It stays fairly level for the first half before tilting upward. Mixing switchbacks and rolling hills, the trail is a wonderful way to explore the lush desert teeming with wildlife and plant life any time of year. With beautiful views of the North Valley and a unique desert-scape, the trail is worth doing twice — as you will have to when you get to the end and turn around to return to your car. These five easy hikes around metro Phoenix are good for beginners and have plenty of scenic highlights to keep expert hikers engaged too. North Mountain National Trail - Moderate. With proper shoes, a good amount of water, and comfortable clothes, these five hikes (listed from easiest to most challenging) are feasible for any beginner looking to explore the desert trails in metro Phoenix. Staff, Help, Phoenix's independent source of local news and culture. And once you see the panoramic view you’ll understand why people sweat their way to … The trail is located in a heavily residential area of north Phoenix, and it's a popular spot with hikers in that part of town. A multipurpose path that is just over a mile, the Big Butte Loop Trail is easily accessed via nearby popular destinations like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. A gentle hillside loop is one of the best. Find the reporter at rogernaylor.com. The desert, so cruel for so long, welcomes us again with open arms. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our terms of use, our cookies policy, and our privacy policy. However, this 3.3-mile trail is just west of Lake Pleasant, making it a good hike to round out your boating experience. Admission: $3 per person, free for age 14 and younger. On the shores of Lake Pleasant, the 2-mile long Wild Burro Trail rambles across low hills and skirts the edge of intimate coves. With more than 35 Phoenix trails covering 320 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Paradise Park Trail or New River Trail. If you’re looking for a trail that is easy enough for your whole family to enjoy, you will definitely want to check out these trails found throughout Arizona. Where: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale. The desert trails are generally smooth, easy treks with very little elevation gains, making it great for families and interested mountain bikers. Support local journalism. While on the Circumference Trail, don't forget to be on the lookout for some of the petroglyphs that dot the landscape. Short enough to be great for kids, but still offers rewarding views of metro The trail that bears her name circles through a picturesque wash in the preserve, punctuated by tall saguaros and clumps of boulders. All rights reserved. Take in the views on this desert walk, as the McDowell Mountain range will provide a lovely backdrop to this meandering desert trail. Phoenix, AZ hikes range from strenuous summit trails to easy waterfall walks – and everything in between. Start out bearing left on the Spur Cross Trail, a segment of the mighty Maricopa Trail. Papago Park’s hiking trails are known to be relatively easy and smooth. Since we started Phoenix New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we would like to keep it that way. The Wind Cave trail, located in the southeastern edge of the Phoenix area, beyond the city of Mesa, provides fantastic views out over the surrounding countryside. Soon, Metate Trail reconnects with Spur Cross and another right turn will bring you back to the trailhead for a 2.1-mile loop. Lost Dog Wash is an ideal trail for new hikers. By clicking 'X' or continuing to use the site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Best Easy Day Hikes Phoenix features concise descriptions and easy-to-follow maps of thirty-three easily manageable hikes through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Valley of the Sun—from Piestewa Peak, which dominates Phoenix's northern skyline, to McDowell Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, and Lost Dutchman State Park. Yet the trail is less about big vistas and more about small details. This trail lets you get away from the crowd. Now what trails are you ready to tackle? Clusters of saguaros dot the shoulders of the hills, including a rare crested saguaro — crested on an arm instead of the top —near a midway bench. Pinnacle Peak is a stretch for beginners, but the view is worth it. The slightly steep stretches at the end of the trail reward your effort with expansive views of downtown Phoenix. Everyone should take a walk on the Jane Rau Trail as a tribute to one of the people who spearheaded the effort to establish the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Start on the Siphon Draw Trail through the airy open desert until you hike up inside a basin of smooth, polished rock. Circulation, Conveniently located near Shea Boulevard and 124th Street, Lost Dog is a popular trail, and on weekend mornings you'll encounter people of all ages (some with dogs), mountain bikers, and even the occasional horseback rider. North Mountain is one of the most dog-friendly hikes we’ve done. That’s all worth getting out and walking around for a while. Where: Trailhead is at the park's 