Hiking around Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, offering a wide range of trails for all skill levels set against stunning Sonoran Desert scenery. From steep hikes with panoramic views to family nature trails there is something for everyone. With year-round sunshine, Phoenix is perfect for hiking, though early mornings are best to avoid extreme heat.
Top Hiking around Phoenix
Camelback Mountain
Hiking Camelback Mountain is one of the most iconic outdoor adventures in the Phoenix area, offering both a challenging workout and rewarding panoramic views. The mountain features two main trails: Echo Canyon and Cholla. Echo Canyon is steeper and more strenuous, with sections requiring scrambling over rocks, while Cholla provides a slightly more gradual ascent but is still physically demanding.
We did the Echo Canyon in 2026. It is a 2.6 mile round trip hike that climbs over 1450 feet and is rated difficult. We arrived before sunrise to ensure parking.
Piestewa Peak
Piestewa Peak is another local favorite, delivering a challenging workout with scenic overlooks of the city. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is a strenuous 2.1 mile round trip hike known for its steep, rocky terrain and 1,10+ ft elevation gain in just over a mile.
Hole in the Rock Hike in Papago Park
Papago Park is a short drive from Scottsdale and worth visiting. The Hole-in-the-Rock Formation and other hiking trails are here. The Hole-in-the-Rock is a short hike easy for most including our toddler! It gives a great view! It is a 0.3 mile round trip hike that includes a hike through a natural tunnel in a red rock butte.
Kovach Family Nature Trail
While there is so much hiking, not all hiking is meant for toddlers so looking for easy hikes then look no further than the Kovach Family Nature Trail. The Kovach Family Nature Trail, located in Scottsdale, offers a peaceful escape into the Sonoran Desert landscape. This short, accessible trail is ideal for families and casual walkers. The trail includes rest areas and interpretive signs about local plants and wildlife. Visitors can spot native species like cacti, birds, and small desert animals while learning about the ecosystem. The trail is well-maintained and designed to be inclusive, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Hayden Butte Trail
The Hayden Butte Trail located in Tempe is a 1 mile out and back trail with 300 feet elevation gain. It is also known as “A” Mountain due to its big A on it and its association with Arizona State University. It is misleading as first part paved but quickly becomes gravel. There is a sign at end of the trail to discourage climbing on rocks but it was packed with people on the rocks!
South Mountain Park Hiking
South Mountain Park which is located south of downtown Phoenix has 58 miles of trails to explore. The top trail is the Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout which is between 2.5-3.8miles (depending where you start) with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. But if you want you can drive up to the Dobbins Lookout too. This gives sweeping views of downtown Phoenix.
Other popular trails include Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail which is 4 miles and includes a unique tunnel and the Javelina Canyon and Ridgeland Loop which is 3.6 miles and has great diversity of desert terrain. For an easy trail check out the Pima Wash Trail to West Loop which is 2.8 miles or just do the 1.3 mile paved portion.
Other Phoenix Arizona top hiking
There are so many incredible hikes around Phoenix area with amazing desert landscapes and views of the area. Some of the other hikes that are very high on the list but we haven’t had a chance to do yet include:
Pinnacle Peak
Pinnacle Peak provides a more moderate, well-maintained trail with sweeping desert vistas, making it ideal for a wider range of hikers. It is a 4 mile round trip hike with 1,300 feet of elevation gain.
Tom’s Thumb
Tom’s Thumb offers unique granite formations and breathtaking viewpoints after a steady climb. It is located in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It is a 4.5 mile round trip hike that climbs 1,300 feet. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Hiking in Phoenix, Arizona Tips
Some hikes in the area are pretty strenuous. When we visited in 2024 we strapped our baby on and climbed Piestewa Peak. When we came back in 2026, we hiked Camelback but had the grandparents watch Calvin and were very happy about that. We did a lot more family friendly hikes on our trip in 2026 such as the Hole-in-the-Rock and Kovach Family Trail. Please be aware of the people in your group and what your capabilities are.
Be aware of the heat
The sun and the heat are definitely factors in hiking in Arizona. If you can go early in the day the better to avoid the heat. Bring lots of water and wear sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses).
Wear proper shoes
Especially for the true hikes, having proper hiking shoes is a must. For the family trail regular shoes can be worn.
Visit Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix and Scottsdale are great places to visit in Arizona. Hiking is a top attraction and should be part of any itinerary in this area. Check out some of my other posts on top things to do in Phoenix HERE or top things to do in Scottsdale with a toddler HERE! You will absolutely love visiting this sunshine filled state!
