Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is a desert city that offers diverse hiking opportunities. Knowing where to start can be confusing with dozens of trails and parks. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced hiker, here is a guide to some of the best hiking trails and scenic views in Phoenix that you can explore with the help of Arizona Shuttle.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's most popular hiking destinations, offering two different trails for hikers of all levels. The Echo Canyon Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to the top of the mountain, offering stunning city views. The Cholla Trail is a longer but less challenging hike that still provides beautiful views of the desert landscape. Camelback Mountain to Phoenix shuttle
Piestewa Peak
Formerly known as Squaw Peak, Piestewa Peak is a challenging hiking trail that rewards you with breathtaking views of the city at the top. The trail is 1.2 miles path with a steep elevation gain of over 1,100 feet, making it a challenging climb.
South Mountain Park
It is the largest municipal park in the United States, covering over 16,000 acres. The park offers numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The Holbert Trail is a popular route that takes you to the hilltop, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding desert. South Mountain Park trails
Papago Park
Papago Park is a scenic park in the heart of Phoenix, offering hiking trails perfect for newbies or those looking for a more leisurely hike. The park also features unique geological formations, such as the Hole-in-the-Rock, which provides an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity. Papago Park attractions
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a vast desert wilderness offering over 200 hiking trails. The Gateway Loop Trail is a moderate hike that takes you through diverse landscapes, including cactus forests and granite boulder formations. At the top of the trail, you can enjoy stunning views of the McDowell Mountains. McDowell Sonoran Preserve routes
No matter which trail you choose, be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the desert sun. With Arizona Shuttle, you can quickly get to and from the hiking trails without worrying about transportation or parking. Book your trip today and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Phoenix on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trail in Camelback Mountain is best for beginners?
The Cholla Trail is longer but less challenging, making it suitable for beginners.
What views can I expect at the top of Piestewa Peak?
At the top, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Phoenix and the surrounding desert landscape.
How long does it take to hike the Holbert Trail in South Mountain Park?
The Holbert Trail is a popular route that takes about 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your pace.
What unique geological formations can I see in Papago Park?
Papago Park features unique geological formations like the Hole-in-the-Rock, offering Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
More Great Hiking Trails in Phoenix Worth Exploring
Beyond the headline trails above, the Phoenix metro area is ringed with desert preserves and regional parks that reward every kind of hiker. Whether you want a flat, family-friendly loop, a wheelchair-accessible pathway, or a lung-busting summit scramble, there is a trail within a short drive of downtown. Here are more trails that locals love, organized by what kind of hike you are after.
Blevins Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park (Easy)
For an easygoing introduction to quintessential Sonoran Desert scenery, the Blevins Trail is our pick. This 3-mile loop in Usery Mountain Regional Park, located east of the city near Mesa, winds through stands of saguaro, cholla, and ocotillo with the Goldfield Mountains as a backdrop. If you want to add some elevation, two summits are accessible from the loop: the Dixie Mountain Summit is .22 miles to the top and rated difficult, while the Western Vista Trail is .34 miles to the top and rated moderate. Either way, save some time to relax and enjoy the 360-degree beauty at the top before heading back down.
Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails in South Mountain Park/Preserve (Easy)
Hiking in Phoenix should be for everyone, and the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails prove it. This half-mile loop consists of two paved half-mile loops that start near the South Mountain Environmental Education Center's disabled-accessible parking spots. It is an ideal option for wheelchair users, families with strollers, or anyone who wants a gentle taste of the desert with interpretive education opportunities along the way. Pair it with a drive up Summit Road for the views without the climb.
Double Butte Loop and Hole-in-the-Rock Trail in Papago Park (Easy)
Papago Park, sitting between Phoenix and Tempe just off Galvin Parkway near the Phoenix Zoo, offers some of the most approachable hiking in the valley. The Double Butte Loop circles the park's signature red sandstone buttes, which are made of ancient sedimentary rock rather than the granite and schist you will find on Phoenix's steeper peaks. The short, popular ascent to Hole-in-the-Rock is a worth-it detour: a brief climb through a carved opening in the butte rewards you with a classic view over the desert garden and downtown skyline. Come early for golden-hour photos and cooler temperatures.
Tom's Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Moderate to Difficult)
Yes, there is an opportunity to take a thumbs-up photo with this trail's signature formation. Tom's Thumb is a dramatic 200-foot granite pinnacle rising from the McDowell Mountains, and the trail that bears its name is one of the best hikes in Phoenix for fit hikers looking for a serious workout. The 4.6-mile out-and-back route features a busy and breathless ascent from roughly 1,400 to 2,608 feet. The incline is gradual and well-maintained, and while you won't be able to clamber onto the true pinnacle of granite at the top, the trail still delivers raw panoramic views of the desert unfolding below. The trailhead is accessible from 16th Street on the north side, past its intersection with Jomax Road, and connects into the broader preserve network — including a link toward the Gateway area trails if you'd like to extend your day.
