Top Notch Treks in Proximity to Phoenix, Arizona
Exploring Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, offers a wealth of hiking trails suitable for families, catering to various ages and abilities. From easy, stroller-friendly loops to more challenging summit climbs for adventurous older children, the city's diverse landscapes provide an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Easier, Family-Friendly Trails
For beginners and young children, the Desert Botanical Nature Trail at Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park is a great starting point. This short, flat trail is stroller accessible and ideal for those just starting their hiking journey. Similarly, the Bajada Nature Trail at Gateway Trailhead offers a smooth, flat half-mile loop with interactive exhibits, making it engaging for kids.
The Ringtail Trail at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is a 2.4-mile loop with gradual ups and downs, featuring southern views and an ancient tool-making site that is interesting for all ages. For a scenic and relatively easy hike, the Moonlight Trail at San Tan Mountain Regional Park can be extended into a 2.2-mile loop with Stargazer and San Tan Trail Loops, offering beautiful desert and saguaro forest views.
Moderate to More Challenging Family-Friendly Trails
For families with children who have some hiking experience, the Horseshoe Loop at Gateway Trailhead is about 1.7 miles long and offers a manageable challenge. Another option is the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, a 3-mile out-and-back trail leading to an old ranch homestead. Children as young as five and seven have climbed the adjacent Brown’s Mountain Trail to the summit with some assistance, enjoying the achievement and views.
Challenging Trails (Not typically for young children but older kids or active families)
For families seeking a more challenging hike, the Camelback Mountain Trails in Scottsdale offer steep, rocky terrain and require scrambling. Both the Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail demand good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and caution. These trails offer spectacular summit views but are not recommended for young children or inexperienced hikers.
The Dynamite Trail and Goldmine Trail Loop at San Tan Mountain Regional Park is another challenging option, with strenuous elevation changes and panoramic views. Hikers should bring ample water and snacks. Suitable for families with older kids used to more physical exertion.
The Lookout Mountain Preserve offers a variety of well-marked trails ranging from easy strolls to serious mountain hikes, with little shade and no water on the trails. It is great for families adaptable to different difficulty levels.
Pro Tips
- Always carry plenty of water, sun protection, and be prepared for desert conditions.
- The best time to explore valley hikes near Phoenix is from September to May due to the extreme heat.
- Most hiking trails are accessible from September to May, with some exceptions like the Moonlight Trail at San Tan Mountain Regional Park, which operates only during the cooler months.
- The Lost Dutchman State Park Trails, Peralta Trail to Freemont Saddle, and Butcher Jones Trail require Tonto National Forest permits, which can be obtained online or at a gas station off of Highway 87 in Fort McDowell.
- The Camelback Mountain Trails, Lost Dutchman Ghost Town, Yavapai Point Trail at Lake Pleasant, and McDowell Mountains Regional Park all have entrance fees ranging from $6.00 to $7.00.
- After a day of hiking, enjoy a treat at the saloon in Lost Dutchman Ghost Town, where prickly pear ice cream and apple dumplings are available.
- After exploring the family-friendly hiking trails in Phoenix, Arizona, consider expanding your outdoor-living adventures with a road trip to travel the nearby home-and-garden centers for landscaping inspiration, or visit local sports facilities for games and activities to continue the lifestyle of active outdoors living.
- For families interested in hiking more challenging trails, the Camelback Mountain Trails in Scottsdale and the Dynamite Trail and Goldmine Trail Loop at San Tan Mountain Regional Park offer strenuous climbs and spectacular views that cater to active teenagers and older kids.
- To stay informed about trail conditions and permit requirements before embarking on a hiking adventure, it's important to regularly check the web resources, home-and-garden centers, and sports outlets that provide up-to-date information on popular hiking destinations, such as Lost Dutchman State Park, the McDowell Mountains Regional Park, and the Yavapai Point Trail at Lake Pleasant.
