Some of the Best Places to Hike in Phoenix, Arizona for all experience levels

[@morphamorpha6194]

I used to live very near Papago Park, in that little panhandle of tempe that sticks up into Scottsdale. Rode my mountain bike through the East edge of the park on the way to and from ASU. After dark, rabbits hang out in the shadows of the palm trees. I do very much miss AZ sunsets. Oregon sunsets can be fantastic, just not as often. Mountain biked on South Mountain. I hiked Camelback once, on New Year's day 1992, Echo Canyon trail. I started late and was the last one off the mountain that night. Had a flashlight and was in no trouble. Loved it!

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

Agree with local hikes. It's great we have them

[@80808O]

Phoenix is an underrated hiking town. It isn't Boulder, CO but not many dense urban areas have this much hiking in the US.

[@signal7]

Heading to the area early next year and appreciate the variety of hikes you shared in the video. Looking forward to checking some of these off my list! 👍

[@MNRick041]

Great video. I visited Phoenix for the first time two months ago. I knew before I went there that I was going to hike Camelback Mountain and then after I got there I learned about Piestewa Peak. I got there on a Monday afternoon, went out to eat then went to my hotel in Peoria, then the next morning I got up and went to Camelback Mountain, it was my first hike in Arizona. It was a tough climb but I made it, in my opinion going down was a little trickier than going up. You're probably more likely to hurt yourself on the way down and I wish I would have brought a good pair of work gloves with me because you do have your hands on a lot of rocks. Then the next day I wasted most of the day waiting on a hot air balloon ride that got cancelled and then at the last minute I decided to go to Piestewa Peak, it was on a list of hiking spots I got from my hotel. I did it late afternoon and I really loved it, although it has the same rating as Camelback I thought it was significantly easier and the views from the top are great. I had to hurry down because it was getting dark quickly and by the time I got back to the parking lot the sky was black, of course I did not have a light. The next day I went back and did it again, then I did it again 2 days later. I really love Piestewa Peak and will definitely be back to climb it again. When I go back out there I will be sure to check out some of the spots you mentioned. One spot you should check out is the Sunrise Mountain Preserve in Peoria. It was near my hotel in Peoria and I went hiking there on my last day, there are a lot of trails and it is easy to moderate depending on your route.

[@JerryArizona]

I'll have to check it out. That's my backyard. When you come back, look into the Superstitions. It's a longer drive, but it's true wilderness with some absolutely amazing trails.

[@MNRick041]

@@JerryArizona I will, I am going back in a few weeks. I plan on hiking flatiron, will probably also check out a few of the other places you mentioned here. I am going to to Piestewa again, might do Camelback again. I'm thinking about Picacho, that looks interesting and a challenge. I'm looking forward to my trip.

[@Scentsational-Vdo]

Great video! Especially for newbie’s to the area. Thanks!

[@JerryArizona]

These 'urban hikes' are a great place to start. You can spread out to more wild hikes from here. The Superstitions and Sedona are a reasonable drive and amazing.

[@BFITP]

I'm a kid and somehow I made it to the top of piestewa peak and shaw butte some times go to south mountain but my little bro keeps tripping and bleeds so we had to leave but never went to deem hills phoenix sonoran preserve white tank mountains estrella wilderness or camelback mountain or the mcdowells but still really great views on piestewa and papago

[@CethWasHere]

I just moved here from Alaska, I’ve been looking for videos and information like this, thank you so much!

[@NickandRachel]

So beautiful out there! Thanks for sharing

[@LesterSuggs]

THIS is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. 7:00 I've done Camelback Mtn. Never again. I could barely walk for 5 days after. Camelback is for young people.

[@eyre9544]

Thanks for the video! Great recommendations!

[@JerryArizona]

You're welcome. We're so lucky to have so many options out here.

[@Michael-xo8lw]

Perfect! Just what I was looking for. Thanks a million.

[@Connected_ToTheVine]

Thanks so much, I'm looking forward to visiting sometime when I can get a cheap flight.