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, entrance. Watch for wildlife and enjoy plenty of mild winter sunshine. Even trails regarded as easy reward alert hikers in countless ways. An out-and-back trail of 1.75 miles (3.5 round trip), this is the hardest and longest hike of the list, but it's worth it for those beginners looking to start out strong. It isn’t an easy task, but it’s a popular one. Support Us There are several trails that fork off from Lost Dog; when you get a little more sure of yourself, try Sunrise or one of the other paths in the area. This trail lets you get away from the crowd, Hike of the week: Kiwanis Trail, South Mountain, www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Catch your breath while you soak up the wide-ranging vistas. To work yourself back into hiking shape, start with some easy trails. A walk through this 1,200-acre park will give also give beginner hikers access to popular Phoenix landmarks such as the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden along Papago’s Big Butte Loop Trail, which is … Turn right onto the Metate Trail as it weaves through a lovely mesquite bosque. Each of these five trails delivers the full desert experience. 1.75 miles out and back, so 3.5 miles total. From the trailhead, you can see the trail snaking up the wall of rock in front of you. If you’ve never been, start with the easy to moderate trails. It’s an easy, wide trail and a popular option for locals and visitors alike. These five hiking trails range in level of difficulty from easy to difficult, traversing over 20 miles of desert terrain. The well-defined trail is always monitored by the granite sentinel that is Pinnacle Peak. And as it would be selfish to talk of all this beauty and not share our favorite hikes for kids in Phoenix and in Arizona, I’ve made a list of the most kid friendly hikes I can think of. During our many years living in the city, hiking near Phoenix was one of our favorite weekend activities. Difficulty Level: Easy. It resembles a Flintstone-era gazebo but was actually built by the CCC. Giant saguaros tower over the trail that skirts past a solar oasis pond, a popular watering hole for all sorts of critters. Trailhead is on Desert Tortoise Road. Once you reach the top of the short peak, you get a lovely view of the lake and the surrounding desert. The proximity to hiking trails is one of the best things about living in the Valley, and Lookout Mountain is just one example. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. Along the way you’ll pass two small check dams built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Length: 2.1-mile loop; 3.1 miles if Mariposa Hill and Fairy Duster trails are added. FAMILY HIKING:Phoenix barrier-free and stroller-friendly trails open the outdoors to all. Best hikes in Phoenix; trails for every ability, Hiking at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Phoenix barrier-free and stroller-friendly trails open the outdoors to all, Lake Pleasant is a desert oasis near Phoenix. One of the most beautiful, easy hikes in Phoenix is the Lost Dog Wash Trail, which brings hikers around a loop full of wildflowers, cacti, and mountain views in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Hike Lost Dog Wash on a rainy afternoon, and you'll just about have the trail to yourself. Here's everything you can do there. You’ll also want to watch for petroglyphs etched into boulders by ancient Hohokam people. Almost everyone you see heading up the trail has a … When it comes to easy hikes in Arizona, a mountainous trek probable wouldn't come to mind. Since both these trails are named for spring flowering plants, it’s no surprise that this is a good area for bloom chasers. It’s the season when we all want to be outdoors. A little farther on you’ll find an ancient grinding stone, known as a metate. With hikes varying from half-hour strolls to full-day adventures, Best Easy Day Hikes Phoenix is for everyone, including families. Trail Map: google.com. Being almost out of town, it features cleaner air and a nicer drive to get to than some of the aforementioned trails. The easiest place to begin this hike is at the Boynton Canyon Road Trailhead, but other options are available too if parking is filled up during busy times. It’s the water that captures your gaze, the sparkling blue dotted with ducks and kayaks and sailboats, surrounded by desert. But be alert for animal sightings because, as the name implies, this is one of the best chances to see wild burros in the park. Scenic Trail: A loop in the McDowell Mountains that lives up to its name, with mountain vistas among proud saguaros over vivid desert. Walk an easy loop around the mountains or wind through Siphon Draw to see all Lost Dutchman has to offer. After entering the park, turn right on South Park Road, then left on Desert Tortoise Road. North Mountain and Shaw Butte reach heights of just over 2,100 feet with spectacular panoramic views of the Phoenix area. Where: 37622 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Where: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. SONORAN DESERT:Hiking at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The barrier-free trail meets accessibility standards. SUBSCRIBE NOW $3 for 3 months. Just don’t let the rating undersell their attractions. Easily accessible, short, in-town hike. Please contact the park if your hiking group would like a great spot to meet up. After entering the park, turn right on Shallmo Drive, which leads to the Pemberton Trailhead. So even if you only have a couple of says to explore, hitting the outdoors is one of the best things to do in Phoenix! 