Hikes in the Phoenix area

How difficult are these trails? Remember to HIKE SMART

Apache Wash Loop Trail

Distance: 6.8 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 218ft
Difficulty rating:  2

• Notes: This is a trail that is great for all levels because of the secure footing and little elevation change over the 6.8mile distance. Best to hike this trail in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and bring more water than you might think. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on leash.

Beverly Canyon Loop Trail

Distance: 2.2 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 275ft
Difficulty rating:  2

• Notes: Over the course of the hike, hikers will enjoy easy ups and downs through sandy creek beds. Hikers will also enjoy the views of the wildflowers as they hike around the loop. This is a great option for beginners looking to enjoy what nature has to offer!

Black Mountain Trail

Distance: 2.2 miles on an out and back trail (4.4 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 1194
Difficulty rating:  4

• Notes: If hikers are looking for a quick difficult hike this is one to try out. Accessible year-round, hikers will follow a trail up leading to rocky terrain that is sharp at place. Best to start this hike earlier in the day since the bugs are can get so bad. The constant uphill will make you feel it when you are back at the base.  Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be on leash.

Camelback Mountain Trails (Echo Canyon and Cholla)

Distance: 2.5 or 2.85 miles total out and back
Elevation gain: 1,280 feet or 1,250 feet
Difficulty rating: 4.5

• Notes: This trail is STEEP, although the short distance may appear manageable. Every step is a climb, making the summit that much more rewarding when you get there. We recommend starting with other hikes and working your way up to these. Pack more water than you think you need, and leave your pups at home for this one. But be sure to bring your camera for the summit!

Cave Creek Trail

Distance: 9.8 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 1722ft
Difficulty rating: 3

• Notes: Although this hike is accessible year-round it does get hot, plan accordingly and bring ample amounts of water. The hike offers easy to follow markers, views of wildflowers, great for greeting horses along the way, all while walking along a creek at some parts. This trail is a great option for the intermediate hiker looking for a challenge.

Dixie Mountain Loop Trail

Distance: 4.6 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 741ft
Difficulty rating:  3

• Notes: Smalls ups and downs lead hikers through this loop trail for a fun hike for all levels. Different wildlife can be seen on the hike, the most difficult part of the trail will be getting to the summit, but the top will not disappoint! Lace up your best hiking shoes and enjoy.

Dreamy Draw Loop Trail

Distance: 3.7 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 616ft
Difficulty rating: 2

• Notes: A fun hike that is great for all levels of hikers. This trail is not well marked and can be difficult to follow the right trail, it might be helpful to carry the All-trails app for guidance or follow the crowds as this Is a heavily traveled hike. Dogs are welcome on trail but must be on leash.

East Wing Mountain Trail

Distance: 1.5 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 419ft
Difficulty rating: 2

• Notes: Best to hike this trail between October through April. This short hike offers hikers a chance to scramble up on some rocks as they hike up to the top of a fantastic 360 view of the surrounding area. This is a great option for your leashed pet too!

Granite Mountain Loop Trail

Distance: 4.5 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 283ft
Difficulty rating: 2

• Notes: A well-marked trail leads hikers into a lush green area if done at the right time of year. Accessible anytime of the year, if being done in summer best to start early to beat the heat. The trail is easy going through the desert landscape looking at the wildflowers, or giant boulders that have located around the trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on leash.

Hidden Valley Trail

Distance: .5 miles on an out and back trail (1 mile in total)
Elevation gain: 2ft
Difficulty rating: 1

• Notes: A great trail that is short and is great for exploring, the main attraction is the fat man’s pass that hikers go through to reach the end. At the end of this trail, hikers can connect to other trails almost like a pick and choose adventure that won’t disappoint.

Holbert Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles on an out and back trail (5 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 1059ft
Difficulty rating: 3

• Notes: The start to this trail is relatively flat and easy going. After a few sandy washes, hikers will come across a paved road, follow the signs to the right where the trail becomes more technical and rockier. Follow the signs and markers up the too the top for a view that’s worth the climb. As always, pack lots of water and sun protection!

