Phoenix has lots of places to get outside and explore the mountains and desert near town! Of course, Phoenix is known for being hot in summer, but the mild weather the rest of the year means you can get out and hike just about any time. If you do decide to hike in summer, aim for cooler temperatures by going early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Be sure to bring plenty of water, regardless of the time of year, and sun protection as well.
Here are a few of the great hikes you can try in Phoenix!
1.) Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail
2.) Freedom Trail
3.) Hole in the Rock Trail
4.) Javelina Canyon and Ridgeline Loop Trail
5.) Quartz Ridge Trail
Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail
The Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail is a somewhat challenging, popular trail. You’ll likely see other people hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, or walking their dogs. The trail leads by tunnels, dry waterfalls, and amazing views of the area. This trail also connects with several others, so you can continue on if you want a longer hike.
Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Mileage: 3.6 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a dirt trail with rocks and pebbles along the path. It isn’t accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is a moderately challenging trail
Open year-round: Yes
Miles from downtown Phoenix: 7.6 miles from downtown Phoenix
Pet-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This trail is kid-friendly. Younger children may have trouble hiking to the end – there’s an almost-1,000-foot elevation gain. However, you can turn back early or bring a backpack to carry tired toddlers.
Freedom Trail
Freedom Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers great views of the city and surrounding areas. This is a popular trail, and you’ll likely run into other people running or hiking. This also connects with other trails in the area, so you can continue on if you’d like a longer hike.
Address: 2701 Piestewa Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Mileage: 3.6 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a dirt trail, with some rocks, pebbles, and other small obstacles. It isn’t manageable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is considered a moderately challenging trail.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Phoenix: 12.7 miles from downtown Phoenix
Pet friendly? This trail does allow dogs on a leash. However, it connects with the Summit Trail, which does not allow dogs. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is a somewhat challenging trail for small children, but there are lots of rocks to explore and great views. Older children will enjoy the trail, although younger ones may need to be carried.
Hole in the Rock Trail
Hole in the Rock Trail is a very short trail, but it leads to a hole in a rock that’s a lot of fun for pictures! You’ll also get some great views, and this is a great spot for watching the sun set.
Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Mileage: 0.3 miles
In and Out Trail
Terrain: This is a dirt trail, with stairs to the hole in the rock. It’s not easily managed by strollers or wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is a short, easy trail that can be hiked by kids.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Phoenix: 8.3 miles from downtown Phoenix
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This trail is kid-friendly. It’s very short, and ends with a rock kids can climb and explore.
Javelina Canyon and Ridgeline Loop Trail
The Javelina Canyon and Ridgeline Loop Trail is a moderately challenging trail that’s best hiked from March through October. You may encounter others on the trail, hiking, birdwatching, or horseback riding.
Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Mileage: 3.7 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This trail has small rocks and dirt along the path. It’s not easily accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is considered a moderately challenging trail. You’ll gain almost 600 feet of elevation over the course of almost four miles. You can also adjust the mileage and turn back early to make this a shorter, out-and-back hike.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Phoenix: 7.6 miles from downtown Phoenix
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail.
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail, with lots of different plant life to explore along the way. You’ll also get great views of the surrounding area.
Quartz Ridge Trail
The Quartz Ridge Trail is also a moderately challenging route that’s popular with birdwatchers, hikers, and mountain bikers. It’s also a popular spot for walking dogs, and there are great views from the top of the ridge.
Address: 2701 Piestewa Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Mileage: 3.2 miles
In and Out Trail
Terrain: This trail is dirt and rocks and is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Difficulty: This is considered a moderately challenging trail. It gains 623 feet in elevation but has great views throughout.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Phoenix: 12.7 miles from downtown Phoenix
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail. Older kids should be able to hike the trail, and it’s also a popular spot for mountain biking.
Phoenix Trails
These Phoenix hikes promise beautiful views of the city, the mountains, and the surrounding desert with its unique cacti and technicolor rocks. Hiking is a great way to see the city and the surrounding areas here!
RV Camping in Phoenix
RV camping is a wonderful way to experience Phoenix and the amazing desert landscape. It’s also a good way to be close to hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Thanks to Phoenix’s mild weather, you can camp in Phoenix year-round. If you’re looking for campgrounds in Phoenix in the late spring, summer, or fall, you may want to check for ones with swimming pools to help beat the heat.
RV Rentals in Phoenix
There are plenty of RVshare rentals in Phoenix to choose from, so you can be sure to find one that suits you! If you’re planning to head down backroads exploring, you may want a smaller Class B camper. If you’re traveling with a family or large group of friends, you may want a Class C camper or a Class A motorhome for more room.
Other Things To Do in Phoenix
Along with hiking, there are lots of other things to do in Phoenix! There are several national parks that are less than four hours away, including Grand Canyon National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. Saguaro National Park is just a 90-minute drive. Lost Dutchman State Park is just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix.
While in Phoenix, you could also take in an Arizona Cardinals football game, a Diamondbacks baseball game, or a Suns basketball game. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Desert Botanical Garden are interesting places to explore with kids. If you work up an appetite, stop in at Tacos Atoyac or Tampopo Ramen for a delicious meal.
Enjoy hiking and exploring this bustling desert town!
