Where Can I Hike In Phoenix Az?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There’s a great trail for every skill level within a short drive from anywhere in Greater Phoenix

. Check out our guide to the best hikes in Phoenix. The outdoor enthusiasts around here will tell you Phoenix is a mecca for urban hiking.

What part of Arizona has the best hiking?

  • Antelope Canyon. …
  • The Wave. …
  • Lava Flow Trail, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. …
  • Seven Falls Trail, Tucson. …
  • Watson Lake Loop Trail, Prescott. …
  • Doe Mountain Trail, Sedona. …
  • Echo Trail on Camelback Mountain, Phoenix. …
  • Tom’s Thumb Trail, Phoenix.

When can you hike in Phoenix?

The best times to climb Camelback are the

late fall, winter, and early spring

. November’s average highs are in the mid-70s, while December and January’s highs are in the 60s. February and March are arguably Phoenix’s loveliest months, with wildflowers beginning to bloom and average high temperatures in the 70s.

Do you need a permit to hike in Arizona?


A recreation permit from the Arizona State Land Department is required for any activity, such as camping, that occurs off the Arizona Trail on State Trust Land

. Always check with the local agencies for specific requirements and conditions.

What is the hardest hike in Phoenix?

  1. Flatiron (Siphon Draw Trail) Near Apache Junction and the Lost Dutchman State Park. …
  2. Tom’s Thumb Trail. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (pictured at top) …
  3. Camelback Mountain. Central Phoenix/Downtown Scottsdale. …
  4. Holbert Trail at South Mountain. …
  5. Piestewa Peak.

How close are mountains to Phoenix?


East End


4067

Thompson Peak


3982

Is the hiking better in Phoenix or Sedona?

The trails around Phoenix are in the Sonoran Desert, not far above sea level, while

the best hiking trails in Sedona are at a higher elevation with a more moderate climate

.

What is the most difficult hike in Arizona?

  • Finger Rock.
  • Lava Falls.
  • Cathedral Rock.
  • Superstition Ridgeline.
  • Mt. Humphrey.
  • Piestewa Peak.
  • Wilderness of Rocks.
  • Four Peaks Motherlode.

Where can I hike in Arizona in the summer?

  • Superstition Wilderness Area. Apache Junction. …
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale. …
  • South Mountain Park and Preserve. Phoenix. …
  • White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Phoenix. …
  • Sunrise Peak. …
  • Phon D Sutton Recreation Area. …
  • Usery Mountain Regional Park. …
  • Saguaro Lake.

Is Camelback Mountain a hard hike?


Hiking Camelback


Both are rated extremely difficult

. The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. The Cholla Trail, while a little bit less strenuous, is also a little bit longer. The beginning of the hike is easy, with switchbacks and even terrain.

Is it safe to hike in Arizona?

Outdoor Safety & Health Guide

Hiking in Arizona is a great way to get outdoors, but

do so safely

! Stay on the trails and make sure you stay smart – Take a Hike.

Which Camelback trail is easier?

Along Camelback Mountain there are two hiking trails leading up the summit, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail.

Cholla Trail

is actually the easier of the two, but that doesn’t necessary mean that this is an easy trail.

How much does it cost to hike the Arizona Trail?

I spent

roughly $3,000

to thru-hike the Arizona Trail, including new gear, transportation, food, lodging, and incidentals.

Can you sneak into the wave Arizona?

Sneaking into “The Wave” is something that

you should absolutely not do

. There is a high probability that a BLM Ranger will catch you since they are constantly on the lookout for trespassers and hikers without permits. Getting hit with a $1,000-10,000 fee and jail time is not worth an Instagram story.

How do you hike the wave without a permit?

Checkpoints and Penalties for Hiking to The Wave Without a Permit. According to the head ranger at the BLM office in Kanab,

the fee for trespassing ranges anywhere from $1,000 – $10,000 per person

.

Where can I go hiking in Scottsdale AZ?

  • GATEWAY LOOP TRAIL. SCOTTSDALE’S MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE.
  • PINNACLE PEAK SUMMIT TRAIL. PINNACLE PEAK PARK.
  • LOST DOG WASH. SCOTTSDALE’S MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE.
  • TOM’S THUMB. …
  • GO JOHN TRAIL. …
  • SCENIC TRAIL. …
  • BAJADA NATURE TRAIL.

How long does it take to hike Flatiron?

Hike Distance 2.6 miles Round Trip Duration

Approx 2 hrs
Trail Type Out and Back Elevation Gain +1400′ Seasons All Year

Which is harder Piestewa or Camelback?

While both Piestewa and Camelback are more climbing rocks that strolling on a trail,

Camelback is more challenging

because the ascents come at you more quickly and hard.

What mountain range are in Arizona?

The

San Francisco Mountains

are located in north-central Arizona and are beautiful mountains. This is a volcanic mountain range, located just north of Flagstaff, AZ. Known locally as “The Peaks,” this range is home to Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphrey’s Peak, which towers 12,633 feet.

What is the highest peak in Phoenix?

Phoenix Mountains View of the Phoenix Mountains, looking north Highest point Peak

Camelback Mountain
Elevation 2,546 ft (776 m)

Why is Arizona so mountainous?

Specifically,

the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate came into contact and created the major tectonic forces that uplifted, wrinkled, and stretched Arizona’s geologic crust

, forming its mountain ranges, basins, and high plateaus.

Is Sedona better than Phoenix?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Sedona, we can see that

Sedona is more expensive

. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall.

What is closer to Sedona Scottsdale or Phoenix?


Sedona is located about 2 hours north of Phoenix

. The Scottsdale to Sedona drive time is also about 2 hours. From Scottsdale, you’ll make your way to Interstate 17 and head north. From Interstate 17 North you’ll merge onto Highway 260 for a bit.

Is it worth staying in Sedona?

Sedona, the ‘Red Rock Country ‘ is

definitely worth visiting

. Sedona is home to spectacular and surreal red rock formations and is a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts with picturesque nature trails and is also known for its fantastic arts and crafts culture and its spiritually rejuvenating vortexes.

How hard is the Echo Canyon trail?

This trail is an

intense and difficult anaerobic hike

the entire 1.23 miles to the summit. It ascends approximately 1,280 ft, from 1,424 ft above sea level to 2,704 ft. Getting a parking spot can be a long wait if you arrive on the weekend after 6 AM as there are Climbers galore.

How many calories do you burn hiking Camelback Mountain?

5 – 2.5 HOURS rt • ELEVATION GAIN: 1,264 FEET (90 STORIES) • APPROX. CALORIES BURNED:

410-460 rt

• BEST TIME OF YEAR: oct. – april • PETS: no • KID FRIENDLY: Not so much • FACILITIES: YES • FEES: none.

How long is Camelback hike Phoenix?

In This Guide Turn by Turn Hike Directions Camelback Mountain Hike Trail Maps How to Get to the Camelback Mountain Hike When to Hike Camelback Mountain Total Distance (?) 3.1 miles (5 km) Hike Time

2:30 Hours

(Total)
Difficulty (?) Hard Total Ascent (?) 1,540 feet (469m)
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.