Phoenix Hiking Tours

Phoenix Hiking Tours - What to Know

Phoenix hiking tours offer a hassle-free adventure, with each hike selected based on your group's experience level, preferences, and interests. Local guides provide valuable insights into the Sonoran Deserts' unique flora and fauna, helping you identify edible and medicinal plants, and can explain the impressive geological features. Certified guides can make informed decisions about weather and trail conditions and are equipped to assist in emergencies, ensuring a safe experience for all hikers! 

Why Choose Phoenix for Hiking?

On these tours you’ll encounter native flora and fauna unique to the Sonoran Desert, including towering saguaro cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and medicinal creosote bushes, along with bustling wildlife such as roadrunners, jackrabbits, and perhaps coyotes or bobcats. Experience vibrant orange and red sunsets from the best mountain viewpoints while hiking in Phoenix!

Explore Phoenix’s most iconic landmarks such as the Hidden Valley Petroglyphs, Tom’s Thumb, Camelback Mountain, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Piestewa Peak.

Where to Go Hiking in Phoenix

Hidden Valley Petroglyphs

In the South Mountain Range of Phoenix are numerous famous landmarks including Fat Man’s Pass, Natural Cave, rocks tunnels, and giant boulders! A few local secrets await you, such as ancient petroglyph sites and abandoned mines! A guided hike to Hidden Valley is not easily forgotten!

Camelback Mountain

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix awaits the highest and most popular peak! Hiking Camelback Mountain, you’ll ascend a total of 1,300 feet (396 m) of elevation to reach the summit, where breathtaking 360-degree views of the Phoenix Metro Area and Sonoran Desert stretch for over 50 miles in every direction.

Tom’s Thumb

Visit the famous 200-foot tall granite monolith called Tom’s Thumb in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Tom’s Thumb was named after a local rock climber who was the first Arizona Mountaineering Club member to climb it. Along the route, you can take in the view from 5 different overlooks before reaching the landmark up close.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The largest city-owned preserve in the world at more than 30,500 acres, you’ll be immersed in native flora and fauna only found in the Sonoran Desert!

Top Tips for Hiking in Phoenix

• Best Time to Hike: During the summer, to avoid extreme heat, the best times to hike are early mornings and evenings. The best time of year to hike is from October to April as you can avoid the heat of summer! Temperatures tend to be milder during the day with clear skies and lower humidity. Also, March to April is when the desert blooms with wildflowers!
• Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Keep all trash with you and secured in your bag to properly dispose of when you return back to town.
• Properly Layer Clothing: Make sure the clothing is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and fast drying! You may be sweating a lot in the desert heat! Weather can change rapidly, be sure to layer your clothing to avoid getting wet from sweat or being too cold on the trail.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Broken in/Used before with closed toes and grippy tread! Comfortable socks to prevent blisters and small shoe gaiters are helpful to keep rocks and sand from getting into the shoe and causing blisters or cuts!
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, neck coverings (may attach to hats), and UV deflecting long sleeve shirts can all help to combat the harmful and strong desert sun rays!
• Trail Etiquette: Yield to uphill hikers and try to step aside on rocks or wide areas on the trail to protect the landscape.
• Stay on the Trail: Avoid shortcuts, especially ones that go straight up between switchbacks to protect fragile desert ecosystems and prevent erosion.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance, never chase, harass, or feed them.
• Know your Limits: Monitor for dehydration or heat stroke symptoms such as headaches, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, and nausea or vomiting.

Other Phoenix Adventures

Check out other Phoenix adventures at Phoenix, AZ Outdoor Activities! These include mountain biking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, and kayaking!