Hike, trail run, or mountain bike in Phoenix

image of cactus and mountains for hikers and mountain bikers in Phoenix

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Phoenix has the best hiking, trail running, and mountain biking opportunities.

Outdoor adventurers love it here. We have city parks, county parks, regional parks, state parks and national forests with hundreds of miles of trails, just waiting to be explored.

Or, consider a class! Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company in Scottsdale offers FREE classes for outdoor adventures. Here are just a few suggestions and you can also check their Facebook Events for more.

Where to Go

Hiking or Trail Running

Here are quick recommendations for nearby, FREE hikes or trail-running options. These are all kid-friendly, too, and (except for Camelback), well-suited for trail running.

Photo of reddish rounded mountains at Papago Park

Papago Park Buttes

Pretty, beginner’s hike: Papago Park (bonus: you’re also right across from the Hole in the Rock, a great place to watch the sunset).
Easy/moderate hike with amazing scenery: Hidden Valley from Buena Vista at South Mountain.
A harder hike, with easy options to add variety: Ruth Hamilton and LV Yates Loop at Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
The most well-known Phoenix hike: Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon. This is a difficult, challenging hike for those who are fit and prepared to do a little scrambling over boulders. Also, it’s best to go very early or on a weekday to avoid trouble parking (or see the ideas below for other ways to get around).

Photo of mountain biker silhouetted on a mountain in the sunset

Mountain Bike in Phoenix

Mountain Biking

Would you rather be on two wheels than two feet? Here are some great mountain biking options:

Easy: Desert Classic at South Mountain. This map shows it as almost 9 miles one way, but you can go a shorter distance as you’re getting started.
A little harder: Dixie Mountain Loop Trail at Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. Watch for the pretty forest of teddy bear cholla.
Challenging: Geronimo Trail at South Mountain. Make it easier by getting a shuttle to the top at Buena Vista Overlook, or ride it both ways.
Longer: Tom’s Thumb to Bell Pass at McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

If you’re ready to branch out more, you can read about hundreds of hikes all around Arizona on this Arizona Hiking blog. Or, you can use the trail routes and descriptions at Hike Arizona. On AllTrails.com, you can also filter the trails to show the activity you’re most interested in.

You don’t even have to drive to get to experience the trails. You’ll find that some of the best trails are almost in the center of town, at the Piestewa Peak and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area. Try this interactive map of the trails. It can help you understand the trailhead locations, too.

Phoenix also has the nation’s largest municipal park, at South Mountain. It encompasses more than 16,000 acres and has 9 different official trailheads, leading to over 50 miles of trails. They have an interactive map of the trailheads, too.

Getting There

If you have a car, great. But, you can also get to great trails a little further out using public transportation or try an Uber or Lyft. One advantage of using public transportation or a rideshare is that you’re not limited to returning to the start of your trail. You can hike from one side of a park to another, then request a ride home from wherever you end up. To save on public transportation or figure out how to catch a ride, check out this post.

image of several hikers hiking through a desert landscape

Hikers at Dreamy Draw

Safety First

Of course, it’s crucial to be safe when enjoying the outdoors. Local rescue organizations have to rescue more than 200 hikers around Phoenix each year. Whether you’re a native or a visitor, that isn’t a fate you want to experience. Take a few basic steps to keep from getting hurt and to prevent you from ending up on the news for being rescued (or worse).

image of Camelback mountain desert scene from a hiker in Phoenix city park

View of Camelback from Piestewa

Bring plenty of water. When you’ve finished half of your water, if you’re not yet halfway to your destination, turn around and head back the way you came.
Tell someone where you’re going and when you will be back.
Be aware of the weather. You may feel fine hiking in high temperatures, but what if you twist an ankle and have to wait on a hillside without shade for hours? In the hot seasons, plan your hikes early in the morning or in the evenings when the sun isn’t so brutal. (Bring a headlamp or flashlight, too.)
Understand the trails rating guide. Don’t tackle one that you’re not ready for – yet. Maybe next time it will be right for you.
Check out all the tips here.
Consider bringing these 10 essentials, even on a day hike.

One of the reasons people visit or live in the Phoenix area is a natural beauty. What better way is there to experience it than to be outside?

Is there anything we should add? Let us know in the comments below.

Related: Cheapest Ride in Phoenix