Embarking on scenic hikes in Phoenix has been a passion of mine, especially when accompanied by my trusty four-legged friend Shadow. However, recent knee issues have prompted me to adapt my hiking routine. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share with you the ultimate scenic hiking routes in Phoenix. Perfect for both seasoned hikers and those looking for leisurely strolls amidst breathtaking landscapes.
From winding desert trails to panoramic mountain vistas, Phoenix offers a plethora of outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. So, lace up your boots, grab your furry companion if you have one, and let’s hit the trails together as we discover the beauty of hiking in the Valley of the Sun.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Phoenix is famous for its rugged desert landscapes and massive saguaro cacti. But within the city and its surrounding mountains, there are also pine forests, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and winding creek beds. Phoenix has some of the most stunning and diverse scenery in the American Southwest with lots of great hiking trails to explore it.
Phoenix’s most iconic hike is Camelback Mountain, but the locals know there are trails with equally impressive views all over the Valley of the Sun. Whether you want a short nature walk or a challenging mountain ascent, Phoenix has a scenic trail perfect for you. The city’s rugged peaks, rolling hills, and flat desert basin create a variety of vistas and landscapes to discover.
In this article, we will highlight the top scenic hiking trails around Phoenix to help you plan your outdoor adventure. From cactus gardens to canyon oases, get ready to experience the majestic beauty of the Sonoran Desert and beyond. Phoenix’s scenic trails offer panoramic vistas, secluded oases, diverse ecosystems and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Grab your hiking shoes and water bottle to hit these breathtaking trails and see a different side of the Valley of the Sun.
Camelback Mountain
One of Phoenix’s most iconic and popular hikes is Camelback Mountain. Located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area, this summit rises 2,704 feet above the city and provides breathtaking 360-degree views.
The hike up Camelback is considered very challenging, with steep and rugged slopes. The Echo Canyon Trail is only 2.4 miles round trip but gains 1,300 feet in elevation. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must when tackling this steep incline.
As you make your way up the dusty red sandstone and granite rock formations, you’ll pass spots like the “Head of Camelback” and “Hump.” The views become more stunning with every step, showcasing the Phoenix vy below.
Once at the summit, the panorama is unmatched. You can see all of Phoenix sprawled out, as well as Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for photos of both the city and looking down the mountainside.
Camelback Mountain is extremely popular, especially during peak season between October and April, so arrive early to beat crowds. While challenging, ascending this iconic natural landmark offers an unforgettable Phoenix experience with rewarding scenery.
Piestewa Peak
Piestewa Peak, previously known as Squaw Peak, is the second most popular summit hike after Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. Located within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, this trail offers stunning 360 degree views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The hike to the 2,608 foot summit is only 2.4 miles roundtrip, making it a shorter yet still moderately challenging trail. The incline is steep in parts but manageable for most hikers. Along the way you’ll pass through typical Sonoran desert terrain until reaching the top, which opens up to panoramic vistas.
On clear days you can see an impressive distance across the valley, from downtown Phoenix skyscrapers to the Four Peaks in the east. The views extend south to South Mountain and west across Glendale. It’s an ideal spot for taking photos of the sweeping city below.
While Camelback Mountain attracts bigger crowds, Piestewa Peak offers a similar payoff in views with a shorter, still fun hike. It’s a great option for Phoenix residents and visitors looking to summit a peak and admire the valley from above.
South Mountain
South Mountain is part of the largest municipal park in the United States, spanning over 16,000 acres across Phoenix and boasting over 58 miles of trails. With an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet, South Mountain showcases incredibly diverse landscapes, from typical Sonoran desert at the base to higher elevation forests near the summit.
The aptly named Holbert Trail is a major highlight at South Mountain. This 7.5 mile loop provides stunning panoramic views as it winds through the foothills. Dobbins Lookout is another popular destination, offering a bird’s eye perspective over downtown Phoenix and the surrounding valley. The views from Dobbins Lookout are especially breathtaking at sunset when the city lights twinkle below.
With over 50 miles of interconnected trails that cater to all levels, South Mountain is a trail runner’s paradise. Beginners can opt for short and scenic trails like the 1-mile National Trail, while experienced hikers can link multiple trails together and take on the demanding climb to the 2,860 foot summit. No matter your ability level, South Mountain’s far-reaching trail network has something special to offer any outdoor enthusiast.
North Mountain
North Mountain is an excellent hiking trail for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Camelback and Piestewa peaks. Located just north of Phoenix, this trail offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges.
One of the biggest perks of North Mountain is that it receives significantly fewer visitors compared to other popular Phoenix trails. This allows hikers to enjoy a peaceful, serene trek without constantly dodging other groups on the path. The relatively low traffic also makes North Mountain a great spot for wildlife viewing. Hikers frequently see quail, lizards, rabbits, and other desert critters along the trail.
The summit of North Mountain stands at 2,104 feet and provides outstanding 360 degree views. To the east you can see downtown Phoenix and the Four Peaks in the distance. Looking south you’ll be treated to views of South Mountain, downtown, and the airport. Westward sits the White Tank Mountains. And glancing north shows off undeveloped desert and mountains as far as the eye can see.
With its lower crowds and excellent views, North Mountain is an ideal alternative for Phoenix residents seeking convenient city access but wanting to avoid the most popular, crowded trails.
