Phoenix Hiking
Phoenix hiking is some of the best in the world, which is why National Geographic voted it one of the best hiking cities. There’s over 40,000 acres of desert and mountain hiking in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, with a hike for everyone at every skill level.
| Name | Distance | Level | Location | Climb | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camelback Mountain Hike – Cholla Trail | 3.1 | Hard | Paradise Valley | 1540 | N |
| McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike | 4.5 | Easy | Scottsdale | 750 | Y |
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike
4.5 miles - Easy
This “best of” McDowell Sonoran Preserve hike offers well-marked trails, easy climbs, nice views, and classic Sonoran desert scenery on the Gateway Loop Trail. The hike is a great intro hike to McDowell Sonoran Preserve and is suitable for all levels of hikers. And unlike Camelback Mountain, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a peaceful oasis where you can connect with nature and unwind.
Camelback Mountain Hike – Cholla Trail
3.1 miles - Hard
The Camelback Mountain hike is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown and can be seen all over the area, rising to 2,707 feet. It’s a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists, so make sure you do the hike as early as possible, with sunrise being the sweet spot. There are a few ways to hike Camelback Mountain, and this guide takes the easier, less trafficked, and more scenic Cholla Trail. It’s still a tough hike, but the Cholla Trail is a nicer way to hike Camelback Mountain, which is a must-do Phoenix hike.