While most of us are digging out from all manner of unbearable winter storms, there are still some spots where you can engage in warm weather activities. For many, warm weather and winter unusually mean a trip to the desert. And with the biggest football game of the year kicking off in Arizona on February 12, we thought it might be fun to provide a list of activities for visitors looking to enjoy nature, exercise, and some truly memorable hiking trails. We selected the ten best hiking trails around Phoenix for you to explore.
Phoenix may be known for its desert climate and urban sprawl, but it also offers a wide range of stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails that cater to all ages and fitness levels. From the lush foliage of the Sonoran Desert to the towering peaks of the Phoenix Mountains, there's something for every type of hiker to enjoy. So why wait? Let's hit the trails and take in all the beauty that Phoenix has to offer!
What better way to quench your thirst after a long hike than with a THC beverage? If you are new to this cannabis form factor, it’s quickly becoming a consumer favorite for its mellow high that doesn’t leave you dehydrated or hungover. After an adventurous hike, a bit of a buzz is just what you need to relax. Wynk sparkling seltzers leverage nanoemulsion technology that gives you quick effects that don’t linger all day. Plus, there’s no need to worry about that pesky hangover you might get from a traditional happy hour beverage.
Best Trails to Explore in the Phoenix Area
Each of these trails offers stunning beauty and great exercise, but remember to consider your surroundings. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, and always wear sturdy shoes for the rocky terrains.
1. Camelback Mountain
Location: Phoenix
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Distance: 2.5 miles (summit), 1.5 miles (Cholla Trail)
Sites of Interest: Summit provides panoramic views of Phoenix
Camelback Mountain, located in the heart of Phoenix, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The steep, rocky trail to the summit is a challenging but rewarding hike featuring beautiful desert flora and fauna. The Cholla Trail is a shorter, less strenuous option that still offers great views of the valley. Both trails are dog-friendly, so be sure to bring water and treats for your pup!
2. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Location: Phoenix
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Distance: 2.2 miles
Sites of Interest: Summit offers 360-degree views of the valley
Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak, is another iconic Phoenix mountain that offers great views of the city. The Summit Trail is a popular option for its moderate difficulty and stunning views from the top. The trail is dog-friendly, but be sure to bring plenty of water for you and your pup, as there is little shade. Some dogs might be best left at home for this scorcher of a trail.
3. South Mountain Park/Preserve
Location: Phoenix
Difficulty: Easy to advanced
Total Distance: Varies
Sites of Interest: Natural rock formations, cactus gardens, desert wildlife
South Mountain Park/Preserve is the largest municipal park in the United States and offers a variety of hiking trails to suit different fitness levels. The park is home to natural rock formations, cactus gardens, and a wide range of desert wildlife. The trails range from easy to advanced, so there's something for everyone.
4. Lost Dutchman State Park
Location: Apache Junction
Difficulty: Easy to advanced
Total Distance: Varies
Sites of Interest: Sonoran Desert landscape, wildflowers, mountain vistas
Lost Dutchman State Park, located just east of Phoenix in Apache Junction, offers a range of hiking trails that showcase the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The park is known for its wildflowers, mountain vistas, and diverse plant and animal life. The trails range from easy to advanced, but be sure to check a map beforehand, so you take the route best suited for your group.
5. Tom's Thumb Trail
Location: Scottsdale
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Distance: 4.5 miles
Sites of Interest: Panoramic views of the valley, rock formations
Tom's Thumb Trail is a moderate-difficulty hike located in the McDowell Mountain Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail offers incredible panoramic views of the valley, as well as the opportunity to see unique rock formations. The trail is relatively rocky and steep in places, so it's important to wear sturdy shoes. The trail is popular with hikers, runners, and rock climbers and is also dog-friendly. The trailhead can be accessed from the Pima parking area, and several other trails in the area can be combined with Tom's Thumb for a longer hike.
6. White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Location: Waddell
Difficulty: Easy to advanced
Total Distance: Varies
Sites of Interest: Waterfall, rock formations, desert wildlife
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located in Waddell, offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to advanced. The park is known for its stunning rock formations and desert wildlife, as well as a beautiful waterfall that can be reached via the Gila Trail. You’ll definitely want a camera handy to capture the scene.
7. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Location: Scottsdale
Difficulty: Easy to advanced
Total Distance: Varies
Sites of Interest: Desert flora and fauna, mountain vistas
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a 30,000-acre natural area located in Scottsdale. There are vast mountain vistas that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The preserve features a large network of trails that cater to hikers of all levels, ranging from easy, leisurely walks to more challenging, advanced hikes. No matter what your fitness level or interests, there's something for everyone here. The preserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, snakes, lizards, and various bird species. It's a great place to get out and experience the beauty of the desert and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
8. Hawes Trail
Location: Mesa
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Distance: 3.75 miles
Sites of Interest: Desert flora and fauna, mountain vistas
The Hawes Trail, located in Mesa's Usery Mountain Recreation Area, is a moderate-difficulty hike that offers beautiful desert scenery and mountain vistas. The trail is relatively flat, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the scenery without too much of a workout. It is a popular trail for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers and is dog-friendly.
9. Hieroglyphic Trail
Location: Gold Canyon
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: 1.5 miles
Sites of Interest: Petroglyphs, desert flora and fauna
The Hieroglyphic Trail, located in Gold Canyon, is a short and easy hike that offers a chance to see ancient petroglyphs and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery. The trail is relatively flat, making it a great option for those who want to take a leisurely stroll through the desert. Don’t be fooled, it’s still a very hot desert climate, so you will want to be plenty hydrated and bring sun protection.
10. Goldfield Mountains
Location: Apache Junction
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Distance: Varies
Sites of Interest: Desert flora and fauna, mountain vistas
Located just east of Phoenix, the Goldfield Mountains offer a range of hiking trails that cater to hikers of all levels. From moderate trails that wind through the desert landscape to more challenging paths that lead to towering mountain peaks, you’ll find plenty of variety here. The mountains are home to a diverse range of desert flora and fauna, including cacti, wildflowers, and a variety of animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and snakes. As you hike through the mountains, you may even catch a glimpse of some of the more elusive wildlife that calls the Goldfields home.
Post-Hike Refreshments
Phoenix and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of beautiful hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels and interests. From the iconic Camelback Mountain to the stunning natural landscapes of the Goldfield Mountains, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So why wait? Get out there and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer! Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, and have fun exploring.
When you return from the trail, treat yourself to an ice-cold Wynk THC sparkling seltzer. These low-dose cannabis-infused beverages are sugar and calorie-free and come in three refreshing flavors. Fans flock to these weed drinks for a light buzz that feels especially delightful after any strenuous activity. Take a load off and crack a can of Wynk anytime you want to relax. Or, explore these THC mocktail recipes and try something truly unique.
To fill up your fridge with your new favorite drinks, find a Wynk retailer near you.
