Buckeye, Arizona

The Valley Vista trail is a short hike in Skyline Regional Park, located in the southern region of the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix.  From the top you'll have a great view of the Estrella Mountain Range and the southwest valley.  For the most direct route, take the Turnbuckle trail.  This...

Baseline Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail. This trail features lovely wild flowers and is rated as intermediate. You can use this trail not just for hiking but you can also use the trail for running as well as mountain biking. On the trail you are allowed to bring your furry f...

This is one of the less traveled trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  If you're looking for a solid day hike in the west valley, try this one.  It isn't a loop, but it ultimately connects with some of the other long trails so if you're up for a long hike, you have options.  This starts f...

So to fully enjoy the theme of this hike, make sure to try and go right after a rain. But also know that since this is a pretty easy hike, you will won't be the only one there. This is also a great hike/ waterfall to do with someone that is new to desert hiking, since it is relatively easy and th...

This is a great place to begin your hike in the White Tank Mountains.  From the Ramada Way area, the trail begins to lead steadily into a small canyon.  As you get further up, the trail will begin get more steep.  After a short time it leads up to the first saddle and wraps around a ridge and bec...

Here you will find free camping on BLM land in the Sonora Desert National Monument (BLM page link). It's easy access from AZ 85. We took BLM road 8000, north of Gila Bend, into washy, sand roads and found easy dispersed camping within 20 minutes of the highway. There was no water here, and less c...

Lost Ranch Ruins Trail to Lost Ranch Mines Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.

Dobbins lookout is a popular high point in South Mountain Park that offers views of the entire Phoenix area.  It's accessible by road or by trail with no entry fee.  Consider going in the evening for the best views.If you plan to hike to the top, the shortest route is the Holbert trail.  Take a l...

This is a great spot to go for a quick run or a short hike if you're in North Phoenix. Thunderbird park is easily accessible with free entry and a number of picnic areas. There are 3 main hills with a variety of trail options to hike up/around each. From the top you'll find a nice view of valley...

This is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. There are some beautiful rock formations, nice trails, and pretty stunning views of the city and desert beyond. It's open year round and is family and dog friendly, so if you've got slightly older kiddos or a pup, definitely bring them alon...

Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.

The Arrowhead Point Loop in Arizona is a 2.4-mile trail located in Thunderbird Conservation Park near Phoenix, Arizona. This trail offers a moderately challenging route with rewarding desert views, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The loop trail features rocky terrain and mild elevation gain,...

Beginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area.  Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top.   Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...

The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top.  Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good...

Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or...

As the third longest trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Freedom Trail provides a great option for those looking for a longer hike, which can also be made even a bit longer by bolting on the Piestewa Summit hike along the way (adds 1.2 miles additional and a view from the top!). Many look...