Thinking about dipping your toes into the hiking world? Phoenix makes it ridiculously easy to fall in love with desert trails. With year-round sunshine, cactus-dotted landscapes, and hundreds of mountain paths crisscrossing the Valley of the Sun, it’s the perfect place to start your hiking journey.
This beginner-friendly guide covers the best easy hiking trails in Phoenix and nearby areas, along with essential tips like where to park, how long the hike takes, restroom info, safety advice, and even scenic photo spots.
Table of Contents
1. Judith Tunell Accessible Trail – South Mountain Park
If you’re looking for your first desert hike, this one’s a gem. Located in South Mountain Park (the largest municipal park in the U.S.), this one-mile loop is paved, smooth, and wheelchair accessible. It’s dotted with benches, interpretive signs, and plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the scenery.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easiest
- 📍 Location: South Mountain Park (entry via Central Ave)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 20–30 mins
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available at the trailhead
- 🅿️ Parking: Free; available near the trail entrance
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes, leashed
- 📸 Photo Tip: Great for sunset silhouettes with South Mountain ridges
Perfect for: Beginners, seniors, families with strollers, or anyone needing a barrier-free trail.
2. National Trail to Fat Man’s Pass – South Mountain Summit
Up for a slightly bigger challenge? Start from the Buena Vista Lookout and hike east along the National Trail to the quirky, narrow rock slot known as Fat Man’s Pass. The terrain is a bit rocky, but the views of the Valley make it worth the effort.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
- 📍 Location: South Mountain (via Summit Rd)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
- 🚻 Restrooms: At trailhead parking area
- 🅿️ Parking: Limited summit parking; arrive early
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes, leashed
- 📶 Mobile Signal: Fair to weak—download offline maps
- 📸 Photo Tip: Snap a pic squeezing through Fat Man’s Pass!
Good to Know: This trail can get hot fast—go early morning or around golden hour.
3. Phoenix Canal Trails – Arcadia to Biltmore Area
Want to hike without leaving the city? Phoenix’s canal system offers miles of flat, unpaved paths through cool neighborhoods like Arcadia and Biltmore. It’s more of a long walk than a hike, but it’s perfect if you’re getting used to uneven ground.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Very Easy
- 📍 Location: Multiple access points (Arcadia Park, Biltmore Fashion Park)
- 🕓 Time Needed: Your call—walk 10 mins or 10 miles
- 🚻 Restrooms: Near parks and shops
- 🅿️ Parking: Free and available near major shopping areas
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Absolutely
- 🌅 Best Time: Early morning or dusk—no shade!
Extra Tip: Great for night walks too, thanks to neighborhood lighting.
4. Trail 100 Loop via Shaw Butte – North Mountain Preserve
From the North Mountain Visitor Center on 7th Street, take Trail 100 into a wide desert landscape. The loop connects to Shaw Butte’s lower trail, offering rolling terrain with casual ups and downs—perfect for building confidence.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- 📍 Location: North Mountain Visitor Center
- 🕓 Time Needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
- 🚻 Restrooms: At the visitor center
- 🅿️ Parking: Ample and free
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes
- 📸 Photo Tip: Spot Phoenix skyline views from higher points
- ☀️ Shade? Minimal—bring a hat and SPF
Pro Tip: This trail is multi-use—watch for mountain bikers.
5. Trail 8 – Phoenix Mountains Preserve (40th St Trailhead)
Just south of Shea Boulevard, Trail 8 leads you into a secluded, cactus-filled valley. It’s one of those trails that makes you forget the city’s right behind you. It’s quiet, scenic, and easy to extend into longer hikes if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- 📍 Location: 40th St & Shea Blvd
- 🕓 Time Needed: About 45 mins to 1 hour
- 🚻 Restrooms: None—plan accordingly
- 🅿️ Parking: Small lot; street parking available
- 📶 Mobile Signal: Good
- 🐍 Wildlife Watch: Keep an eye out for desert critters
Scenic Bonus: Expect blooming wildflowers in spring and colorful sunsets year-round.
