The Phoenix area may be one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas, yet residents don’t need to travel far to connect with Mother Nature. Day hikes are scattered throughout the Valley of the Sun, each holding a unique desert adventure.
Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain
The Echo Canyon trail is undoubtedly one of the best-known Phoenix hikes, and for good reasons. Outdoor enthusiasts are surrounded by picturesque scenery – red boulders, wildflowers and scattered palo verde trees and cacti. The trail can be difficult for novice hikers, yet “Camelback regulars” hit the trail on a daily basis, savoring not only scenery, but the intense workout. On parts of the trail, hikers have to climb over boulders and through steep passes.
- Watch Out For: There is a small parking lot and most side streets do not offer parking. Police officers hand out parking tickets on a regular basis, so visitors need to be sure they are parked in a designated spot.
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Directions: From the intersection of Tatum Boulevard and McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley, head east on Tatum. The first right is Echo Canyon, which leads to the parking lot.
Mormon Trail at South Mountain
Both a haven for mountain bikers and hikers, South Mountain offers a number trails of varying difficulty. The Mormon Trail is a popular spot for hikers, partly for a natural tunnel hidden in the rolling hills that is filled with petroglyphs.
- Watch Out For: Parking is very limited. Try to hit the trail during weekdays when the area isn’t as crowded.
- Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
- Directions: The trailhead is located at 24th Street, south of Baseline in Phoenix. However, it can be accessed from other trails in South Mountain Park since many of the trails connect. Trail maps are located throughout the park.
Summit Trail at Piestewa Peak
This mountain lies in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Formerly known as Squaw Peak, the mountain was renamed Piestewa Peak in 2004 in honor of fallen soldier Lori Piestewa, who was killed in action during the War in Iraq. The Summit Trail is a series of clearly marked switchbacks leading to the top of the peak. It’s not as rugged as Camelback Mountain and has a bit more greenery, especially during the spring. Purple and yellow wildflowers blanket the base of the mountain before triple digit temps become the norm.
- Watch Out For: This trail can become a gnat and bee haven when the wildflowers start blooming, and there isn’t relief near the top, which rushes hiking trips.
- Distance: 2.4 miles roundtrip
- Directions: Head east on Squaw Peak Drive off of Lincoln Drive in Phoenix. It is three blocks east of SR 51.
Camelback Mountain, South Mountain and Piestewa Peak are three of the Valley’s most popular hiking destinations. Hikers who want to get away from the crowds have dozens of options within an hour's drive of the city, including Browns Trail at Four Peaks.
Andrea Aker - PR & Marketing Professional in Arizona Andrea Aker founded Aker Ink Public Relations in 2007, armed with an diverse background in PR ...
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