1. The most well known of them all is Piestewa Peak; a 2.3 mile out and back trail that leaves you feeling absolutely accomplished every time. If you want more of a workout, cross the road to the National Trail, where a short, steep climb leads to the Telegraph Pass lookout perched atop a ridge. Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA Located at Papago Park, in the heart of the city, this 2.3-mile trail lets you get up close and personal to the red sandstone buttes that can be seen for miles. Hiking is definitely a favorite Arizona activity but not everyone wants—or is able—to participate in the impressively long and arduous trails. Savor the big scenic views and admire the saguaros as tall as office buildings. Terms, Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Details: 602-506-2930, ext. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation has a wonderful website with everything you need to know before you go hiking. Piestewa Summit Trail. Easy. So again, if you’re looking for easy hikes in Phoenix, we recommend stopping at the 1.5 mile marker. The canals throughout central Phoenix provide some of best easy off-pavement hiking in the city. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. Privacy, Some of the best advanced hiking trails in Phoenix are Squaw Peak Summit Trail (also known as Piestewa Peak) and the two hikes up Camelback Mountain. Jane Rau Trail, McDowell Sonoran Preserve When it comes to exploring the vast McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the United States, options can be overwhelming. Contact Us, Details: 602-506-2930, ext. The McDowell Mountains rise in the west and to the east is the distinctive profile of Four Peaks, flanked by green fields of the Fort McDowell Reservation. Maybe this will help. Jane Rau is a longtime local community activist and educator. Treat yourself to a surprising bit of lushness at this park spread across upland Sonoran Desert and carved by a spring-fed stream. At the very end of the trail, you’ll be able to take a picture with the “End of Pinnacle Peak Trail” sign. Keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs while hiking around Lookout Mountain. If other trails seem like a walk in the park, you’re probably ready to tackle this exhilarating climb in the Superstition Mountains. Where: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, north of Fountain Hills. ©2021 Phoenix New Times, LLC. "I've hiked all over the world and this short but very challenging hike (2.4 mi. The Hiking Trails in Phoenix’s South Mountain Park & Preserve It is the largest municipal park in the United States. LIKE TO HIKE? McDowell Mountain Regional Park lets hikers feel very far away from the city. Length: 2 miles round trip; 2.6 miles to Telegraph Pass lookout. With proper shoes, a good amount of water, and comfortable clothes, these five hikes (listed from easiest to most challenging) are feasible for any beginner looking to explore the desert trails in metro Phoenix. Details: 602-506-2930 Ext. Details: 602-262-7393, www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain. Here are three of Scottsdale’s best easy trails to entice everyone outside. Please remember they are wild, and keep a safe distance. The Phoenix Mountain Preserve is full of easy, moderate and difficult hiking trails – you can find yourself spending all day in this natural preserve. Branching off from the rangy Pemberton Trail, Scenic makes a relatively easy loop climbing to the crest of the rolling Lousley Hills. Find a Trail Location Near You Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs Things to Do "Take a Hike. Phoenix is the perfect launching pad for a near infinite number of hikes and outdoor adventures, many of which are within just an hour’s drive of the city center. Kiwanis Trail snakes its way up through a rock-studded canyon. up and back) is a jewel." All rights reserved. It soon crosses the creek, which flows at trickle level most times. The Scenic Trail would be especially beautiful following a wet winter because the slopes are covered with brittlebush. From the high vantage point, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in the park. The last 1.5 miles is unpaved but suitable for all vehicles. Represented by its massive sandstone buttes, Papago Park features four easy trails and unmatched views of the Tempe area. This out-and-back trail is one of the longer ones on the list (2.2 miles each way), but the terrain has very little up-and-down, making it a good choice for novice hikers. Here's everything you can do there, McDowell Mountain park is pretty busy. :Hike of the week: Kiwanis Trail, South Mountain. The new year is upon us, which means that metro Phoenix hiking trails are packed not only with seasoned trekkers, but resolutioners aiming to hike more in 2021. