80 B EST H I K E Piestewa Peak 2701 E. Piestewa Peak Dr. phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/ piestewa-peak/hiking-trail-map With its central location between North Phoenix, Scottsdale and Arcadia, Piestewa Peak is not only a convenient hike to get to — it’s also rewarding and breathtaking. The mountain’s Summit Trail is just over a mile long to the peak, but the climb entails a steep ascent of 1,200 feet for hikers. Once there, hikers can enjoy a remarkable 360-degree view of the Phoenix metro area. And if the vertical climb on the Summit Trail isn’t for you, the lesser-known Freedom Trail wraps around the base of the mountain in a 3.7-mile hike, getting you closer to the preserve’s desert flora and fauna. For its accessibility, beauty and singularity, Piestewa Peak wins best overall hike. 22222 B EST I N T E N S E H I K E Echo Canyon, Camelback Mountain 5700 N. Echo Canyon Drive phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/ camelback-mountain One of the most popular hikes in the Valley, the Echo Canyon Trail is one of two ways to climb Camelback Mountain — and both are seriously challenging. To the top of the mountain and back to its base, the trail is about 2.4 miles and the elevation gain is about 1,423 feet. The rocky terrain and steep climb make this one of the more difficult hikes around, so don’t be surprised if you have to pull yourself up from your hands and knees or rely on the handrails installed along parts of the trail. But don’t be alarmed. Getting to the top of Camelback is a small triumph worth the sweat. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared for the difficulty of finding parking at the base during peak hours. 22222 B EST H I K E W I T H V I E WS Picketpost Mountain Trail fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/ recarea/?recid=35361 This one’s not for the faint of heart. Get ready for a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail near Superior, with cliffs that grant hikers a view of the Superstitions and beyond. Those with a fear of heights should stay home as the complicated trail corners hikers against moderate cliffs that make for a spectacular sight. Similar in difficulty to its popular cousin Flatiron, this hike calls for a bit of scrambling. But don’t worry — decent shoes are enough to cling to the grippy rock texture. Hikers will know they’ve ended their ascent when they’ve reached the trium- phant Picketpost mailbox filled with trea- sures from past hikers including letters, shooters, money and even condoms (for those who find fear an aphrodisiac). The views of nearby mountain terrain from the top of Picketpost Mountain are worth the climb. The way back down includes some butt sliding down steep rocks. Hikers who stay late can catch a gorgeous sunset view since most of the trail faces west. 22222 B E ST P I C N I C T R A I L Lone Tree via Peralta Canyon fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/ recarea/?recid=35441 If you’re lucky, you’ll beat other hikers to the best picnic spot in the Superstition Wilder- ness: the Lone Tree. Make sure your knees are in top shape for this one, as some of the incline can get pretty steep on this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Gold Canyon. The name can be attributed to the single pine tree at the end of the trail, appearing alien against the rocky, dry backdrop. This hike allows for views of Battleship Mountain, Weavers Needle, Black Mesa and Canyon Lake. And while you might be tempted to stop and enjoy a packed lunch in the shady, cool cave or the Fremont Saddle, the best spot to enjoy a picnic is at the very end. Bask under the tree’s shade as you chow down or climb onto the boulders just next to it for a gorgeous view of Weavers Needle on the other side of breathtaking cliffs. 22222 B E ST S U N S E T H I K E Lookout Mountain Loop 15600 N. 16th St. phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/ lookout-shadow-mountain Hiking doesn’t have to be an activity just for the weekends. The Lookout Mountain Loop, located in the heart of the city, allows you to hit the trail after work for a gorgeous sunset hike. Park at the Lookout Mountain Preserve trailhead on 16th Street, which is on the north side of the mountain. From there, you’ll quickly get up onto the trail system, which offers multiple options. Turn left and join the loop that, after a moderate incline, gets you right into the wildflowers and mountain views. As you make your way around to the west side of the mountain, you’ll start to see the sun setting over the distant peaks. We like to hike this loop clock- wise to hike directly into the sunset. Toward the end, as you head back around to the north, the trail flattens into a scrubby brush perfect for spotting rabbits, quail and the occasional road runner. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash. Expect to see other hikers along with solo trail runners getting in their workouts. 22222 B E ST P L AC E TO R EC O N N ECT W I T H O U R D E S E RT RO OTS McDowell Sonoran Preserve 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale mcdowellsonoran.org For anyone trying to commune with nature in the Valley, you can’t go wrong with Scotts- dale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. With some 31,000-plus acres, the preserve pres- ents a smorgasbord of terrains and various difficulties for hikers, bikers and other outdoor nature enthusiasts. But it’s not just about being a massive place to reconnect with the wonders of life in a dynamic desert. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, which helps oversee the preserve, also offers plenty of training classes and general education. Their aim is to augment your enjoyment of the preserve’s offerings with a historical and social perspective as to why these places matter. That two-pronged approach is how the preserve becomes not just a place to explore but also this sustained connection to the places, values and diverse populations that have helped define this entire region. It’s a living, breathing connection to this sense of community and this unwavering celebration of the natural world. Whether you hike it or bike it, the preserve is ours to explore past, present and future. 22222 B E ST P L AC E TO TA K E A N O U T- O F-TOW N V I S I TO R Hole in the Rock 625 N. Galvin Parkway 602-495-5458 phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/ papago-park Located at Papago Park, the Hole in the Rock may be the perfect introduction to Arizona for someone visiting for the first time. The unique sandstone formation, peppered with holes formed by erosion over millions of years, is rich with history. The Hohokam may have used its holes to mark the seasons. Now, visitors use them as an irresistible Instagram backdrop. Parking is easy — there are plenty of spots near Hole in the Rock or at the nearby Phoenix Zoo — and the hike up is short at just 0.3 miles. Beginner hikers and even kids should have little problem with it, though you should wear some sturdy shoes as you climb up. Once you get there, cool yourself in the shade of the rock’s titular opening and enjoy a view of the Valley that’s most impressive at dusk. (Expect some company. This is a popular spot.) Your visitors can now say they’ve done something very Arizona, and at just a nine-minute drive from Sky Harbor, they barely had to leave the airport.