Sunrise Trail
The Sunrise Trail is a scenic hike located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve connecting Usery Mountain and McDowell Mountain Regional Parks. One of the biggest draws of this trail is the beautiful desert scenery and slightly cooler temperatures that the higher elevation provides.
The trail traverses through typical Sonoran desert terrain with Saguaro cacti, ocotillo, jojoba, and palo verde trees. During the spring months, an abundance of wildflowers can be seen blanketing the landscape in vibrant colors. As you make your way up the trail, you’ll gain over 1,000 feet in elevation allowing you to take in panoramic views of the entire Valley.
The trail is just over 6 miles long one-way and is open to both hikers and mountain bikers. It’s a moderate hike with some steeper sections towards the ridges. The elevation change provides a nice reprieve from the hotter valley floors during the summer months. Early mornings and late afternoons during spring and fall are ideal times to tackle this trail.
Whether you choose to make it an out-and-back hike or shuttle two cars to complete the one-way journey, the Sunrise Trail showcases some of the best scenery the Phoenix area has to offer. It’s one of the hidden gem hikes where you can take in the beautiful desert scenery and stellar views with far less crowds than some of the most popular peaks.
Apache Wash Trail
The Apache Wash Trail is a hidden gem located in the city of Phoenix. Winding through the Sonoran Desert, this scenic trail showcases the unique desert landscape that Phoenix is known for.
Saguaro cacti, with their iconic rising arms, are abundant along the trail. Other desert plants like prickly cholla cactus and cottonwood trees bring texture and color to the landscape. As you hike along the dusty trail, you’ll feel transported into the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
One of the most interesting features of the Apache Wash Trail are the petroglyphs that can be found along the way. These etched rock carvings were made by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Images like animals, human figures, and geometric shapes offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient people. Spotting a petroglyph along the trail makes for an exciting discovery.
The Apache Wash Trail allows you to experience the best of Phoenix’s desert scenery and history. With the saguaros, cholla, cottonwoods and petroglyphs found along the way, it’s one of the most scenic trails the city has to offer.
Quartz Peak Trail
The Quartz Peak Trail is an 8 mile loop that offers gorgeous panoramic views and a challenging hike. Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this trail brings you to the summit of Quartz Peak, rising to 3,397 feet.
As you make your way up the steady incline to the peak, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of giant granite boulders, Saguaro cacti, and sweeping vistas of the valley. Once at the top, you can take in magnificent 360 degree views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, Weaver’s Needle, and Scottsdale in the distance.
The downhill portion of the trail brings even more spectacular scenery. As you pass a saddleback between Quartz Peak and Midway Mountain, you’ll have an excellent view of the impressive rock formation known as Weaver’s Needle. This column of volcanic rock shoots up vertically like a needle, providing a stunning photo opportunity along the trail.
With over 1,600 feet of elevation gain, the Quartz Peak Trail provides a rigorous workout and a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. Just remember to bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel your trek. The rewarding vistas and boulder-hopping adventure make this one of the premier hiking trails in the Phoenix area.
Telegraph Pass Trail
The Telegraph Pass Trail is a scenic desert hike located in South Mountain Park that follows the path of an old stagecoach route from the late 1800s. This moderately difficult 8-mile out-and-back trail takes hikers through a lush canyon setting surrounded by towering rock formations.
One of the highlights of Telegraph Pass is the diversity of plant and animal life along the trail. Hikers may spot blooming ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, jojoba, and palo verde trees. Keep an eye out for rock squirrels, jackrabbits, quail, lizards, and possibly even javelina along the route.
As you make your way up the canyon, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of South Mountain’s rugged terrain. The trail passes through a section known as ‘The Narrows’ where steep cliffs rise up dramatically on either side, creating a scenic backdrop for photographs. Continuing further leads to a rocky dry creek bed and eventually climbs up switchbacks to a saddle overlooking Phoenix in the distance.
For those looking for a taste of the Old West near the city, Telegraph Pass Trail is one of the best hikes in Phoenix. The lush desert scenery and diverse wildlife make this scenic trail a favorite for many local hikers.
Conclusion
Phoenix and surrounding areas are home to some of the most spectacular desert scenery and hiking trails in the American Southwest. From the iconic Camelback Mountain to the lesser known Sunrise Trail, there are scenic trails for all levels and interests.
For those seeking amazing panoramic views, Piestewa Peak, South Mountain, Quartz Peak and North Mountain offer stunning 360 degree vistas of the city below and the surrounding mountains. Watching the sunset from the summit of Piestewa Peak is an unforgettable experience.
If you want a peaceful hike through typical Sonoran desert scenery, check out the Apache Wash Trail or the lower sections of Camelback. The saguaro cacti, ocotillo, and other desert plants make for great photos along the trail.
For an invigorating climb to a secluded summit, head to the upper reaches of Quartz Peak Trail or Telegraph Pass Trail. You’ll be rewarded with an incredible feeling of accomplishment and pristine desert wilderness few get to enjoy.
Whatever scenic trail you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, sturdy footwear, and a camera to capture the beauty. Phoenix’s hiking trails showcase the very best of desert scenery. With amazing views, unique terrain, and the right preparations, you’re sure to have an incredible experience enjoying the natural landscapes around Phoenix.
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