[@Jakeakatheone]

Did Echo Canyon in September.

[@roystongibbs7189]

Did Echo Canyon 3 weeks ago. Very challenging

[@hollyweaver1711]

Love all of these urban hikes! Spur Cross and Cave Creek Regional Park have some beautiful trails as well. Try out Elephant Mount trail for push and views and Dragonfly just for the beauty. Thanks for sharing. I'm loving watching all of your videos.

[@JerryArizona]

Glad you enjoy. I keep meaning to check out Cave Creek but haven't done anything aside from Black Mountain so far. Soon, hopefully.

[@horndude77]

Up near Deem Hills there's Thunderbird park which has some more easy nice hikes.

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

South Mountain is an awesome place to hike

[@chrisgerritsen2376]

Great video Jerry! My family have done a few of these trails and your description was spot on. I did just as you said 4 years ago when I retired. I looked at Picacho Peak and one day decided to stop and climb it....never looked back and look forward to hikes all the time now. Yes, just get out there and do it!

[@JerryArizona]

I did the same thing with Camelback Mountain. Drove past it for years. Stopped and hiked it one day. Changed my life.

[@heidia6270]

Great video Jerry! I’ve done most of these except Camelback. I may try it some day! Lol

[@JerryArizona]

Go for it! It's one of my favorite 'urban' trails.

[@heidia6270]

@@JerryArizona I probably will soon! Ha ha

[@roystongibbs7189]

Did Piestewa Peak last Sunday. Great hiking weather and I've been tackling them. I've been told about good hiking in Tuscon as well.....and of course the Grand Canyon

[@JerryArizona]

I'm currently trying to hike all the peaks around Phoenix. Hit up Piestawa a few weeks back myself. Fun hike, great views. Probably my 2nd favorite "urban" hikes after Camelback.

[@lloyd8043]

Living 5 minutes from Phx Mt Preserves.. I'm partial to trail #8a/b - from 40th St to Piestewa Park too... I love how it's all connected - even Dreamy Draw... Can hike an hour or for days = easy to hard. Great vid.

[@jonschmidt1709]

Hiked Piestewa on Wednesday...wanted to get there by 5:30 so I could see the sunrise from the top thinking I would be one of the only people hiking that early in the morning....wrong! Drove up thinking, I don't remember houses on the hill to have lights on....that's cuz it was headlamps! Barely got a parking spot. Did Fat-man pass and the tunnel loop on Southern too....lots of folks, but worth the hike....

[@JerryArizona]

That place....most of the urban hikes, really, is always busy. Day and night.

[@asinglegreatarmada1998]

I have some fambly that lives right beneath the South Mountains. We drove up to the top for the sunset and I got a picture of the setting sun and it looked strikingly similar to a Phoenix!

[@brandoneickhoff542]

Awesome Video! Im an avid hiker living in Tampa FL.. Ill be relocating to PHX for a better job offer, watching this video has confirmed to me that im making a great decision by moving to the valley of the sun!!

[@JerryArizona]

These are all just easy to access local hikes that you can do after work. We also have the Superstition Wilderness right nearby which is absolutely amazing. Then plenty of places within reasonable driving distance like Flagstaff and Sedona, to name just a few. You'll love it out here.

[@hellabull]

Thanks for the great vid and info! Definitely going to check some of these out when we visit in December!

[@briankelliher8475]

Great video

[@ArtHelm]

Very motivational. I would be a little more dynamic and colorful in my description. But I am a runner of trails-not a lazy walker.

[@tandlsarizonaadventures9119]

You two need to check out the Spur Cross Conservation area Trail system(borders the Tonto National Forest) and the Seven Springs Trail system. Both are near Cave Creek AZ just outside of town. Trails for every skill level. The two Trail Systems connect via Cave Creek Trail #4. Beautiful Winter Desert Hikes and in the Spring (depending in Winter rain and runoff) there are seasonal Creeks and in some spots on Cave Creek Trail #4 Waterfalls . No cost at the Seven Springs Trailhead, around $3 per person for the day at Spur Cross. Look forward to your videos every week!

