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Top 6 Hiking Trails in Phoenix, Arizona
The coolest thing about the phoenix area: it is surrounded by mountains – that you can climb to the top!
Ready for an Adventure?
Here are the Very Best Phoenix Hiking Trails
Camelback Mountain-
Echo Valley Trail
This trailhead is a quick 15 minutes from Scottsdale. Let me warn you ahead of time, this hike is no joke. I have hiked in Yosemite, Colorado, Hawaii, and so on; this was the toughest hike I’ve done. Tough, but oh so rewarding. You will gain 1,300 feet of elevation and hike to the top of the highest point in the Phoenix area, at a total height of 2,704 feet. With the Phoenix airport so close, you will likely see planes flying, below you. It is so steep though, that I was crawling on all fours for some of the hike and was still nervous that I might fall backwards. You’ll go through moments of worry, doubt, regret, extreme thirst, excitement, accomplishment, and pure joy. It is 2.5 miles to the top and back down and usually takes 2-3 hours to complete.
This is a heavily trafficked trail, causing the Echo Valley Trailhead parking lot to often be completely full. Don’t you worry though – you are able to park for free over at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn for a few hours. It’ll add another half hour to your hike but it’s a good way to loosen your legs and see some cool Arizona houses on the way.
Tips:
-Bring LOTS of water. Many people have had heat strokes on this hike.
-Learn from my mistake and wear hiking boots! The rocks can be slippery.
-Do not plan any hikes for the next few days after this – your legs will be sore!
-This trail is NOT dog friendly.
Fun Fact: Camelback Mountain was once a holy place for Native Americans.
Caves have been found that indicate the area was sacred to the Hohokam culture.
Other Awesome Phoenix Hikes
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail:
2.2 mile hike there and back with beautiful views and wild flowers. Recommended for experienced hikers & is not dog friendly.
Tom’s Thumb Trail:
4 mile hike there and back with great views and lots of parking. Rated as difficult but you can bring a dog.
Lookout Mountain Summit Trail in Mountain Preserve:
Moderate one mile hike there and back with great views. Feel free to bring Fido.
Treasure Loop Trail:
Want to do some gold hunting? Named after the rich gold mine that was found & then lost somewhere in the Superstitious mountains. 2.3 mile moderate & dog friendly.