! I also love tough trails with epic views. It’s a great workout with a great reward that way!
Stunning photos! I’d like to try hiking someday, so I appreciate that you took the time to include the level of difficulty. It’s very beginner friendly!
Thank you, Mikaela! Hiking is so fun, especially when you have some amazing views to go with it. I’m glad you found this guide helpful! 🙂
WOW! These views are incredible. I’ve always wanted to go out to AZ, so this is the kick in the butt I needed!
Thank you, Elena! I think you’d love to visit Arizona. Phoenix & Scottsdale are both such fun places to visit!
I would happily do any of these hikes, what amazing scenery, and such incredible looking trails. The Piestewa Peak looks like the one I wouldn’t want to miss, but I just love that the landscape is so different from where I am in Canada. I’d love to see some of those giant cacti in real life
Yes, Piestewa Peak has some of the most stunning views! I’d personally love to go hiking in Canada. Where would you recommend hiking there?
These look like great hikes! I’m hoping to explore AZ this year!
Thank you, Shannon! You’ll love Arizona! I hope you have an amazing time 🙂
Aww, love this! I’ve been to Arizona last December and was fascinated by the red rocks and all the Saguaro cacti! Haven’t had the chance to spent much time in Phoenix itself. But did a lot of hiking in Sedona and around Tuscon.
Yes! We have a super diverse terrain here… even Sedona & Tuscon are so different from Phoenix! Thanks for much for reading, Stefanie. I hope you can visit & experience Phoenix soon!
All of these hikes look amazing! You make me want to book a flight to Phoenix. 🙂
Thank you, Taylor! You’d love it here. I think you’d especially love Scottsdale, too! Thanks for reading 🙂
These all look like great places to go hiking, and it’s good to know which ones are and aren’t dog friendly too!
Thank you, Krista! Yes, dog-friendliness is an important thing for me to know personally, so I thought it would be a good thing to include. Thanks for much for reading!
Wow. I’m used to the very green hiking trails in Austria. The Phoenix landscapes appeal to me because they’re so different. These are a great selection of hikes.
It’s definitely a different terrain! I bet hiking in Austria is stunning in a different way. Thanks so much for reading, Linda! 🙂
So many beautiful hikes in Phoenix to choose from! I’ve only done a couple of hikes in Tucson, and the heat was enough to make them very short hikes.
Oh, yes! Tuscon can be SUPER hot, especially in the summer. We’d love to have you back in the spring & fall for some beautiful hikes in Phoenix! Thanks for reading, Katherine! 🙂
We have been to Phoenix, but didn’t get to experience any of these amazing looking trails. Next time!
Yes! You definitely have to be here when the weather is right for hiking! 🙂
I had no idea there were so many cool hikes in the Phoenix area! I used to go a lot as my ex’s family lived there but usually it was unbearably hot and hiking was the last thing on my mind. Lol. But I’d love to go back to hike some of these in the winter or spring and see some wild flowers!
No way! I totally get that, it can get scorching hot here, and I definitely don’t hike during the summer either, lol. I hope you can visit to enjoy some of these hikes soon!
This must have been a really fun one to compile. It looks like there are some fantastic hikes in Phoenix, I especially like challenging ones with views so Piestewa Summit Trail looks up my street!
Piestewa Peak is challenging but really fun! Thanks for reading, it was a lot of fun to create!
All these hikes look cool, but I’d love to tackle the Echo Canyon Trail. Sounds exactly like my cup of tea! Thanks for sharing all these great alternatives, and especially for mentioning whether it’s ok to bring our furry friends 🙂
Hi, Coni! Thanks so much for reading!:) Yes, we love bringing our pup along, so sharing if they’re dog-friendly is a must!
Great list, looks like there many amazing trails to be explored in Phoenix
Thank you! There certainly are!
[…] The 10 Best Hikes in Phoenix […]
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[…] Piestewa Summit Trail is an extremely challenging 2.2-mile hike with stunning (and rewarding!) views, making it one of the best hikes in Phoenix, Arizona. […]
[…] 10 Best Hikes in Phoenix, AZ […]
[…] your trip, you can challenge yourself with some of the best hikes in Phoenix, like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Or shop at the farmer’s markets across the Valley, […]
I’m visiting Phoenix in October, I’ll be sure to try some of these on my visit!
Oh, that’s so wonderful! October is a great time of year to visit. I hope you have a great time! Please let me know if you need any tips about places to eat/stay etc. 🙂
I’m pinning this post, as we are due to visit Arizona sometime in the next 6 months. Desert Tortoise Trail sounds like my kind of easy hike!
Yay, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Wow, there are so many beautiful hikes in Phoenix to choose from! Plus, your photos are stunning, and the landscape is amazing.
Thank you, Moona! Phoenix is unique because it’s the fifth-largest city in the USA, but it’s immersed in nature. It makes for a really unique experience!
Wow! So many cool trails – hiking is also one of my favorite ways to stay active! My top picks would be Hole-In-The-Rock Trail and Piestewa Summit Trail! Thanks for the inspiration
Those ones are both amazing and have such great views! Thanks for reading, Anna 🙂
They all look so great! I hope I can get to Arizona one day to do some of these trails!
I sure hope you can too! Thanks for reading, Kez!
[…] 10 Best Hikes in Phoenix […]
Lovely scenic views! I’m in Ontario so I’m used to lots of green trees and water – hiking here would be such a breath of fresh air! Can’t wait to come back to Arizona and check some of these out!
Haha, that’s exactly how I feel when I hike in places with greenery and water! Maybe we’ll have to swap hometowns on vacation to go hiking, haha. Thanks for reading, Sarah! 🙂
I didn’t realize Phoenix had this much trail offerings. Great list
Thank you! Yes, Phoenix actually has a ton of hiking. It’s one of my favorite things about living here! 🙂
We did not do much hiking when we visited Phoenix because it was just too hot for us. But it was great to read and discover all the hiking options for a return visit. Especially ones that give a scenic viewpoint! Although I guess I could say we did the Hole-In-A-Rock hike 🙂
I completely understand. I don’t really hike much unless it’s between October – May, otherwise, it’s scorching! I’m glad you got to check out Hole-In-The-Rock, at least 🙂 Thanks for reading!
A wonderful collection of excellent hikes around Phoenix for all levels. I think I’d love to try the Double Butte Loop Trail as it seems around my level and what a hike! Thanks for the excellent suggestions.
Thanks for reading, Missy! That’s a great hike – I actually need to go on that hike again soon! 🙂
Arizona is beautiful. Make sure you have water and snacks (or drink with electrolytes. Too much water can actually cause health issues and it is a bigger risk in the desert.
Yes, definitely! Safety while hiking in Phoenix is super important, especially in the summer. I live here, and I typically avoid the trails in the summer because it’s too dang hot, even in the mornings! Thanks for reading, Christina 🙂
[…] Papago Park, there are a ton of other hiking options in the Phoenix area. Another favorite hike I enjoy is Dobbins Lookout. This 5-mile hike takes you up to a lookout with […]
Thank you for these recommendations! I was there for a week in mid February 2022 and did all but Desert Tortoise (also did a few more – 14 in total over 5 days) Loved them all (okay wasn’t crazy about the Gateway Loop). A nice mix of groomed, rugged, and easy through challenging. Thanks again!
Yay, Janet! I am so glad you were able to use this list to enjoy some hiking in Phoenix while you were here 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to share. Phoenix already can’t wait to see you again! 🙂