Phoenix, Arizona: 4 Locals’ Favorite Hikes

Camelback Mountain: This was one of the hikes that people I met in Sedona recommended me to do. It’s very popular among not only the locals but also the visitors and it’s a must-do hike for everyone. There are two ways to get to the top of the mountain:

(1) via Echo Canyon Trail: this is the most common route people take when hiking up the Camelback. I didn’t take this route so I can’t speak much about this, but it is a moderate trail that takes you to the top.

(2) via Cholla Trail: this is a less popular trail than the first one but I chose this trail merely because it was closer to where I was staying in Phoenix (Phoenix is pretty big, which I didn’t know until I got here). I was looking for a shorter way to get to the top because I had to be back down mid-morning for an appointment that I didn’t want to miss. I was very time-pressured to hike so I was looking for a shorter hike with a good view. It was a 3-mile out-and-back trail but it was strenuous towards the end of the trail. I wasn’t expecting to rock climb to reach the top; I only thought this trail would become steep towards the end. The good thing was I was wearing hiking boots (as I always do) and was ready to climb rocks. There was no official parking area due to construction but street parking was available in front of the trailhead. I wouldn’t recommend hiking via Cholla Trail unless you are up for an adventure and need a quick hike to squeeze in during the day.

Phoenix Mountain- Piestewa Peak: This was my personal favorite, and highly recommend it if you are looking for a moderate-strenuous hike. This was a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail, and the mountain view from the top was jaw-dropping. No shade on the trail so make sure to hike early and bring water. Almost 95% of the trail is comprised of climbing the stairs. Plenty of parking space available and easily accessible by public transportation too. If someone were to ask which one I like better: Camelback or Piestewa Peak, I would say “Piestewa Peak” without any hesitation.

South Mountain Parks/Preserve- Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail: Located in the southern part of Phoenix, South Mountain offers many trail options with different levels. I’ve been to Mormon Trail, and Javelina Canyon Trailhead/Ridgeline Trailhead, but my personal favorite was the Mormon Trail. I saw some saguaros along the way, a short cave, and a great city view. I recommend this hike to people who want to have a good city view of Phoenix. It was an easy-moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back hike.

Superstition Mountain- Wave Cave Trail: This trail was recommended by a group of hikers I met while I was in Sedona. When I told them that I will be in Phoenix after visiting Sedona to explore the local trailheads, their #1 recommendation was hiking Superstition Mountain and the Wave Cave Trail located near Gold Canyon (on the east side of Phoenix). Check Google Maps here.

++ I was reading some blogs online to get an idea of what to expect on this trail, and some blogs said I needed a parking permit to hike BUT this was not true! No permit is needed and there were plenty of parking spaces by the Carney Springs Trailhead.