{"id":625,"date":"2022-04-27T14:18:04","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T21:18:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/?p=625"},"modified":"2024-03-26T20:30:25","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T03:30:25","slug":"9-little-known-hikes-in-phoenix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/9-little-known-hikes-in-phoenix\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Hidden Little Known Hikes in Phoenix (And What I Think of the Most Popular One)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

9 Hidden Little Known Hikes in Phoenix (And What I Think of the Most Popular One)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Tap into your sense of adventure when you traverse these stunning hikes in Phoenix that are off the beaten path. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Phoenix, there are more than 230 hikes around town. There\u2019s actually 239 to be exact! With so many trails to choose from, how does one pick? It\u2019s enough to make a brain freak out with overwhelment. Luckily, I\u2019ve narrowed it down for you. From 239 trails down to my top nine favorite little-known hikes in Phoenix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know about you, but when I travel somewhere new, I like to go places that no other tourist knows about. Coffee shops that only locals know about, local attractions that aren\u2019t listed in the guidebooks, and of course, hikes out in nature that aren\u2019t overcrowded with people. These 9 Phoenix hikes are hidden gems\u2014 even to some of the locals! Plus, as a bonus at the end, I\u2019ve included the most popular hike in Phoenix, just so you can see what all the fuss is about!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Little Known Hikes in Central Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shadow Mountain Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>2.6 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 426 ft | Trail Type:<\/strong> Loop | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shadow Mountain Trail is a quick hike with a great view of Central Phoenix. Estimated to take about an hour and ten minutes to complete, the trail loops around the entirety of Shadow Mountain and intertwines with other trails on the hill. This is a great hike to start your day off in the morning since it is so quick. It\u2019s also a great spot for bird watching or to connect with the desert flora without having to leave the city. Because the trail does connect with other trails on the mountain, it\u2019s a good idea to have a map loaded on your phone, just in case you need it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lookout Mountain Circumference Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.2 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 275 ft | Trail Type:<\/strong> Loop | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lookout Mountain is one of the many small mountains that dot the Phoenix Valley. Because of its central location in town, this hike is easy to get to and is another great hike to do either in the morning before you start your day or in the afternoon before you end it. From this hike you can see views of the surrounding neighborhoods as well as connect with a little pocket of nature, right in town. In the evening, this hike is a magnificent place to see the sunset light up the wide, Arizona sky. This trail also holds a special place in my heart because it\u2019s where my husband and I first said \u201cI love you\u201d to each other many years ago on a spontaneous hike we took at the beginning of our relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dreamy Draw Nature Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.7 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 700 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Loop | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dreamy Draw is an area in the Phoenix Mountains Preserves that gets its name from when it used to be a mining area back in the day. Minors would often leave the site in a \u201cdreamy\u201d state due to the effects of the mercury that they were digging up. Nowadays, you don\u2019t have to worry about that though! The mining site has since been cleared out and the area is now a beautiful nature preserve. This trail is a loop, but several other trails sprout out from the recreational area where the trail begins. It\u2019s well marked, so feel free to follow the loop or explore the other trails in the area!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dreamy Draw in the Phoenix Mountains Preserves.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Little Known Hikes in North Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deem Hills Circumference Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 5.6 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 784 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Loop | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lovely trail in the heart of North Phoenix, Deem Hills Circumference Trail circles the Deem Hills Recreation Area. While hiking, you can take in views of Northern Phoenix, the Central Arizona Project canal, and the Mcdowell Mountains to the east in Scottsdale. The trail is also lined with beautiful wildflowers and desert flora. If you\u2019re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a coyote or a rattlesnake, but be careful if you do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stunning desert wildflowers blooming on Deem Hill.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Little Known Hikes in South Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kiwanis Trail to Telegraph Pass<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.7 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 577 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Out and back | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of my favorite hikes in Phoenix because you can see the downtown Phoenix skyline from the trail. It takes about an hour and a half to complete this out and back trail, and if you go in the morning there is plenty of shade to keep you cool. On certain parts of the trail you can forget that you\u2019re in a major city like Phoenix because the mountains surrounding you give off the illusion that you\u2019re deep in the desert. It really makes you feel like you are one with nature. Make sure to stop at the stone lookout when you pass it. Not only is this stone structure super cool looking and a great place to rest, but the view of Phoenix from this pit stop is absolutely spectacular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beverly Canyon Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.2 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 275 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Loop | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This mostly flat hike is also on South Mountain, near Kiwanis Trail, but is an easier hike with less of an elevation gain. There is also less shade in this area of the mountain. Phoenix is known for its spectacular, multi-colored sunsets and this Beverly Canyon Trail is a great place to witness the magic, especially in the winter months. The loop connects to several other trails as well, if you\u2019re looking to add more elevation or difficulty to your hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can see an amazing view of dowtown Phoenix from the stone lookout at Kiwanis Trail on South Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Little Known Hikes in East Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sunrise Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 4.9 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderately-challenging | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,128 feet | Trail Type: <\/strong>Point-to-point | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This point-to-point trail in Paradise Valley is great for those who are up for the challenge! Considered moderately challenging, this hike takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Because it is point-to-point, you\u2019ll want to plan to have a car on either side of the trail heads, or plan for it to take twice as long if you go out and back. The terrain here is a bit rocky, so be prepared and wear good shoes meant for less even ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dixie Mine Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>11.1 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderately-challenging | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,115 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Out-and-back | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a hike that makes you feel like you\u2019re out of town, without actually leaving the Phoenix area, then Dixie Mine Trail is a great pick. Dixie Mine Trail is located in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, just outside of Scottsdale. This 11 miles out-and-back hike won\u2019t give you great views of the city, but it will show you phenomenal views of nature. Hike in the springtime to see the desert flora blooming in its many spectacular colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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McDowell Mountain Regional Park, just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Little Known Hikes in West Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