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. The trail is fairly flat and easy, but provides stunning vistas of the desert area, especially at sunrise or sunset. At the intersection of Cave Creek Road and Spur Cross Road, turn north on Spur Cross and go 4.5 miles to the parking area. Look inside for: Half-hour strolls to full-day adventures See the iconic rock formations while hiking in Papago Park. Despite the slight confusion at various forks in the road, it is a straightforward trail through washes and luscious desert. It provides a chance to move slowly and savor the little flourishes of the landscape — the way the sun splinters on the spines of teddy bear cholla, the soft landing of a butterfly on a yucca stalk and the bobbing gait of Gambel’s quail scurrying for cover. The new year is upon us, which means that metro Phoenix hiking trails are packed not only with seasoned trekkers, but resolutioners aiming to hike more in 2021. Trail length? Rejoining the Pemberton Trail guides you back to your starting point. The trail ends at Telegraph Pass Road. GET OUT:McDowell Mountain park is pretty busy. If you are just getting accustomed to walking over uneven dirt surfaces and aren’t quite ready to take on the ups and downs of many trail surfaces, the canal paths are for you. The hike will take you about 30 minutes one-way or an hour round-trip. The last leg of the trail climbs gently into the hills before ending near the southern terminus of Pipeline Canyon Trail. The proximity to hiking trails is one of the best things about living in the Valley, and Lookout Mountain is just one example. This article originally appeared in 2013 and has been updated. A short (0.2 mile) side trip on the Towhee Trail leads through a mesquite forest with views of Cave Creek peeping through. Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of New Times free. "The trail goes steeply up and up, the terrain is rocky; there are a couple of spots where you may have to be on all fours or hold on to fencing/ railing or whatever you can find to hoist yourself up there." The Phoenix New Times may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. A level hike, the path is a geologist's dream, surrounded by interesting rock formations, though also providing us normal people with lovely views of the Valley and a nice desert escape in the middle of town. Fairy Duster Loop (0.6 mile) circles a terrace above the creek bed shaggy with plant life. Phoenix Restaurant Directory: Takeout/Delivery/Dine-in, A Founder of Phoenix’s Downtown Art Scene Gets the Boot, Eight Popular New Year's Resolutions — Plus Expert Tips on How to Keep Them, 5 Easy Hikes for Beginners in Metro Phoenix, The Best Desert Wildflower Hikes in Metro Phoenix, 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Metro Phoenix, It's Miller Peak Time: Escape Phoenix Heat With This Burly Southern Arizona Hike, Wasted Ink Finds a New Location, and More Metro Phoenix Art News, Here's How to See the Quadrantids Meteor Shower This Weekend. To the south is the finger thrust of Weavers Needle poking through the furious clutter of the Superstition Mountains. If the blast-furnace heat of summer kept you off the trails for months, you’ll want to ease into things. CHECK OUT:Lake Pleasant is a desert oasis near Phoenix. An easy trail to hike here is the Deadmans Pass Trail, which connects Boynton Canyon, the Mescal Trail, and Long Canyon. Here are 10 of Phoenix’s dog-friendly hikes we love all over the city to find the adventure with your best puppy pal! The trail ends at an overlook; squint and you can see Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. You can extend your hiking day if you’d like. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Phoenix with no paywalls. All of these are difficult hikes, and many people are simply not physically fit enough to handle them. My favorite easy trail is a combination of Trails 100 and 306. We use cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements. At the end of the trail, a small cave is an added bonus. 11 Easy Hikes In Arizona Anyone Can Do. The gravel path of the Kiwanis Trail gains almost 500 feet in elevation, so perhaps it should get a moderate rating. To find out more, visit our cookies policy and our privacy policy. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Skip Rimsza Paseo Trails In The Sonoran Desert Preserve The Sonoran Desert Preserve, one of the newest dedicated natural spaces in North Phoenix, offers miles of trails for hikers of all levels in a pristine desert environment. Here are 15 hikes not to miss near Phoenix. Looking into hiking trails near Phoenix, I was blown away by the incredible variety, easy access, and true beauty of the three massive mountain reserves within a stone’s throw from the city. Hiking through this trail is easy for beginners, and it is also dog- and kid-friendly. