Living in Arizona means that year-round, you get to enjoy some of the best urban hiking around! What makes hiking in the Phoenix metro area special is that you can enjoy some of the most amazing views without having to leave the city. The Valley of the Sun is one of the few places in the country that can brad about some of these spectacular views in city limits. No matter what part of the Valley you live in, here is where to find the best hiking spots in the Valley; one must-hike location and a few many people don’t know about…. until now!
Papago Park
If you’re a frequent commuter on the 202, chances are you’ve driven past Papago Park many times, and likely saw many hikers enjoying the trails and scenery if offers. The gorgeous red sandstone that makes up the park is unique because not only can you hike on the sandstone, you can hike in the red sandstone, weaving your way in and out of cave-like areas such as Hole-In-The-Rock. This is a must-do urban hike for anyone who lives in the Valley.
Peoria Sunrise Mountain
If you’re lucky enough to live in the Westwing Mountain neighborhood in Peoria, you practically have this beautiful hike in your backyard! This is a fairly easy hike, the trail is well-maintained, and the views are nothing short of amazing. If you’re feeling adventurous, the more challenging portion of the hike will take you to the very top, but the views are well worth it! There are trails for beginners, intermediate hikers and advanced hikers, so this urban hiking locale has something for everyone!
Deem Hills
North Phoenix has an abundance of hiking areas to choose from. Stetson Valley boosts proximity to the Deem Hills Recreation area, where urban hikers can find some convenient yet challenging hikes to do without leaving city limits. The extensive trail system allows for both short hikes or longer ones. While fairly popular, this area is never overcrowded. The hikes are challenging but never too steep so you can cover a lot of ground. Once you get to the north side of the park, all the city views disappear and it truly feels like you’re out in the middle of nature but you’re still in city limits!
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
West-central Arizona has a gem of a hiking resource in the White Tank Regional Park. Folks who live in the White Tank Foothills community can take full advantage of the largest regional park in the county. The park is open 365 days a year, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to check out this treasure. One of the most popular trails is the Waterfall trail, which features a waterfall and is great for any skill level of hiker. It’s mostly used for hiking, walking and trail running, and the best time of year to hike is November – April. Dogs are allowed on the trail but they must be on a leash at all times.
Thunderbird Conservation Park
If you live in Glendale and are a dog lover, you’re in luck! The Thunderbird Conservation Park is dog friendly, and the urban hiking is great! There is about 15 miles of multi-use trails have been constructed within the park, so you and your furry friend can choose which level of difficulty to try. This park is a is a conservation park dedicated to preserving the desert environment, so the trails and surrounding areas are always pristine. You can find a full list of Thunderbird Conservation Park hiking trails so you and your dog are prepared for a great day of urban hiking.
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