HIKING - PLACES TO HIKE IN METRO PHOENIX

At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve often is referred to as the largest municipal park in the country. It boasts 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels skills. The park/preserve's main entrance is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hours vary at other trailhead locations; check the hiking map for specific hours.

At 2,104 feet, North Mountain is a landmark Phoenix peak in its own right. The North Mountain area offers more than summit climbs; an array of trails of all levels of difficulty offers something for everybody. North Mountain Park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers trailhead parking and reservable picnic ramadas. Check the trail guides for hours at specific trailheads.

With its otherworldly sandstone buttes, Papago Park has graced the city of Phoenix park system since 1959. Papago’s trails are generally easy treks with little elevation gain making it a great place for a family hike or to hone your mountain biking skills. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sheer red sandstone cliffs and its telltale hump draw thousands of hikers to Camelback Mountain each year. Hiking to the top is not for beginning hikers -- the two summit trails are strenuous climbs over sometimes-tricky trails. Some easier trails allow close-up exploration around Camelback's base. Trailheads are open from sunrise to sunset.

Surrounding the base of 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak, the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area are gateways into diverse desert that offers everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. You don't have to fight crowds on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail to enjoy the area -- the area boasts dozens of miles of trails to enjoy the glory of the Sonoran Desert in relative solitude. An assortment of picnic area nestled in the hills offer a picturesque spot for gathering. Phoenix Mountains Park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area stretches along five miles of the Salt River just south of downtown Phoenix. Once a dump site, the area is now a lush riparian corridor with five miles of paved and dirt trails dotted with unique design and user features.

Reach 11 Recreation Area is located just north of the Central Arizona Project canal between Cave Creek Road and Scottsdale Road. Primary access points to the park are provided at Tatum Boulevard, Cave Creek Road, 56th Street and Scottsdale Road. Amenities include equestrian center, hiking and riding trails, trailhead parking lot, restrooms, picnic area with ramada and grills, drinking fountain, and wildlife/nature desert areas.

The city of Phoenix has a number of accessible trails that wind through some of the classic Sonoran Desert habitat of the desert and mountain preserve system.. Click here to find out.

(1) Phoenix.gov/PARKS

(2) ArizonaHikingTrails

(3) AZcentral.com

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