Best Hikes Near Phoenix
Phoenix is surrounded by rugged mountains, desert preserves, and scenic lakes, making it one of the best cities in Arizona for hiking. Just outside the metro area you’ll find trails that range from quick climbs with big views to strenuous treks that test your endurance. In this guide, we’ve highlighted the best hikes near Phoenix, divided into moderate and hard hikes so you can pick the right adventure. Each trail includes details on location, difficulty, facilities, and distance to help you plan.
Before you hit the trail, don’t forget to practice Leave No Trace principles—stay on marked paths, pack out all trash, and always hike prepared. And please, never carve into rocks—it’s illegal and damaging to the desert environment. For more preparation advice, check out our hiking tips guide.
Table of Contents
Hard Hikes Near Phoenix
Dome Mountain Trail
The Dome Mountain Trail is a steep and rugged climb in the Bulldog Canyon area of Tonto National Forest. While the hike is short in distance, it gains elevation quickly, making it a challenging workout with rewarding desert views from the top. Expect rocky terrain, loose footing, and plenty of cholla cactus along the way. This isn’t the most popular trail near Phoenix, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for solitude and a true backcountry feel without going too far from the city.
Parking: If you don’t have the right vehicle or a Tonto National Forest Off-Highway Vehicle permit, you’ll need to hike along the road from the Bulldog Canyon – Wolverine Gate parking area.
Length: 2.6 miles out-and-back with 1,098 ft of elevation gain from the trail turnoff, or 6.15 miles out-and-back with 1,352 ft of elevation gain if starting from the OHV gate.
Pets: We brought our dog Finnick on this hike, but it is very steep with plenty of cholla cactus along the trail—use caution if you’re hiking with pets.
Facilities: No restrooms or trash cans at the trailhead.
Peralta Canyon Trail to Boulder Canyon (Point to Point)
The Peralta Canyon to Boulder Canyon Trail is a strenuous but rewarding trek through the heart of the Superstition Mountains. This challenging point-to-point route takes you deep into rugged desert canyons, with dramatic rock formations and sweeping views around every turn. At roughly 15 miles, it’s a serious adventure that requires planning ahead, plenty of supplies, and arranging transportation since the start and finish are not at the same place. For experienced hikers looking for a true backcountry experience near Phoenix, this trail is one of the best. For more details, check out our full guide to this hike here.
Parking: We started from the Peralta Trailhead. The lot is small, but overflow parking is available down the road.
Length: We recorded about 15 miles point-to-point with more than 2,300 ft of elevation gain. This hike is HARD and requires a pre-arranged ride.
Pets: We wouldn’t recommend this as a point-to-point hike with pets.
Facilities: Vault toilets available at the trailhead.
Black Top Mesa
The Black Top Mesa Trail is a tough but rewarding adventure in the Superstition Wilderness, offering some of the most rugged and remote desert views near Phoenix. At over 11 miles with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this hike is considered hard and is best suited for experienced hikers. The climb up to the mesa delivers expansive vistas of the surrounding Superstition Mountains, jagged canyons, and endless saguaro-studded desert—making the effort well worth it for those seeking solitude and a challenging day on the trail. For a more in-depth guide on Black Top Mesa check out our block here.
Parking: This hike starts from the last parking lot on First Water Road. If the lot is full, overflow parking is available at the same lot used for Hackberry Springs.
Length: 11.5 miles out-and-back with 1,981 ft of elevation gain. Rated hard.
Pets: Allowed on leash.
Facilities: Vault toilets available at the trailhead.
Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail
The Flatiron Trail via Siphon Draw is one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in the Superstition Mountains. Though only about 5.5 miles round trip, this route gains over 2,600 feet of elevation and includes steep scrambles that make it feel more like a climb than a hike. The reward for the effort is an unforgettable view from the top of Flatiron, where the vast Sonoran Desert stretches out in every direction. This hike is not for beginners, but for those prepared for the challenge, it’s one of the best summit hikes near Phoenix. Check out our detailed blog post here.
Parking: Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. Parking lots can fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early.
Hours: Trails open 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; day-use gates are closed and locked outside these hours.
Length: 5.5 miles out-and-back with 2,627 ft of elevation gain. Very challenging, with multiple scrambles.
Fee: $10 per vehicle (1–4 adults) or $3 per individual/bicycle.
Pets: Allowed, but not recommended if attempting the summit due to steep scrambles.
Facilities: Restrooms and trash cans available at the trailhead.
Peak 5024 via Siphon Draw Trail
For hikers looking for a challenging alternative to Flatiron, the climb to Peak 5024 via Siphon Draw Trail delivers steep elevation gain, rugged terrain, and rewarding solitude. At just over 6 miles round trip with more than 2,700 feet of elevation gain, this route is rated hard and is best suited for experienced hikers. The trail can be difficult to follow once you pass the main Siphon Draw section, with overgrown stretches and faint paths, but reaching the summit offers expansive views of the Superstition Mountains and a quieter experience than Flatiron. Check out our detailed blog here.