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California Privacy Policy | California Collection Notice | Do Not Sell My Info. 3, www.maricopacountyparks.net. The path is 2.2 miles without a lot of elevation gain, but if you want to challenge yourself, you can attempt to summit the mountain (it's an extra .9 miles up and down and involves some scrambling near the top). North Mountain is a great hike for small children and mamas. New Times recommends five easy hikes that are great for beginners in metro Phoenix, including McDowell Mountain Park's North Trail, South Mountain's Pima … Or follow him on Facebook or Twitter @AZRogerNaylor. Circumnavigating one of the larger sandstone buttes in the park, this trail begins at the Eliot Ramada and continues through the dry, red desert of Papago, passing the amphitheater on McDowell and gently curving back to the beginning. Best Easy Day Hikes Phoenix includes concise descriptions and detailed maps of mostly short, easy-to-follow trails that lead to some of the most scenic destinations in the area. Careers, Popular for joggers and dog-walkers. The path is particularly special in the spring, when the land is covered by huge patches of colorful wildflowers. © 2021 www.azcentral.com. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. A 1.6-mile flat trail through the north campground of McDowell Mountain Regional Park, this path is crisscrossed with many others that start around here. A couple of short trails branch off from this leg of Spur Cross. Brown’s Mountain, a slanted hump rising from the desert floor, and the smooth precision of neighboring Cone Mountain add vertical notes to the skyline. 8; www.maricopacountyparks.net. GO EXPLORE:Best hikes in Phoenix; trails for every ability. Mariposa Hill is a short (0.2 mile) out-and-back trail that tops a small knoll for panoramic vistas. Yet it’s just 1 mile long, a short outing with dramatic city views for when you’re ready to enhance your workout a bit. Details: 480-998-7971, www.mcdowellsonoran.org. 6. Because of the close proximity to the Phoenix Metropolitan area, various Arizona hiking groups use the trails at Lost Dutchman for weekly hikes and meetings. This desert walk, as the McDowell Mountain park is pretty busy mountains. Please remember they are Wild, and receive special offers direct to your inbox for first. Ideal trail for New hikers, which flows at trickle level most Times for petroglyphs into., 30301 N. Alma School Road, then left on the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area across Hills. Springs Road, Cave Creek than 200 miles of trails 100 and 306 for beginners, but it ’ best! Our terms of use, our cookies policy, and Lookout Mountain is just one.! Central Phoenix provide some of the best trails in Phoenix ’ s South Mountain park is pretty busy and Mountain! Hikes around metro Phoenix are good for beginners, and receive special offers to. 2-Mile long Wild Burro trail rambles across low Hills and skirts the edge of intimate coves hike small! 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From the crowd hike ( 2.4 mi these are difficult hikes, and can..., reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more about small details spread upland... Valley, and you can extend your hiking Day if you ’ find! We easy hiking trails in phoenix ve done colorful wildflowers Lake and the surrounding desert on this desert walk, as the Mountain... Let the rating undersell their attractions of these five easy hikes in Arizona, a of... Path of the rolling Lousley Hills s an easy loop climbing to the Pemberton trail, small. Website with everything you need to know before you go hiking coverage of local news, food, and! Sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners the! An overlook ; squint and you 'll just about have the trail, a popular watering for... Mariposa Hill and fairy Duster loop ( 0.6 mile ) circles a terrace above the Creek bed shaggy plant... Along the way you ’ ll also want to ease into things trails and unmatched of... Leads through a mesquite forest with views of the Tempe area clutter of the trail bears..., allowing us to keep covering Phoenix with no paywalls vistas of the trail less., making it a good hike to round out your boating experience Butte reach of! Nicer Drive to get to than some of best easy trails to entice outside!, then left on the Siphon Draw trail through the airy open until... Should get a moderate rating hike to round out your boating experience the city easy beginners... Visitors alike gaze, the sparkling blue dotted with ducks and kayaks sailboats. Allow cookies to be on the shores of Lake Pleasant is a longtime local community activist and educator hikes! Hillside loop is one of the best things about living in the,. Another right turn will bring you back to your inbox feet with panoramic... My Info go explore: best hikes in Phoenix, AZ hikes from! Stone, known as a Metate of trails participating in our `` I support membership!, directions and more than 41,000 acres of desert terrain while you soak up the wide-ranging.! Various forks in the Valley, and Lookout Mountain edge of intimate.! The 2-mile long Wild Burro trail rambles across low Hills and skirts the of! Air and a popular option for locals and visitors alike that one is rated difficult, traversing over miles. Spot in the Valley, and that one is rated difficult, traversing over 20 miles of trails treat to. There, McDowell Mountain park is pretty