Best Hikes in Phoenix – Arizona Hikers Guide

As the sixth largest city in the country, the greater Phoenix area is nearly 2,000 square miles and home to millions of full time and part time residents. The urban sprawl has pushed itself in every direction and up into the foothills of several mountain ranges. Phoenix hikes are plentiful and have so much to offer. The best part about these hikes is that each one is a short hike that leads to 360 degree views of the enormous city we call home. Although similar, each hike has their own unique challenges and vantage points from three different angles of the valley. The best hikes in Phoenix are in no particular order.

• Length:  5.5 miles (round trip)
• Trailhead Elevation:  2,050 ft.
• Gain/Loss:  +2,650 ft.
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Rating: 8/10
• Solitude: Low/Moderate
• Season: Winter/Spring/Fall
• Dog Friendly: No

This hike/scramble is located in the east valley in Apache Junction inside the Superstition Mountain Range. Right from the get go the hike progresses uphill through a very pleasant southwest Sonoran Desert which is lined with yellow wildflowers in spring. You will immediately see straight east of you the massive formation that is to be conquered. Don’t let the sheer size of this beast scare you off because I am telling you the thrill of accomplishment and the 360 degree views are worth it. The hike turns into a 2.5 mile scramble up a draw (hence the name) which gains roughly 2,600 ft in elevation. The hike comes to an end on top of what locals call the “Flatiron” because of it’s resemblance of an upside iron. When you reach the summit you will be glad you made it. The views overlook the east valley which is directly underneath you. Off to the right you can see Four Peaks, Red Mountain, South Mountain and the San Tan Range. This hike is extremely popular for several reasons other than just the killer views. It is super close to most East Valley residents, the landmark that you summit is amazing, and the picturesque shots both uphill and down make this hike one of the best hikes in Phoenix.

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• Length:  2.4 miles (round trip)
• Trailhead Elevation:  1.424 ft.
• Gain/Loss:  +1,280 ft.
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Rating: 8/10
• Solitude: Low
• Season: Winter/Spring/Fall
• Dog Friendly: No

When you hear people talking about hiking “Camelback” they are usually referring to either Echo Canyon Summit Trail or Cholla Trail. The mountain is called Camelback due to it’s remarkable resemblance of a camel lying down.  It has two distinct humps which looks very similar to a camels back and head.  The trail runs almost straight through the range and has two trailheads; Echo Canyon and Cholla.  Located right on the borders of Phoenix and Scottsdale, this mountain is literally surrounded by suburbs which makes these hikes incredibly popular and easy to access from just about anywhere in the area.

Echo Canyon Summit Trail is a short, intense hike to the top of the camel’s hump.  I say “hike” but it is more like a death crawl to the top.  There are many spots where you must use all four’s to scramble up the trail.  Thousands of people complete this hike every week for exercise and some hikers even make this a daily routine.  The views at the top of the hump are beautiful because it overlooks the valley with 360 degree views.  It is especially beautiful when you pair it with a ridiculous Arizona sunset.  I recommend this hike to the active crowds looking for a quick and beautiful alternative to a StairMaster at the gym.

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• Length:  2.4 miles (round trip)
• Trailhead Elevation:  1.420 ft.
• Gain/Loss:  +1,190 ft.
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Rating: 8/10
• Solitude: Low
• Season: Winter/Spring/Fall
• Dog Friendly: No

Formerly known as “Squaw Peak”, Piestewa Peak is located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve just north of downtown Phoenix. This peak hike is called Summit Hike #300 but many locals just call it Piestewa Peak which is named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military. This beautiful, rocky peak is one of the most popular hiking trails in Arizona with only the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon receiving more visitors each year. Just minutes away from Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak has it’s own unique trail that tops out at 2610 making it the second highest peak in the area. The trail is much different than the neighboring Camelback Mountain. Piestewa Peak Summit Hike is a very well built, distinct trail carved out of the mountain stone and resembles a staircase the majority of the hike. I call it the rock staircase because it really does look like you are climbing a mile long rock escalator to the top. The views are incredible especially of Camelback Mountain, which is just a few miles away.

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Directions: Here is a map that shows all three trailheads. Click on the markers to find your trailhead

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Let me know what hikes you think are worthy of this list in the comments below!