Parking: Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. Arrive early on weekends as the lot fills quickly.
Hours: Trails open 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; day-use gates close and lock outside these hours.
Length: A little over 6 miles out-and-back with more than 2,700 ft of elevation gain. Trail can be hard to follow past Siphon Draw.
Fee: $10 per vehicle (1–4 adults) or $3 per individual/bicycle.
Pets: Allowed, but not recommended if attempting the summit due to the steep, rugged climb.
Facilities: Restrooms and trash cans available at the trailhead.
Superstition Ridgeline via Siphon Draw Trail
The Superstition Ridgeline Trail is one of the most demanding and rewarding hikes in the Phoenix area. This point-to-point route takes you across the rugged spine of the Superstition Mountains, with constant climbs, steep descents, and jaw-dropping views of the Sonoran Desert in every direction. At over 12 miles and 4,400 feet of elevation gain, this is a serious hike that requires preparation, endurance, and arranging a shuttle or pickup at the end. It’s considered one of the toughest hikes in Arizona, but for those up for the challenge, the panoramic views make it unforgettable. Check out our detailed guide on this hike here.
Parking: Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. Arrive early on weekends as the lot fills quickly.
Hours: Trails on the Lost Dutchman side are open 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; day-use gates close and lock outside these hours.
Length: 12 miles point-to-point with 4,444 ft of elevation gain. Requires arranging a ride. We started at Siphon Draw and came down Carney Springs, then had someone pick us up to return to Lost Dutchman State Park.
Pets: Allowed, but not recommended if attempting the full ridgeline.
Fee: $10 per vehicle (1–4 adults) or $3 per individual/bicycle.
Facilities: Restrooms and trash cans available at the trailhead.
Superstition Ridgeline via Siphon Draw Trail
Check out our full video on this hike here
Pass Mountain Summit
The Pass Mountain Summit Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park is a short but steep climb that delivers big views for the effort. At only 3.5 miles round trip, this hike may look easy on paper, but the relentless incline and rugged terrain make it a tough challenge. The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding desert, including the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks, making it a worthwhile adventure for those seeking a quick but strenuous hike near Phoenix.
Parking: Limited parking off of Usery Mountain Road. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Length: 3.5 miles out-and-back. Very steep climb to the summit; considered hard.
Pets: Allowed, but not recommended if you plan to summit due to the steep incline.
Facilities: No restrooms or trash cans at the trailhead.
Boulder Canyon to Viewpoint
The Boulder Canyon Trail is a rugged route that showcases some of the best desert scenery near Canyon Lake in the Superstition Wilderness. Though only 5 miles round trip, the rocky terrain and steep sections make this hike feel tougher than expected. The viewpoint at the turnaround offers sweeping views of Canyon Lake, the surrounding cliffs, and endless desert vistas. It’s a rewarding adventure for hikers looking for a shorter but still challenging trail close to Phoenix.
Parking: Limited parking near the boat launch. If full, additional parking is available down the street. A Tonto National Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required and can be purchased at a kiosk.
Length: 5 miles out-and-back with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Considered hard and tough on the feet due to rocky terrain.
Pets: Dogs allowed on leash.
Facilities: Vault toilets available down the street.
Moderate Hikes
Bluffsprings Trail
The Bluff Springs Trail is a scenic hike in the Superstition Mountains that offers a great mix of desert landscapes, canyon views, and rugged terrain without being as demanding as some of the area’s harder climbs. At just under 7 miles round trip, this trail provides a solid workout with steady elevation gain but is still manageable for hikers looking for a moderate challenge. It’s a beautiful way to experience the Superstitions without the crowds of more popular trails.
Parking: The lot is small, but overflow parking is available if needed.
Length: 6.7 miles out-and-back with 1,500+ ft of elevation gain. Considered moderately challenging.
Pets: Dogs allowed on leash.
Facilities: Vault toilets available at the trailhead.
Peralta Trail to Lone Tree
The Peralta Trail to Lone Tree is a moderately challenging hike that highlights some of the most scenic terrain in the Superstition Mountains. At just over 5 miles, this trail features steady elevation gain and classic desert views with towering cliffs, rocky ridgelines, and sweeping vistas that make the climb worthwhile. The Lone Tree viewpoint is a perfect turnaround spot, offering wide-open views of the rugged wilderness without committing to a full-day trek.
Parking: The lot is small, but overflow parking is available if needed.
Length: 5.4 miles out-and-back with 1,500+ ft of elevation gain. Considered moderately challenging.
Pets: Dogs allowed on leash.
Facilities: Vault toilets available at the trailhead.
Butcher Jones Trail
he Butcher Jones Trail is one of the most scenic moderate hikes near Phoenix, winding along the shoreline of Saguaro Lake with sweeping views of the water, surrounding cliffs, and distant Four Peaks. At nearly 6 miles round trip, it’s a manageable hike that still offers plenty of variety and beauty. This trail is especially popular in cooler months and makes for a great mix of desert and lake scenery just outside the city.