[@JerryArizona]

Awesome. I've had that area on the list for a while. Haven't done anything out there other than Black Mountain yet though.

[@Dischand]

Awesome video. Very helpful!!

[@eminaz13]

Another great video!! Thanks for the info and all the beautiful shoots and wonderful words!

[@packiejoegilheany1171]

I’m in Arizona for the second time in 40 years and wow, just wow. I’ve decided to move here for my retirement. Such an eco diverse state. I feel it. Thanks for your great info and videos. Cheers

[@JerryArizona]

I've moved around a lot and AZ is my favorite place so far. Southern Utah isn't too shabby either.

[@theupcycledtreejourney851]

Heading out to Arizona from the East coast for the first time very soon, thanks for this awesome video !

[@johnthomas2466]

How did you like it?

[@rexbrowning1436]

San Tan Mountain regional park, and Estrellia mountain regional park are two other great Phoenix hiking areas in the south valley similar to the ones you have in this video

[@walkitoffarizona887]

Great video Jerry!! Love all those hikes ! There are so many more . Lost the 185 mostly out on the flats and small hills north of piestawa. Then eventually to the top ! Thx again.

[@garyives1218]

Dreamy Draw? Yes, really nice IMHO.

[@corydriver7634]

Love the out-tro, good advice.

[@bobbafett7407]

Did Deem Hills on a mountain bike (hard tail)once, then I realized it is probably more a hiking trail than a bike trail 🥵 On South Mountain I totally love Geronimo Trail to Midlife Crisis (if you like hopping on rocks to find the trails continues on the other side, this is for you). Hidden Valley, Fat Mans Pass, Mormon Loop, Kiwanis, Lost Ranch, etc. they are all super cool 🤘 I live near North Mountain, so, that’s my to-go place for biking (mostly) and hiking in the cooler months. 😎

[@JerryArizona]

I'm closer to North Mountain too. Haven't done that one. I was thinking of hitting more local hikes when the weather cools down.

[@bobbafett7407]

Either from Dreamy Draw or 1A trail you can follow Perl Charles trail, it intersects several other trails but it’s a nice option to add few miles and approach Piestewa from, what I call, “the back” of it. Pretty cool hike, there is an old abandoned house on the south side of it, kinda north of Belmont and 22nd Place 👍

[@davidlapeer1582]

As always a great video!

[@7wt]

I’ve hiked Tom’s Thumb and the view back towards Scottsdale was breathtaking. I do 95% of my hiking in the McDowell Sonoran though, nice long easy hikes. I love it out there.

[@gladysmonje8113]

Thank you for the video. South mountain is my go to, It's dog friendly and most trails are not crowded. Please check out Superstition mountains which are east of Phoenix. Pretty cool rock formations and next to Gold Canyon lake.

[@JerryArizona]

Been all over the Supes. Favorites are Ridgeline, Weavers Needle summit and Battleship Mountain. I need to get back out there soon.

[@deannab3290]

Such a great video with the exact information I needed! Thanks!

[@MattKester]

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is our backyard hike. It's better at sunrise, when the balloons are out. We watched one scrape the top of one of the peaks a few weeks back. Regrettably, I just stood there with my mouth open, like an idiot, instead of actually filming it.

[@markmlinar1511]

Just returned from Phoenix and my transplanted daughter took us up a few of these. I'm very fit from cycling, so going up was pretty ok, but coming down was hard on my legs. Humbled as well by a guy doing Piestewa Peak in flip flops as that became pretty hard. I love that all these are as safe and you'd have to do something pretty dumb to het hurt. You see friendly people and all sorts of fitness levels so they are quite possible by just about anyone--at least once. I recommend wave cave as well. Piestewa was remarkable as we got there in the dark and everytime you think you are at the top, there are people another hundred feet higher on a different switchback, over and over again. Then at the top is a man with a drum who's been there every morning for a year. I also live in a pancake flat area, so a mile of walking up, is farther then I even walk on the flat. Super fun and I can't wait to plan for more.

