Phoenix, Arizona is home to many great places and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is one of those places. The Phoenix Mountain Preserves offers some amazing views for hiking or just strolling through the trails. Phoenix Mountains Preserve is one of Phoenix’s greatest hiking trails. There are many birds to see while you hike or take a stroll through the Phoenix Mountain Preserves, which makes it even more enjoyable for some hikers who like bird-watching.
There are many mountain biking trails as well if that strikes your interest in addition to hiking and strolling paths. The Phoenix Mountains offers over 150 miles worth of trails that can be enjoyed by any age group or fitness level too. No matter what kind of adventure you enjoy there will be something at Phoenix Mountain Preserves for everyone. This article will give you the 7 best trails in Pheonix Mountains Preserve.
7 Best Trails in Phoenix Mountain Preserve
1. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is a 3.4 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenix, Arizona that features beautiful wildflowers and provides scenic views of the surrounding area. The challenging terrain makes it popular with hikers and is primarily used during certain months from October-March.
Hikers, walkers, and sightseers from all over flock to Piestewa Peak. The mountain has a lot of things going on for people who love hiking or running the trails here. There are stunning views along this hike where one will see vast stretches of Sonoran desert as well as more scenery closer towards higher ground.
2. Freedom Trail
Freedom Trail is a 5.8 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Phoenix Arizona that features beautiful wildflowers and has moderate difficulty levels. The trail offers many different activity options to keep you entertained throughout your walk or run. The best time for this hike would be during any season.
3. Dreamy Draw Loop Trail
The Dreamy Draw Loop Trail is a 6.0 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail that has some nice views of Phoenix. The hike includes several different scenery types, which elevates the experience to be one worth taking part in. There are many spots for pictures and picnic areas along this loop as well. This hiking trail goes around the preserve, allowing hikers to get an idea about what it was like before development occurred here over time throughout history.
4. Quartz Ridge Trail
Quartz Ridge Trail is a moderate hike and has a 5.1 kilometer trafficked out and back trail located near Pheonix. The trail begins with a gentle incline through an oak forested area before reaching a plateau where the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake lives. As you walk along this section of Phoenix Mountains Preserve it becomes more challenging as you ascend small rocky hills that lead to elevated points that offer views over Phoenix below.
5. North Mountain National Trail
The North Mountain National Trail is a moderate hike that has a 2.7 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenix, Arizona. The trail offers several different sceneries throughout the walk with some exceptional wildflowers in addition to views of Phoenix below along one section of this hiking path at Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
6. Shaw Butte via Shaw Butte Trailhead
The 4.5 kilometers of the Shaw Butte Trail is a beautiful out-and-back that features wildflower meadows, and it can be accessed year-round for all abilities with dogs on a leash too. The trail offers many different types of activities including mountain biking which makes this location perfect.
7. Dixie Peak Trail
The Dixie Peak Trail is a scenic, 4.2 km hike with views that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. The Dixie Peak Trail is a moderate hike that starts in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Hikers are surrounded by tall cacti, majestic saguaro, and gorgeous views of Phoenix mountains for almost all of this trail. At the end of the trail, hikers will be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas.
When you’re ready to get out and explore the natural beauty of Phoenix, there are plenty of trails in Phoenix Mountain Preserve that will offer a new perspective. The 7 best hikes we share today should give you some ideas about which trail is right for your next adventure. Visit us today.
Gilbert, Arizona is surrounded by some of the most picturesque national parks in the nation. Here’s a shortlist of our favorites you should visit:
- Tonto National Monument
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
- Agua Fria National Monument
- Water Users Recreation Site
- Recreación Area
- Tonto National Forest
- North Trail McDowell Mountain Regional Park
- Salome Wilderness
All of these wonderful national parks are located just a short distance from our offices located at 1447 West Elliot Road #103 in Gilbert! Stop by for a visit anytime!