Javelina Canyon and Ridgeline Loop Trail

Distance: 3.4 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 561ft
Difficulty rating: 2

• Notes: Another good hike to be done during the cooler months of the year, this trail starts off a bit slow but once hikers turn the ridge line it gets so much more fun. Best to be done in the mornings and evenings if done during the summer months. This is a great option for hikers with families and pets.

Lookout Mountain Summit Trail

Distance: .9 miles on an out and back trail (1.8 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 473ft
Difficulty rating:  2

• Notes: Best to be done between November to April, this trail offers hikers a great view when they get to the top of the entire valley. It is worth it to try and wake up early to watch the sunrise in the valley! Great for all levels of hikers, families, and pets.

McDowell Mountain Trails

Distance: 2.2-14.8 miles, trails vary
Elevation gain: 118 feet – 2,066 feet, trails vary
Difficulty rating: 1-4, trails vary

• Notes: McDowell Mountain offers a variety of options for every hiker. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll to enjoy the sights, or looking to climb a long and hard trail for the scenic panorama, this is the park for you! Lace up your boots and pack the sun protection. Be aware of mountain bikers, as this has become a popular place to ride too.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

Distance: 1.1 miles on an out and back trail (2.2 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 1050ft
Difficulty rating:  3

• Notes: The short distance and the rapid elevation gain is what gives this a 3 on the difficulty scale. This trail is a leg burner all the way up but is well worth the view at the top. Can be done at all times of the year and is very busy with other hikers! Not a technical hike and well worth the leg burn to get to the top. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash.

Pima Wash to West Loop

Distance: 2.7 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 213ft
Difficulty rating: 2

• Notes: Best to be hiked during the winter and early spring months of the year.  A lot of shade and rest spots make this a great relaxing trail for hikers of all levels. Trail running is also popular here and is great to look at the wildflowers like so many other hikes in the area. Dogs are welcomed on trail but must be on leash.

Pipeline Canyon Trail

Distance: 2.1 miles on an out and back trail (4.2 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 519ft
Difficulty rating:  2

• Notes: An easy well marked trail, this is a great way to get the blood pumping. This trail follows a clearly marked path down into the canyon and it also connected to the Yavapai trail which is a .7 mile out and back trail that is well worth it. If hikers want to get out early before the heat of the day, they may be lucky enough to see some wild burros along the trail!

Ridgeback Overlook

Distance: 1.7 miles on an out and back trail (3.4 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 273ft
Difficulty rating: 2

• Notes: This trail is between the sidewinder and the ocotillo trail. The trail is slightly easier and more forgiving with the elevation gain if one Is hiking from the south where sidewinder trail is located. At the top the trail, the views will not disappoint and is a great variation for someone who has already done the sidewinder trail. Don’t forget your sun protection on this exposed hike!

Rincon Peak Trail

Distance: 14.4 miles on an out and back trail (28.8 miles in total)
Elevation gain: 4596
Difficulty rating: 5

• Notes: This trail is no joke! Accessible all year around this trail is great for the adventurous hikers who are ready to take on a challenge. This trail is hard, don’t underestimate it, bring extra water and food. Camping out is an option for hikers but it can be done in one day. This hike will not let you down once you conquer the summit! Great views along the way will keep motivating hikers to finish the hike. No dogs are allowed on this hike.

Shaw Butte Trail

Distance: 3.7 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 748ft
Difficulty rating: 3

• Notes: It is best to tackle this hike in the morning during the summer as it gets so hot. The loop starts on a dirt road and then quickly gets more gradual after about a mile or so. The top of this hike has transmission towers on top of it, but hikers can still see out in the distance appreciating the views. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash.

Sidewinder Loop Trail

Distance: 6.5 miles on a loop trail
Elevation gain: 810ft
Difficulty rating:  2

• Notes: This is another great hike accessible year-round that is a good introduction to beginner hikers who are looking to up the ante. During this hike you will see gorgeous wildflowers as you hike to the summit. Best to hike it in the morning or while the flowers are blooming to get the full experience this hike has to offer.