Desert Mountains, City Views
One of the things I love most about the Valley is that you can be downtown at your desk and standing on top of a mountain thirty minutes later. Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and South Mountain all rise right out of the middle of the city, and there are dozens of smaller preserves and trails tucked into nearly every neighborhood.
Clients moving here are always surprised how much of Phoenix life happens outdoors. Here's my running list of go-to trails, sorted by effort, plus a safety note: several of these close in the summer once temperatures hit 100 degrees, so plan early mornings from May through September.
Easy & Family-Friendly Go-Tos
A short, easy walk up to a natural rock formation used by the Hohokam to track the solstice, with sweeping views of the Phoenix skyline. About 15 minutes round trip.
An easier summit than Camelback or Piestewa, under a mile out and back with some light scrambling near the top and views toward Scottsdale.
A gentle 1.4 miles each way, paved for the first half mile, with a modest climb to the pass and the option to keep going onto Desert Classic Trail.
Moderate Go-Tos
A 4.5-mile loop with a steady climb up Shaw Butte for views of North Mountain, then a rockier stretch back down between the two peaks.
Fourteen miles end to end along the ridgeline, passing Hidden Valley and the Buena Vista Lookout. Most locals hike a section rather than the whole thing.
Advanced & Summit Go-Tos
These are steep, exposed, and not for beginners or kids. Go early, bring more water than you think you need.
Only 2.4 miles round trip, but steep switchbacks the whole way up to a 360-degree summit view. Closes to hikers once it hits 100 degrees.
The Valley's toughest, most iconic hike. Echo Canyon is shorter and steeper with some rock scrambling; Cholla is longer and more exposed. Both require real fitness.