Gateway Loop Trail: What to Expect on the Ground
You'll start this hike from the parking area on Saguaro Trail (about 0.3 miles), leading you onto the Gateway Loop Trail itself. 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 spread across several miles rather than packed into a single steep push. The path is well-marked, shared with mountain bikers on some segments, and dotted with informational signage about the Sonoran Desert's plants and wildlife. If you'd like to continue your hike beyond the loop, join up with the Circumference Trail, which runs a 2.6-mile route through the rocky desert at the mountain's feet.
Phoenix Hiking Trails at a Glance
Use this quick comparison to match a trail to your fitness level, schedule, and must-have scenery.
| Trail | Location | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Canyon Trail | Camelback Mountain | Difficult | Experienced hikers chasing summit views |
| Cholla Trail | Camelback Mountain | Moderate | A longer, steadier climb to the top |
| Piestewa Peak Summit Trail | Phoenix Mountains Preserve (off SR 51) | Difficult | A short but steep city workout |
| Holbert Trail | South Mountain Park/Preserve | Moderate | Panoramic views in the country's largest municipal park |
| Double Butte Loop & Hole-in-the-Rock | Papago Park | Easy | Beginners, families, and photo ops |
| Blevins Trail | Usery Mountain Regional Park | Easy | Classic Sonoran Desert scenery at a relaxed pace |
| Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails | South Mountain Park/Preserve | Easy (paved) | Wheelchair users and stroller-friendly outings |
| Tom's Thumb Trail | McDowell Sonoran Preserve | Moderate to difficult | Elevation gain and dramatic granite formations |
| Gateway Loop Trail | McDowell Sonoran Preserve | Moderate | Beginners ready for a bigger challenge |
How to Rate Trail Difficulty Before You Go
Difficulty ratings are not standardized across agencies, but most Phoenix-area trail guides use three broad tiers:
- Easy: Mostly flat, wide, and paved or well-packed. Think the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails or the Double Butte Loop — great for kids, visitors, and casual walkers.
- Moderate: Gradual but sustained elevation gain over a few miles, like the Gateway Loop or the Western Vista Trail in Usery. You should be comfortable walking several miles on uneven ground.
- Difficult: Steep, exposed, or scrambling sections where you may use your hands. Echo Canyon and the Dixie Mountain Summit fall here — only attempt with proper footwear, plenty of water, and early starts.
When in doubt, start with an easy trail and work your way up. The desert will still be here tomorrow.
When Is the Best Time for Hiking in Phoenix?
Timing matters more in the desert than almost anywhere else. The sweet spot for hiking in Phoenix runs from roughly November through March, when daytime temperatures are mild and the desert is at its most inviting. Spring adds wildflower blooms and blooming palo verde trees to the scenery. In summer, extreme heat makes midday hiking dangerous — if you hike between June and September, go at sunrise, finish before the sun climbs high, and turn around early if conditions feel off. Year-round, trailhead parking at popular spots like Echo Canyon fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early or arranging a drop-off with Arizona Shuttle saves you the parking headache entirely.
Desert Hiking Safety Checklist
- Water: Pack far more than you think you need, and sip regularly — the dry air masks how much you are sweating.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
- Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction for rocky granite and schist terrain.
- Tell someone your plan: Cell coverage can be spotty in the larger preserves.
- Watch for wildlife: Give rattlesnakes and other desert animals plenty of space, and stay on marked pathways.
- Know the signs of heat illness: Dizziness, nausea, or confusion means stop, find shade, and hydrate immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Phoenix
What is the easiest hike in Phoenix for beginners?
The Double Butte Loop and Hole-in-the-Rock Trail in Papago Park and the Blevins Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park are both easy, scenic options. The Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails in South Mountain Park offer a paved, wheelchair-friendly alternative.
Is Tom's Thumb a hard hike?
It is moderately challenging for fit hikers. The 4.6-mile out-and-back trail climbs from about 1,400 to 2,608 feet, but the incline is gradual and well-maintained rather than technical.
Can beginners hike the Gateway Loop Trail?
Yes — it is one of the best hikes in Phoenix for beginners who want something a bit more challenging, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation spread across several miles.
Where does the Gateway Loop hike start?
You'll start from the parking area on Saguaro Trail, about 0.3 miles, which leads you onto the Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Can I add extra distance to the Blevins Trail?
Yes. You can connect to the Circumference Trail, a 2.6-mile route through the rocky desert at the mountain's feet, or add a summit spur via the Western Vista Trail (moderate) or Dixie Mountain Summit (difficult).
What should I bring for a day hike in Phoenix?
Plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Start early, especially in the warmer months, and let someone know where you're headed.
How do I get to trailheads without dealing with parking?
Popular trailheads like Echo Canyon fill up fast. A shuttle drop-off and pickup lets you skip the parking scramble — see our full Phoenix hiking guide or book your ride ahead of time.