[@JerryArizona]

Tons of great places. I used to almost run up (and definitely run down) Camelback years ago when I was in better shape. I remember coming down one time thinking I was such a stud and I came up behind this guy who was maybe 70. A couple coming up said hi to him and asked "First trip today?" and he said "No, on my way down after my second this morning." Quite humbling, for sure.

[@markmlinar1511]

@@JerryArizona Love your vids and started binge watching the even more amazing trails you've conquered. I love that you filmed many that I can only dream about, and some that I can attempt--thanks.

[@_jonbee]

McDowell mtn Piestewa peak I’ve never heard of them and I live in AZ I’m going to do them in the near future :)

[@flgarrett1218]

Nice!

[@wildsmooth9201]

I hike where no one goes. Off trails up mountains. I have rattlesnake proof boots and a good camel pack. I see all kinds of amazing wildlife while bushwacking my way through the desert. I did the lines and crowded parking thing but it's not my thing.

[@JerryArizona]

Not really mine either. But sometimes I don't have enough time to get that far out. Any of these hikes beats a treadmill if you can't get out into the real wilderness. Lucky to have them so close. Even more lucky to have Sedona, West Clear Creek and the Superstitions within reasonable driving distance.

[@cp3jordan956]

Coming from KC Kansas and how flat it is here, this looks like heaven

[@johnthomas2466]

I live in overland park. Yea, ks is a little flat and dull vs Phoenix and az!! I have been to Phoenix a few times and hike each time there. Heading out this summer.

[@douglasandrade7123]

Other ones I will recommend you .. Three more points of interest in west valley.. 1)Skyline Park 2)White Tank Park I believe is County Park. 3)Verrado Stairs in Victory Comunity.. I like all your videos..thank you.

[@shelleywhite5332]

I agree with all of these!! But i live by the stairs

[@TheMountainMatt]

Nice video Jerry! When the wife and I visit Arizona I’m going to have to pick your brain if you don’t mind😁

[@JerryArizona]

I'd be insulted if you didn't.

[@garyives1218]

MN? I love Garvin Heights (Sugurloaf), Winona. I believe that had one of, if not THE biggest elevation profiles in MN?

[@TheMountainMatt]

@@garyives1218 The SE area of MN is gorgeous! Lots of beautiful cliffs and bluffs, unfortunately I haven’t been down there for years. We spend most of our free time out of state these days... go figure🤷🏼‍♂️. MN has its own charm😁

[@igorbronivetchii7810]

My first hike was on Bright Angels Trail in Grand Canyon it was amazing hot and taught

[@JerryArizona]

Wow. That's a beast for a first hike. Great trail though. Hard to beat the Grand Canyon.

[@emmileancardoza7149]

Have you been to Weavers Needle? That's a great one. I've four of the seven you've mentioned. Guess I'll finally cave and do camelback.

[@JerryArizona]

Been all around Weaver's Needle. I even tried (unsuccessfully) to climb it once. I hear there's a really cool campsite on top.

[@emmileancardoza7149]

I just watched that video. Glad that you're ok from the experience.

[@garyives1218]

Noooo! Join me in my whiny crusade to boycott Camelback because it's elbow to elbow dehydrated people in flip flops, and deafening noise of leaf blowers LOL

[@emmileancardoza7149]

@@garyives1218 it is my pet peeve when people play their music instead of using ear buds. Yet it just makes for a good break.

[@hypnotik24]

Amazing video! I’ve been living in Chandler for 6 months now and I was looking for some places to hike! So inspiring! I’ll be getting out there soon! Thanks a ton!

[@JerryArizona]

Any questions, let me know.

[@johnthomas2466]

Raiders fan huh? Kc chiefs man here. Coming out to phnx this summer for a few days to hike. Hope you like Chandler.

