3 Best Hiking Trails in Phoenix, AZ

This is a beautiful park, especially at sunset. The Hole in the Rock trail is super easy(i mean it) and there is tons of rocks to climb. There is also a little human made lake/pond where people are fishing and feeding ducks. Great place to have a picnic, take a light hike, or enjoy the outdoors.

Great hike (and not too hard) to Hole in the Rock/Papago Park! This is a MUST DO when flying in or out of Phoenix Airport! So easy and close to the airport! Best for sunset (vs sunrise) - great pond on the drive in, lots of picnic areas (and bathrooms).

Easy to get to, the hike to hole in rock was easy and fast, the views of the city are beautiful. The ponds are stocked w fish. There are places to sit or trails to hike. The views all around the park are so pretty.

Moderate | Out-and-Back | 1-2 hr Echo Canyon gets four stars from me, but only because of the crowd factor. The hike itself is awesome. I have reviewed it before and surprise, nothing has changed. Still beautiful. Still packed. It is like Camelback is the only trail people in Phoenix have heard of, so naturally the entire city decides to show up at once. If you are trying to get some peace and quiet, this is not the spot unless you show up early. Now, if you hit it before sunrise, it is a five star experience all the way. There is nothing like making it to the top, catching that first light over the valley, and smashing some summit snacks while watching the city wake up. But once 7am hits, the trail starts feeling like rush hour in hiking boots. Four stars if you go early, three if you are showing up late and trying to dodge selfie sticks the whole way up. The hike itself is moderate but can get tough if you are not prepared. Bring water. Take breaks. Do not underestimate the climb or overestimate your cardio. You are not going to impress anyone if you push too hard and have to be carried out. If you are not feeling it, turn around and come back another day. The mountain is not going anywhere. Still a solid hike with killer views, just go in knowing you are not going to be alone. Or silent. Or probably very patient.

This was our second time to hike this trail up Camelback. We usually do the more forgiving triail, Cholla. However we did enjoy the challenge of this trail. And there is a parking lot at the trailhead and restrooms. And we saw a park ranger here on the trail as well. This trail is labeled extremely difficult so use caution. I saw a man carrying his baby on his back in a holder. I would NOT recommend any children on this course. There are loose rocks and multiple spots you could fall and a child could be harmed. No pets allowed either. If you are normal fitness level this may take you about 45 minutes to get to the summit and 30 min back down to the parking lot. Great trail.

An amazing and challenging hike! Visiting from out of state and this hike was recommended and I now know why. You get to earn some of the best views around! Challenging with some decently steep slopes and large boulders to climb. Would definitely hike this again.