The Most Beautiful Places to Go Hiking in Phoenix This Summer

Plenty of pretty out there.

This area certainly has no shortage of great rise . Whether you venture to North Scottsdale or South Phoenix , travel east to Apache Junction , or even lead out west , you ’ll find geographical mile and miles of hikeable , bikeable , walkable , and horse - able ( read : hogback riding ) trails in the area . So pack your bag , bring in a lot of water to poise out the triple - finger temperature , and get quick to kick back off summer in the Valley .

Superstition Wilderness Area

Apache JunctionLocated east of Downtown Phoenix is the Superstition Wilderness Area . For decades it ’s been say there ’s buried gem hidden in the mount . While there ’s no guarantee of finding rich , you will find plenty of sensational view once you reach the top of Flatiron , a temperate hike with a 1,020 total aggrandisement gain that ’s accessible from Lost Dutchman State Park . If you opt to trek the Superstition Ridgeline – a difficult , inconsistently tick off trail around 13 - miles long – you ’ll have a view that stretches all the way to the sensible horizon . ( Warning : we probably would n’t recommend this one if you ’re either ( a ) inexperient , or ( b ) terrified of height . )

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

ScottsdaleThis Scottsdale - region preserve is comprised of 27,800 acres of protect country with hundreds of miles of accessible multi - use trail . Tom ’s Thumb Trail , East End Trail ( the in high spirits peak in the McDowell Mountains ) , and Marcus Landslide are just a few of the accessible hiking and biking trails on the conserves . And aside from being a beautiful day trip , this situation also offers potential glimpses of the Four Peaks mountain range in the aloofness if the atmospheric condition is right .

South Mountain Park and Preserve

PhoenixIt ’s one of the largest municipal green in the land , and it ’s right on here in our backyard . ThisPhoenix Point of Prideis comprise of 16,000 acres of land with dozens upon dozens of hiking trail winding through its peaks and valleys . Dobbins Lookout is the highest point in the park accessible via track or by gondola ( though Mount Suppoa takes the title of high point , it ’s not approachable ) . If you ’re look to check out Fat Man ’s Pass or Hidden Valley , both can be accessed via Mormon Trail .

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

PhoenixWest of the city is White Tank Mountain Regional Park . This expanse offers trail for biking , hiking , and even horseback riding . From cornerstone to peak there ’s a upgrade of nearly 4,000 ft , but you do n’t have to make it all the agency to the stop to revel the wild . There ’s lot of hiking region in the lower superlative that provide picturesque views and scenery ( see : Waterfall Trail , Ford Canyon , Mesquite Canyon Loop ) . Pay close tending to your environs while you ’re here ; this site is filled with ancient petroglyphs leave behind by the clan who once lived in the area .

Sunrise Peak

ScottsdaleThis trail , a 9.3 - mile loop , ply view of Four Peaks , Phoenix , Scottsdale , and nearby Fountain Hills . The hike have about two hour to complete , so be certain to fetch plenty of piss to stay hydrated in the desert heat ( gravely , it ’s summertime ) . compare to some of the other hike spots around the city , this place is considerably low - use , reach it one of themost underrated hikes in Phoenix . It ’s definitely deserving checking out if you ’re willing to accept the challenge .

Phon D Sutton Recreation Area

depressed Salt RiverMesa , Arizona was recently rank third in the state for " Best Places for Outdoor Lovers . " The arena is nursing home to gobs of trails , leaving no shortage of opportunities for an outside adventure . One of the must - see spots is the Phon D Sutton Recreation Area located 16 mile northeast of Mesa , off the Salt River . This low Salt River place is a great stop - off point while tubing down the river . It also offers plenty of opportunity to see some wildlife . Who have intercourse , you might even spot a herd of those famous Salt River Horses .

Usery Mountain Regional Park

MesaJust northwards of the Phon D Sutton Rec Area is another Mesa hiking billet : Usery Mountain Regional Park . It ’s not only a pop hiking destination with easy - to - restrained lead ( Vista and Merkle ) , but it ’s also a well - known spot for explorable caves and hulk cacti that draw the landscape painting . Not to mention its variouscampgroundsand picnic areas .

Saguaro Lake

Tonto National ForestSaguaro Lake is located just 40 mil out of doors of Downtown Phoenix , and it ’s the closest lake to the city . Lovers of the open can set up coterie or set out on foot on one of the many lead . We ’d recommend Butcher Jones Trail : a six - mi , slowly - shop , scenic itinerary that extends to the northerly subdivision of the lake . Since it ’s located inside the Tonto National Forest , a fling and a fee are required to chatter this spot .

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Saguaro Lake and surrounding mountains