There’s something special about stepping off the plane in Phoenix and feeling that first wave of warm desert air. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape, a work trip, or the start of a new adventure, one question always comes up fast: what hikes to do when arriving in Phoenix?
Good news — you don’t need to travel far or have expert-level gear to find incredible trails here. Phoenix is unique because world-class hikes are right inside city limits. You can land at Sky Harbor International Airport and, within thirty minutes, be walking among towering saguaros, red buttes, and sweeping mountain views. Let’s lace up and explore the best hikes to do when you first arrive in the Valley of the Sun.
Easy Hikes to Do Right After You Arrive in Phoenix
Sometimes after a long flight, you just want to stretch your legs, breathe in the desert air, and feel grounded again. These easy hikes are perfect for that first day — accessible, beautiful, and just challenging enough to shake off the travel fatigue.
Papago Park – Double Butte Loop & Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
Distance: 2.3-mile loop (Double Butte) + 0.3-mile out-and-back (Hole-in-the-Rock)
Location: Minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
If you’re wondering what hikes to do when arriving in Phoenix without straying far from the airport, Papago Park should be your first stop. Its uncanny red sandstone formations make it feel like you’ve stepped into another planet — one that just happens to be right in the middle of the city.
Start with the Double Butte Loop for a relaxing stroll through desert terrain and then cross the street to climb up the short, rocky steps to the Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural cave-like window with sweeping views of the city skyline and nearby palm-lined ponds. It’s one of the best quick introductions to Phoenix hiking — and it’s just a 10-minute drive from the terminal.
Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails – South Mountain Park
Distance: 0.5-mile loop (paved)
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly
If you’re adjusting to the dry desert heat or traveling with family, the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails are ideal. Located at the base of South Mountain Park, these paved loops offer benches, shaded ramadas, and educational signs about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. It’s short, easy, and perfect for anyone who just wants to move gently after a long day of travel.
Blevins Trail – Usery Mountain Regional Park
Distance: 3-mile loop
Location: Mesa, AZ
Looking for a classic desert experience without the strain? Blevins Trail gives you exactly that — wide paths, towering saguaros, and the rugged ridgeline of Pass Mountain off in the distance. It’s the perfect balance of solitude and scenery, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
Moderate Hikes Near Central Phoenix
Once you’ve settled in and maybe grabbed a coffee or smoothie, it’s time for something a little more invigorating. These moderate trails offer great views, a bit more challenge, and that feeling of earning your sunset.
Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail – South Mountain
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Hidden tunnels, boulder scrambles, and a tight squeeze through “Fat Man’s Pass” — this one is unforgettable. The Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley hike is an absolute Phoenix classic. It starts steep but mellows out into a natural playground of rock formations and desert views. You’ll spot petroglyphs etched by ancient peoples and panoramic glimpses of downtown Phoenix.
This trail is ideal if you just arrived in town, are eager for a workout, and want a little taste of everything Phoenix hiking has to offer.
Dixie Mountain Loop – Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
Distance: 3.8-mile loop
If your idea of the perfect welcome to Arizona involves wildflowers and sweeping desert views, Dixie Mountain Loop is your trail. It’s a gently rolling loop through the northern part of the city — quiet, wild, and packed with life. In the spring, the ground bursts with color from blooming brittlebush and Mexican gold poppies.
There are also optional side trails to Dixie Mountain Summit or Western Vista Trail if you want to add a little elevation.
Pinnacle Peak Trail – Scottsdale
Distance: 3.5 miles out and back
For travelers staying in the Scottsdale area, Pinnacle Peak is an instant favorite. The trail is smooth, well-maintained, and features gradual inclines that make it accessible for a wide range of hikers. You can’t climb the granite spire itself, but the views from the upper section are spectacular. Expect to share the trail with locals getting in their morning workout — this is one of Scottsdale’s most beloved paths.
Challenging Hikes for Adventurous Arrivals
If you’re the type who likes to hit the ground running — or climbing — these more strenuous hikes deliver iconic views and serious bragging rights.
Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
When people ask what hikes to do when arriving in Phoenix, this is almost always the first answer. Camelback Mountain is the city’s crown jewel. From the moment you set foot on the rocky slope, you’ll understand why it’s famous. The steep ascent and boulder scrambling make it a challenge, but the 360-degree view from the summit is unbeatable.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the desert heat. Avoid hiking if it’s over 80°F and always carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Piestewa Peak – Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is another local favorite — a steep, stair-like climb that rewards you with panoramic views of the entire city. It’s slightly less crowded than Camelback but just as scenic. This one’s best done at sunrise or sunset, when the light turns the desert gold and the air is cooler.
Tom’s Thumb Trail – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Distance: 4.6 miles out and back
Up in North Scottsdale, Tom’s Thumb Trail winds through surreal boulder formations before culminating at the massive “Thumb” rock outcrop. The climb is tough but steady, and once you reach the top, you’ll find one of the best vistas in the entire region. This hike is great if you’ve got energy to burn after traveling — or if you just want to take in some of Arizona’s most photogenic scenery.
Lesser-Known Hidden Gems
Want to avoid the crowds and find a quieter slice of desert heaven? These underrated hikes are perfect for travelers who crave a bit more solitude.
Lookout Mountain Summit Trail – Phoenix Mountains Preserve
A quick climb with a big payoff, Lookout Mountain is ideal for catching your first Phoenix sunset without the Camelback crowds. The 1.2-mile out-and-back trek takes you up 450 feet to sweeping views across the city — perfect for a short evening adventure.
Waterfall Trail – White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Located west of the city, Waterfall Trail offers a rare treat in the desert: a seasonal waterfall that flows after heavy rain. Even when dry, the petroglyphs and rock formations along the way make it worth the trip. It’s an easy, family-friendly hike with a big visual reward.
Broadway Cave or Wave Cave – Apache Junction
If you’re extending your stay or have an afternoon free, these two Superstition Mountain trails are incredible. Both lead to huge cave openings framing panoramic desert views. They’re a bit of a drive east of Phoenix, but the experience — especially at sunset — is pure Arizona magic.
Tips Before You Hit the Trail
Phoenix hiking is spectacular, but the desert demands respect. Here’s how to make the most of your hike safely and comfortably:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Carry at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking.
- Time your hike. Early mornings (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoons are best — midday heat can be dangerous.
- Wear proper footwear. Loose rocks and gravel make sturdy shoes a must.
- Sun protection is essential. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen — don’t skip any of them.
- Know your limits. The desert can be deceptive. Even short trails can feel twice as long under the sun.
- Leave No Trace. Respect wildlife, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash.
Conclusion
From red rock buttes to mountain summits, Phoenix welcomes travelers with open skies and open trails. Whether you’re looking for a quick stretch after a flight or an all-out challenge, there’s a perfect path waiting just minutes from the airport.
So next time you’re wondering what hikes to do when arriving in Phoenix, remember: you don’t have to go far to find adventure. Lace up, grab your water bottle, and step into the desert sunshine — Phoenix is ready when you are.