6. Apache Wash Loop – Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
Located in North Phoenix, Apache Wash offers 3-mile and 5-mile loop options across stunning open desert. You’ll pass dry creek beds, towering saguaros, and—if you’re lucky—spot jackrabbits or lizards darting across the trail.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- 📍 Location: Apache Wash Trailhead (off Sonoran Desert Dr)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- 🚻 Restrooms: Clean restrooms available
- 🅿️ Parking: Large lot, free
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes
- 📶 Mobile Signal: Spotty—download trail maps
- 📸 Photo Tip: Sunrise hikes are next-level here
Weather Note: Trails are fully exposed—avoid mid-day summer heat.
7. Papago Park – Hole-In-The-Rock Trail
This one’s iconic. If you’ve seen travel photos of Phoenix, you’ve seen Papago Park’s red sandstone buttes. The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is a super short but scenic climb, offering killer views at sunset. And yes—it’s great for Instagram.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easy
- 📍 Location: Papago Park (625 N Galvin Pkwy)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 10–15 mins
- 🚻 Restrooms: Near the Phoenix Zoo entrance
- 🅿️ Parking: Ample parking available
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes
- 🏙️ Viewpoints: Downtown Phoenix, Tempe Town Lake, Tovrea Castle
- 🌇 Must-Do: Catch sunset from the rock cave window
Bonus Tip: Pack a picnic—there are tables and grassy areas around the base.
8. Dreamy Draw Nature Trail – Phoenix Mountains Preserve
If you’re looking for a peaceful desert stroll without the crowds, Dreamy Draw delivers. This flat loop meanders through Sonoran vegetation with occasional shade and excellent city views. Bonus: there are picnic tables and rest areas near the trailhead, making it a great choice for a post-hike snack.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easy
- 📍 Location: Dreamy Draw Recreation Area (2421 E Northern Ave)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 45 mins to 1 hour
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available near parking area
- 🅿️ Parking: Free and usually easy to find
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes, on leash
- 🌅 Best Time: Late afternoon for soft golden light
- 📸 Photo Tip: Capture the sunset behind North Mountain
Tip: Ideal for those easing into hiking or wanting a quiet nature walk close to town.
9. Lookout Mountain Summit Trail – Phoenix Mountains Preserve
This one’s short, sweet, and slightly more elevated—but don’t let the word “summit” scare you. Lookout Mountain offers a beginner-friendly climb with rewarding panoramic views. The trail is rocky but manageable, and it’s rarely packed.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- 📍 Location: Lookout Mountain Preserve (15800 N 16th St)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 45 mins round trip
- 🚻 Restrooms: Not available—plan ahead
- 🅿️ Parking: Small lot; try early mornings or evenings
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes
- 📶 Mobile Signal: Strong
- 📸 Photo Tip: Great skyline shots at the top—go just before sunset
Watch Your Step: Trail has some loose rocks, so wear proper shoes and take it slow.
10. Reach 11 Recreation Area Trails – North Phoenix
Want a wide, flat trail with trees, birds, and zero climbing? Reach 11 is a hidden gem in North Phoenix. Popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, these trails wind through lush desert brush, shaded patches, and even small wash areas.
- 🥾 Difficulty: Very Easy
- 📍 Location: Reach 11 Trailhead (19224 N Tatum Blvd)
- 🕓 Time Needed: 30 mins to 2 hours (you choose!)
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available near sports complex
- 🅿️ Parking: Large lot, easy access
- 🐶 Pet Friendly? Yes
- 🌿 Wildlife Spotting: Look for jackrabbits, owls, and roadrunners
- ☀️ Best Time: Early morning for shade and bird activity
Great For: New hikers, families, or anyone recovering from injury or just wanting a peaceful walk.
Ready to Explore?
Hiking in Phoenix doesn’t have to be intimidating. These beginner-friendly trails offer gorgeous desert views, light to moderate terrain, and plenty of space to learn the ropes.
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