[@charlieredeemed]

I go to all of these places. I also live by A Mountain. I used to live at the bottom of South Mountain and I've run all over it!!!😀👍👍👍

[@TeezyT_Sunrise]

KZbin Teezy T Phoenix. Great hiking music 🎶🎶🎶

[@eliascardash8154]

Greetings, have you backpacked to havasupai falls yet?

[@JerryArizona]

Twice. I wish they'd open back up because I'm dying to go back down there. Amazing place.

[@valeriekathmann9263]

I’m trying to plan a family trip somewhere in this area and have been looking into hikes came across your video and the very first hike at Papago Park I’m interested to know if we are the hole in the rock is that if you think would be a good place to go for either a sunrise or sunset and perspective of the whole itself I’m going with teenage boys and my husband so I’m trying to find some things to do within that area and I love watching the sunrise or sunset and I was curious if this could be a spot

[@JerryArizona]

It would work. There is a picnic area nearby, and, of course, the zoo. Across the street there are more trails and rocks to climb. Not sure if it would be boring for teenagers; I took my kids there when they were in grade school. But it depends on your kids. Another option would be a trail on South Mountain. Maybe Dobbins Lookout, the Mormon trail or Fat Man's Pass. Black Mountain in Cave Creek is a decent challenge without the crowds of Camelback or Piestewa. Another one (that can be a little more challenging) is Boulder Canyon from Canyon Lake in the Superstitions. Absolutely mind blowing views of Battleship Mountain and Weavers Needle with lower crowds. Really kind of depends on what you're looking for.

[@sidneybales9062]

A newish place is in Buckeye. West of Phoenix about 30 minutes. Skyline park. At the north end of Watson Road. It has several linking trails. Some can be up to 15 miles. The skill levels are low, just long. Some are 3 miles that require a little more technical skill, but not much more. It is super popular on the weekends with the locals, but they tend to just do the 3 mile trails. Try it out.

[@bstandre]

BASICALLY A PHOENIX PRIMER. MANY, MANY GREAT TRAILS IN THE PARK SYSTEMS AROUND PHOENIX. I THINK YOU OVERSOLD SOME OF THE TRAILS IN THIS VIDEO.

[@JerryArizona]

It all depends on how you're looking at it. These trails are usually not my thing, but I've been hiking them recently to rehab my ankle. And it just reminded me how much I used to enjoy them before I got out into more wild country. They're good for exercise and a view, but definitely places like Battleship Mountain, Aravaipa, the White Mountains, etc. blow the local stuff away. Then again, if I'd never stopped to hike Camelback, I might not have ever fallen in love with hiking and found all those other places....

[@AZMTB]

I ride south mountain almost every weekend. A good place to park is the Pima Canyon trailhead, there are a lot of spaces, but they usually fill up by 8am on the weekends. Ridgeline is cool, a lot of people also hike or bike up Mormon Loop to National, and National is an awesome trail ontop of the mountain that goes from one end of the mountain range to the other and it does go right by the main parking lot at the top (Dobbins).

[@NealeZingle]

Great video Jerry! I really enjoy watching you and Lisa explore together, a great team. Come hang with us East siders in the Usery and Superstitions - I know you just love the Flatiron Trail ;) While you're healing that achilles, try some shorter hikes like Medicine Wheel on the back side of Usery Mountain (TH is at the very end of Meridian Road). Great views from the saddle. Sorry to hear about your injury, that damn tendon is a slow heal. Keep stretching Jerry!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

Phoenix has some quite unique looking trails. Loved your shots of the sunrises and sunsets. What would you recommend as one of the most challenging hikes in the area?

[@JerryArizona]

Humphrey's Peak (further north) Flatiron/Siphon Draw (or do the whole Ridgeline trail if you really want a challenge) In town, it's probably Camelback. I think you can do the entire length of South Mountain too, which might be a challenge. I really liked Brown's Peak on Four Peaks, but it involves some almost technical scrambling and I don't know what it's like since the fire this year. Battleship Mountain from Canyon Lake Done all of those but Humphrey's. Ridgeline was the hardest by far, and beautiful views.