White Tank Waterfall Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 1.8 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 229 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Out-and-back | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n\n\n

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The waterfall was all dried up the last time we went, but it was still worth the visit!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

White Tank Waterfall Trail is probably the easiest hike on the list, but that doesn\u2019t make it any less worthy. In fact, this hike is my favorite hike in Phoenix. It\u2019s located in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park to the west of the Phoenix Valley. This is another hike that will make you feel like you\u2019ve left Phoenix, without actually needing to leave Phoenix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hike is dotted with petroglyphs etched into rocks along the path. These stone carvings are leftover from the prehistoric Hohokam people<\/a> who once occupied the Salt River Valley. At the end of the trail is a waterfall that either may or may not be flowing. If you visit after a storm, the waterfall is a sight to see, especially considering it is smack dab in the middle of the desert. Even if the waterfall isn\u2019t running, it\u2019s still cool to visit. I love to tap into my inner child and climb the rocks that make up the waterfall\u2019s structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The view of the mountain and some boulders etched with petroglyphs on White Tank Waterfall Trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bonus\u2014 The Most Popular Hike In Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Camelback Mountain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you were to ask what the most popular hike in Phoenix is, hands down the answer would be Camelback Mountain. And there\u2019s a reason why everyone recommends Camelback. This is the most well-known mountain in town. It\u2019s practically the mascot for all of Phoenix\u2019s mountains. It\u2019s in central Phoenix, so it\u2019s easy to get to no matter where you\u2019re staying. But even if all of this wasn\u2019t true, hiking Camelback Mountain is truly a remarkable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have a couple options when planning your hike on Camelback. You can choose to hike the entire mountain by starting on one side, climbing over the top of the hill, and coming back down on the other side. Or, you can pick one of the two main trails and hike it as an out-and-back trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Point-to-point via Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.4 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Hard | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,322 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Point-to-point | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>No<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can hike across the mountian from Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. You can start from either side, but I recommend starting from Cholla Trail and going down on the other side via Echo Canyon because Echo Canyon contains some serious stairs that are a lot easier going down than up. If you choose to hike across Camelback like this, I recommend having two cars with one parked on either side of the mountain, because, believe me, once you get over it once, you\u2019re not going to want to do it again to get back to your original parking area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out-and-back via Cholla Trail Only<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.6 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Hard | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,204 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Out-and-back | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>No<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cholla Trail side of the mountain is typical of your average desert hike. The dirt trail is lined with desert flora and fauna. This is a great trail to spot the spinytail iguanas that inhabit the Phoenix Valley. This isn\u2019t a flat hike. It\u2019s rocky and steep, and there is practically no shade. But as you climb, you will get great views of Phoenix\u2019s east side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out-and-back via Echo Canyon Only<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Distance:<\/strong> 2.5 miles | Difficulty:<\/strong> Hard | Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,420 feet | Trail Type:<\/strong> Out-and-back | Dog Friendly: <\/strong>No<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Echo Canyon side of the mountain is basically a mountain of stairs. I\u2019m not kidding. It\u2019s an hour and a half of climbing up stairs embedded into the red rock of the mountain. It\u2019s hard. It\u2019s grueling. It is totally worth it when you get to the top and see the view. You won\u2019t get as much desert on this hike. The majority of it is literally spent climbing the stairs against the rocks. But, once you reach the top, you will see possibly the best view of the city from anywhere in the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you choose to go across the mountain, or pick a trail to go out-and-back, Camelback Mountain is definitely worth the hype. Not only are the views phenomenal, but you will feel like a freaking warrior once you\u2019ve conquered this beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The view from Echo Canyon on top of Camelback Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Essential Hiking Supplies For Hikes In Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows that Phoenix is hot. The average temperature here is 98\u00b0 F in the summer and 74\u00b0 F in the winter. But for some reason, not everyone takes that into consideration when they hike in the valley. Whether you are born and raised in Phoenix or are from out of town, you need to have the necessary supplies when you hike in the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n