Our Top 6 local hikes in Phoenix

I love hiking and have done quite a few hikes over the years, in the forests, the mountains, the canyons, and by the water. But I hadn't done a lot of hikes in the desert, even though we have been living in one for several years. So, I added doing 12 local hikes in and around the Phoenix area to my goal list for this year. And I am so glad I did. Not only did I enjoy the hikes, but I also discovered a new love for Cholla cactus. Here are a few of my favorite ones.

1) Massacre Falls Trail:

Details: It is a ~6-mile out-and-back trail near the Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. It has ~1,100 ft. elevation gain and is considered a moderate trail. It has free parking.

Best time: It is not a shaded or well-marked trail, so it is recommended in spring or fall in daylight. 

Favorite Part: This trail highlighted the beauty of the Arizona desert landscape with several interesting cacti, surrounded by mountains, which were snow-capped when we went in early March. It had 360-degree sweeping views of the mountains that only got better with each mile. It was hard to believe we were so close to the city. There was a sense of calmness in the landscape and the surrounding mountains. The waterfall at the end of the trail is usually seen only after a good rain. There was no waterfall when we went, but there was a brief hail shower, which was fun. Overall, this trail provided a good escape from the city for a few hours with great views for moderate effort.

2) Flat Iron Trail:

Details: It is a 6-mile round-trip hike in Lost Dutchman State Park, with ~3,100 ft elevation gain. It is a difficult trail with some steep scrambling involved. Follow the signs for Siphon Draw Trail, which takes you to Siphon Draw Basin. The trail is not well marked after this point, and it's best to use an AllTrails map to get to the peak.

Best time: It is not a shaded or well-marked trail and is slippery, and there is scrambling involved, so it is recommended in spring or fall in daylight. Definitely not after a rain.

Favorite Part: The Siphon Draw Basin is beautiful and fun to get to the top. It is a good challenge to get to the peak.

3) Peralta Canyon Trail:

Details: Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon Trail is a ~4.6-mile out-and-back trail located near Gold Canyon. It has ~1,300 ft. elevation gain and is considered a moderate trail. It has free parking and toilets at the trailhead.

Best time: It is not a shaded or well-marked trail, so it is recommended in spring or fall in daylight. 

Favorite Part: It had good views of the Superstition Mountains throughout the trail, but the highlight was the fantastic view of the Weaver's Needle at the end. There is something about that tall giant rock that makes you want to come back!

4) Pinnacle Peak Trail:

Details: It is a ~4-mile heavily trafficked out-and-back trail located near Scottsdale. It has ~1,300 ft. elevation gain and is considered a moderate trail. It has free parking and portable toilets at the trailhead.

Best time: It is not shaded, but an extremely well-marked trail. Recommended in any season except summer. Especially good at sunrise. 

Favorite Park: It is quite an engaging trail with great views of the multi-million dollar homes and golf courses in Scottsdale. 

5) Telegraph Pass Trail:

Details: It is a ~2.5-mile popular out-and-back trail located in the Ahwatukee Foothills area near the South Mountains. It has ~500 ft. elevation gain (a short, steep section) and is considered a moderate trail. At the end of the trail, you can take National West (to the left) up to the Stone House and beyond. It has free parking and toilets at the trailhead.

Best time: Our favorite time to do this hike is on summer full moon nights. It is one of the few hikes that is open till 11 pm.

Favorite Part: It has great views of Phoenix downtown at night, with city lights.

6) Camelback Trail (Echo Canyon):

Details: It is a ~2.5-mile round-trip, heavily trafficked hike that can be accessed via 2 trails. I like the Echo Canyon Trail, as it feels more like bouldering than a hike, which gives it a different feel. You can go up the Echo Canyon trail and come back down the Cholla trail.

Best time: It is not shaded, but it is an extremely well-marked trail. Recommended in any season except summer. Especially good at sunrise. 

Favorite Part: You need to really focus on the trail, both while going up and coming down, as a wrong step on the boulders could hurt your ankle. So, you are fully immersed in the process.

Happy hiking!