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

@@JerryArizona This is awesome insight Jerry, thanks so much! Definitely saving this for a good challenge in the future :)

[@corycoaxen3491]

You gotta go back to south mountain, Fat man's pass, there's a natural Bridge. Trust me.... But amazing video and great info... thanks

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, Fat Man's was the original idea, but I didn't have time. I'll get to it.

[@Alex-hq5ir]

East End is a neat little add on to Tom's Thumb and there's a super obvious footpath adjacent to the main trail. It's the highpoint of the range. Also I back the route Jerry has. If you come in from West it's lots of annoying switchbacks and meandering.

[@bushido007]

thinking about the temperatures, what time of day do you go hiking in Phoenix?

[@JerryArizona]

When it starts getting hot (like mid/upper 90's), I head north to hike. Flagstaff, White Mountains, etc. Or into wet canyons to canyoneer. It feels like a hair dryer outside most of the summer, even at night. I know some people do it, but it's not for me.

[@svc6253]

I went hiking on a bunch of mountain sites in Ariz9na that is what most nurses do on a day off.

[@CrazyLibs]

The sonoran trail off dynamite is a mtb trail first and foremost. Its a single track trail, thats why its narrow compared to most trails.people stay off it

[@dang.s]

The scenics in Phoenix trails are much beautiful than compared to the Bay Area in California.

[@cdbflynow]

Are there any hikes you can recommend in/around Tucson?

[@JerryArizona]

Tucson is an area I haven't really explored. Not to mention all the fires they had a couple years ago. Sorry. Can't help you much there.

[@greenchilaquiles]

Question: if my ultimate goal is to do the Arizona thru hike, and im a complete beginner, where do I start in order to learn, prepare, and to eventually graduate doing the AZT?

[@JerryArizona]

When you say complete beginner, do you mean for through hiking, backpacking or hiking? I listed those in order of most to least complicated. If you haven't done anything, I would start with hiking and some simple backpacking trips. Horton Creek and Cabin Loop come to mind. Gain experience from there. I have a gear video that you can watch that gives tips on my wife and I's backpacking gear, but I would look up through hiker channels (Darwin in the Trail, Homemade Wanderlust, etc.) since it's really a different set of gear for through hiking than 1 or 2 nights like I normally do. Start small, get experience, test and tweak gear and, as you build up your confidence and experience, something like the AZT will seem less daunting.

[@greenchilaquiles]

@@JerryArizona thanks so much. I have a long way to go, but I'll start small with those places you mentioned and gain experience.

[@joshuajones2511]

I know 7 great hikes in Pheonix but they're about eight hours northeast

[@kimjohnson8032]

Take a look at San Tan Regional - do the Northside first - $2.00 permit - Goldfield loop is cool - GF and I love your vids - stop bleeping Tina lol! she's hilarious - best bleeping Cheetos on solo hike had us rolling -

[@garyives1218]

Wanting something really close, I found Lookout Mountain near 16th St and Greenway. I call it the "little beastie" because with 500 feet of gain in half a mile it gives you similar climb rate to Piestwa Peak. Once you get to the saddle your first time it's a bit confusing heading east if you want to make your way to the summit. There's a lot of options scrambling over jagged rock. Brown's Ranch Trailhead near Alma School Pkwy and Dynamite Blvd is awesome (and really popular with mountain bikers). A cool hike I discovered out there goes up the neat looking flat topped Brown Mountain. The views are really nice and there may not even be anyone else on the trail!

[@gabrielmondragon7124]

South mountain is cool just stay away from the locals

[@richmhiker5416]

Love your videos. it would be great to have you join us on a safe group hike sometime. Several groups on Meetup.com hike locally often. Trail mix, Hikers Hiking Hikers, State48, Grayhawk are the names of some of the groups.

[@AnyPerson-my8pe]

I found South Mountain very depressing with all the graffiti and trash. I would never go back there.

[@JerryArizona]

Honestly, all of the in town hikes are a different experience than wilderness. I mainly hike in town for exercise or training. Definitely beats a treadmill.