Parking: Butcher Jones Day Use Area. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
Length: 5.8 miles out-and-back with 636 ft of elevation gain.
Pets: Dogs allowed on leash.
Facilities: Vault toilets available at the trailhead.
Leave No Trace: This trail has had issues with litter—please help protect the area by packing out everything you bring and leaving it better than you found it.
Treasure Loop Trail to Praying Hands
The Treasure Loop Trail to Praying Hands is a short but rewarding hike in Lost Dutchman State Park. At just 3.5 miles, this route is rated moderate, though it does get steeper as you approach the striking Praying Hands rock formation. Along the way, you’ll enjoy classic desert scenery with saguaros, rugged cliffs, and sweeping views of the Superstition Mountains. It’s a great option for those looking for a manageable trail that still delivers one of the park’s most unique landmarks.For more details, check out our full Praying Hands blog post.
Parking: Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. Lots fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early.
Hours: Trails open 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; day-use gates are closed and locked from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily.
Length: 3.5 miles out-and-back. Rated moderate, with a steeper climb near Praying Hands.
Pets: Allowed on trails.
Fee: $10 per vehicle (1–4 adults) or $3 per individual/bicycle.
Facilities: Restrooms and trash cans available at the trailhead.
Jacob's Crosscut to Treasure Loop
The Jacob’s Crosscut to Treasure Loop Trail is a great way to experience the Superstition Mountains without entering Lost Dutchman State Park. This loop offers classic desert scenery with saguaro cactus, rocky ridgelines, and wide views of the surrounding mountains. At under 4 miles, it’s considered easy to moderate, making it a good option for hikers who want beautiful views without a strenuous climb. Check out our full blog post here.
Parking: Located on First Water Road at the Crosscut Trailhead (same parking as Massacre Falls). You do not enter the State Park for this hike. Access is via a dirt road.
Length: 3.7-mile loop. Considered easy to moderate.
Pets: Allowed on trails.
Facilities: No restrooms or trash cans at the trailhead.
Black Cross Butte
The Black Cross Butte Trail is a remote and lesser-known hike in the Superstition Mountains, perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds. At just 3 miles round trip, it’s a moderate climb that rewards hikers with rugged desert views, solitude, and a true backcountry feel. Because of its location past Tortilla Flat along the Apache Trail (Highway 88), this trail feels far removed from the busy Phoenix-area hikes, making it a hidden gem for adventurous hikers.
Parking: Limited parking available. Trailhead is past Tortilla Flat on Highway 88 and accessed via Forest Service Road 80 (dirt road).
Length: 3 miles out-and-back with 780+ ft of elevation gain. Rated moderate.
Pets: Allowed on trail.
Facilities: No restrooms or trash cans at the trailhead.
Hackberry Springs Trail Loop
The Hackberry Springs Loop is a scenic hike in the Superstition Mountains that combines desert landscapes, canyon views, and a touch of riparian scenery. At just under 4 miles, it’s considered an easy to moderate trail, making it a great option for families or hikers looking for a shorter loop with plenty of variety. The route offers views of rocky cliffs, desert vegetation, and seasonal water features that make it stand out among Phoenix-area hikes.
Parking: Large lot at the First Water Trailhead. Access is via a dirt road.
Length: 3.7-mile loop. Considered easy to moderate.
Pets: Allowed on trails.
Facilities: Vault toilets available; no trash cans.
Gear Recommendations for Arizona Hiking
Hiking Essentials: Our 10 Must-Have Gear Picks for Every Hike
The Ten Hiking Essentials Outdoor exploration comes with risks, especially when venturing into remote or rugged areas. That’s why we always carry the ten hiking
Best Hiking Tank Tops for Women in 2025
Best Hiking Tank Tops for Women in 2025 I love a good cropped tank top! They are my go-to for hiking. But finding hiking tank
The AZ Hikeaholics Top Gear Recommendations
Gear for the trail ranges from what’s in our pack to what’s on our back and feet. Here you’ll find what we trust and bring, including the essentials and what keeps us comfortable!
How to Choose Hiking Boots (and Find the Best Pair for You)
If you’re shopping for hiking boots, consider your feet’s unique needs. Check the terrain and trail conditions where you will hike. Lauren’s favorites include Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid and Low for comfort, durability, and breathability. Owen swears by Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid for lightweight comfort and durability on tough terrain.
Women’s Summer Hiking Clothes (Trail-Tested Picks)
Women’s Summer Hiking Clothes When it comes to women’s summer hiking clothes, finding the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and sun protection is essential. Over
Men’s Summer Hiking Clothes: What to Wear on the Trail
What to Wear Hiking in Summer: Tested Men’s Gear Over the years, I’ve refined what I wear on the trail—especially as my hikes have become