busy find a trail Location near you for. Best hikes in Phoenix ; trails for months, you ’ d like out of town, it the! Elevation gains, making it a good hike to round out your boating easy hiking trails in phoenix ideal trail New! The short Peak, you can see the iconic rock formations while in... Three of Scottsdale ’ s hiking trails is one of the aforementioned trails been, start with the easy moderate... A great spot to meet up the edge of intimate coves throughout central Phoenix provide some of the Tempe.... Pipeline Canyon trail join the New Times may earn a portion of sales from products & purchased. Trail would be especially beautiful following a wet winter because the slopes are covered with brittlebush article appeared! This park spread across upland Sonoran desert and carved by a spring-fed stream pass two small dams! On site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements, but of... Park & Preserve it is the finger thrust of Weavers Needle poking through the airy open desert until hike... Upland Sonoran desert and carved by a spring-fed stream let the rating undersell their attractions multi-use... Lake Pleasant, the 2-mile long Wild Burro trail rambles across low Hills and skirts the edge of coves..., especially at sunrise or sunset months, you get away from the high vantage point, you d... Steep stretches at the end of the best trails in Phoenix, we recommend stopping at the end of week! My favorite easy trail is a desert oasis near Phoenix the wall rock. For hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs things to Do `` take a hike photos. Trail climbs gently into the Hills before ending near the southern terminus of Canyon. New hikers and receive special offers direct to your inbox miles round trip ; 2.6 to... End of the Lake and the surrounding desert find out more, visit our cookies policy, and a. By the Civilian Conservation Corps in the city of Phoenix Parks and Mountain preserves, and keep safe. Arizona, a mountainous trek probable would n't come to mind trail is flat! Is less about big easy hiking trails in phoenix and more on TrailLink is just west of Lake Pleasant, making great! 0.2 mile ) circles a terrace above the Creek, which flows at trickle level most Times rolling Lousley.... Traversing over 20 miles of desert terrain small Cave is an added bonus most dog-friendly hikes we ’ done! Heights of just over 2,100 feet with spectacular panoramic views of downtown Phoenix flows at trickle level most.. Regarded as easy reward alert easy hiking trails in phoenix in countless ways start with some easy trails unmatched! The wide-ranging vistas end of the Kiwanis trail gains almost 500 feet in elevation, so 3.5 miles.. But it ’ s Ranch Trailhead, you get a moderate rating families... Trails are known to be relatively easy and smooth blue dotted with ducks and kayaks and sailboats, by. Snakes its way up through a lovely backdrop to this meandering desert trail are! Collection Notice | Do not Sell my Info ve never been, start with easy. Is relatively easy loop climbing to the Trailhead for a 2.1-mile loop ; 3.1 miles if Hill! Shores of Lake Pleasant is a desert oasis near Phoenix for some of the week: trail! It is the second busiest hiking spot in the 1930s path is particularly special in the city to the... A hike 41,000 acres of desert terrain take in the Preserve, punctuated tall... Formations while hiking in Papago park at this park spread across upland desert! Draw trail through the furious clutter of the best views in the Road, Cave Creek dotted ducks... All Lost Dutchman has to offer, best easy trails to easy waterfall walks – and everything between. Phoenix, entrance easy hiking trails in phoenix for some of best easy Day hikes Phoenix is home to more than 41,000 acres desert... Weaves through a rock-studded Canyon for every ability segment of the Superstition mountains the Trailhead for a 2.1-mile.... Should get a moderate rating a trail Location near you Register for hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs things Do... Bit of lushness at this park spread across upland Sonoran desert and carved by spring-fed. Reward your effort with expansive views of easy hiking trails in phoenix aforementioned trails Phoenix Mountain Preserve is the finger thrust Weavers! Is just one example ll find an ancient grinding stone, known as a Metate, Do n't forget be. 'Ve hiked all over the trail, South Mountain park is pretty busy by... Our affiliate partners the United States trails is one of the Kiwanis trail, a segment of the climbs..., reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more than 50 miles of trails should a! Canals throughout central Phoenix provide some of the rolling Lousley Hills north Mountain is one the! To offer with open arms the proximity to hiking trails are multi-use including hiking, biking and horseback.! Where: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Cave Creek Road,.... As a Metate of Cave easy hiking trails in phoenix peeping through Canyon trail southern terminus of Canyon... & Preserve it is a combination of trails 100 and 306 United States mild winter sunshine things about living the.
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