Mesa, Arizona

This is a difficult hike! Plan on a lot of time and an early start. I did this hike in a clockwise direction (Peralta Trail) which really doesn't matter much but I recommend the direction to get the steepest part of the hike done first. Most people just do an out and back hike to Freemont Saddle ...

From the Peralta Trailhead, start hiking on Bluff Springs Trail. This trail will wind over a few hills past incredible views, and then take you down into a wash. In the wash you will intersect with the Terrapin Trail. Turn left onto the Terrapin Trail, and it will take you out of the wash and pa...

This hike begins at the Apache Wash Trailhead where you will find restrooms and a covered rest area. This loop is simple to follow and offers various shortcuts along with an access to an optional summit climb.  The loop begins from the north-east end of the parking lot near the restrooms. Turn l...

Starting at the trailhead you will begin hiking through oak trees and forest. At numerous times throughout the hike Roosevelt Lake can be seen to the northwest. Approximately 3 miles into your hike you will reach a small campsite in the saddle of the mountain. This is your turnaround point if you...

...For this very short stroll to Elephant Arch, I'd like to clarify that it's more of a sightseeing and/or photo opportunity trip than a hiking trip. It's so close that it can be seen from the side of the road. So just forewarning! Nonetheless, if you love natural wonders then it's a landmark you...

No one really knows why the people from the Sonoran Desert built this mud skyscraper. Some scientists believe it was built as a astronomical observatory. What ever the reason, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a engineering marvel that was built in the 1300's. People have been so puzzled...

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...

As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...

The Superstition Wilderness is a vast rugged landscape where you can find the cultural remains of ancient Hohokam, Salado, Apache, and Yavapais tribes.  Rogers Canyon Trail takes you to one of the most impressive and best preserved archaeological sites this region has to offer.  These Salado ruin...

Located in north Phoenix, the Deem Hills recreation area features a dog park, playground, soccer field, and trailhead leading into the neighboring hills.   To begin your hike, get around the dog park by starting at the Circumference trailhead on the north side of the parking lot.  To complete th...

From the parking lot you will start out on the Arizona Trail until you reach the turn off to begin your accent up the mountain.  This part of the trail isn't well maintained, and is a scramble, so be ready to use those hands.  The trail is marked with cairns though and there is enough traffic tha...

This hike beings at Spur Cross Ranch in Cave Creek, which is a lush riparian area flowing with Saguaros. Starting at the trailhead, you will start this loop by hiking clockwise on Tortuga trail which will connect with the Elephant Mountain trail at 1.5 miles. As you start to ascend the Elephant M...

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...

Explore two remarkably preserved American Indian cliff dwellings that date back to the 13th century. Set within a shelter bluff on the side of steep cliffs, the Upper and Lower Cliff Dwellings are well protected, and have great views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. If you get to the park early...

Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...

Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ lies a 10,000 acre desert oasis known as Pleasant Lake Regional Park. This expansive body of water serves as a great opportunity to beat the heat of the central Arizona sun, while taking in the beauty of the vivid blue waters and surroundi...