Top 10 Hikes In Phoenix

Our Local Expert Says:

The Four Peaks area offers fantastic views of the Northeast Valley and Saguaro Lake recreation areas. This is a great area for four-wheeling, too!

Description:

Four Peaks Wilderness was established in 1984, and contains approximately 60,740 acres with a major mountain rising up in it's center from the desert foothills. The Four Peaks themselves are visible for many miles, and are one of the most widely recognized landmarks in central Arizona. The rapid change in elevation produces interesting and unique plant and animal combinations. Elevations range from 1,900 feet near Apache Lake to 7,600 feet on Brown's Peak.

A large part of the wilderness was burned over by a human caused fire which was started on April 27, 1996. It Will take decades for the pine-covered mountains to recover

Hiking in this extreme area is a plus with the massive change in elevation that is unusual in most of Arizona over such a short area. The ruggedness is perfect for getting back in touch with nature or just spending some quiet time with the native animals populations.

Situated just north of Canyon and Apache lakes, the wilderness area is best accessed via Hwy. 87 and taking Forest Road 143 to the edge of the wilderness area.

Description:

There are more than 1,500 different desert plants on display here. In 1927, William Boyce Thompson started this arboretum 101 miles north of Tucson in an effort to preserve desert plants and study their potential as food and medical resources. Greenhouses contain cacti and other succulents while giving shelter to many species of birds. There is a visitor's center, gift shop and miles of trails to explore. Free for children four and under.

Description:

This 21,000-acre wilderness lies 60 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County, and offers many recreation opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, photography and nature study. Rugged ridges challenge expert climbers, while side canyons and plains offer easier hiking. Many desert species are found here, such as the desert bighorn sheep, Gila monster, kit fox and desert tortoise. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, barn owls and great horned owls nest in the cliffs. Access to the wilderness can be gained by exiting Interstate 10 at the Tonopah or Salome Road exits. Unmaintained dirt roads extend to the wilderness area's eastern, northern and western boundaries. Because road conditions vary and some routes are primitive, high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended.

Description:

This area's large size, varied landforms, and wildness provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography are some activities both experienced and family-oriented outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy. Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and various raptors also inhabit the wilderness. Saguaro, cholla, and ocotillo, paloverde and mesquite are among the many plant species. The 60,100-acre South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is located in southwestern Maricopa County, 16 miles east of Gila Bend and 30 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. This wilderness area is a two-hour drive from metropolitan Phoenix, but access is difficult. Because road conditions vary, high-clearance and four wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Interstate Highway 8 parallels the south boundary of the wilderness, but offers no access to the wilderness. The north boundary can be accessed from primitive dirt roads south of Maricopa Road, but active railroad tracks and rights-of-way restrict public crossings. No roads lead to the western and eastern boundaries of the wilderness.

Description:

The diversity, ruggedness, and size of the wilderness offer excellent opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Desert bighorn sheep, and mule deer, bobcats, cougars, hawks and owls and various raptors frequent the region. Backpacking trips, horseback riding, day hiking, wildlife observation, photography and sightseeing are common.. This 64,000-acre wilderness is in southwest Maricopa County, 11 miles northwest of Gila Bend and 32 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. This wilderness is accessible via old U.S. Highway 80 and Enterprise Road south of Arlington, via various jeep trails extending south from the Aqua Caliente Road, and via Interstate 8 and the Painted Rocks Dam Road west of Gila Bend. High-clearance vehicles are needed and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, except for portions of the Enterprise Road south of Gillespie Dam.

Description:

Several developed and natural springs in the wilderness provide water for the abundant wildlife. White-tailed and mule deer, mountain lions, golden eagles, bald eagles and many other animals inhabit the Dos Cabezas Mountains. The beautiful and unusual collared lizard may be found in the upper portions of Buckeye Canyon. The peregrine falcon, a state and federally listed endangered species, migrates through the area. The majority of the wilderness contains mountain shrub, desert shrub and riparian vegetation. The 11,700-acre Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness lies 20 miles east of Willcox and seven miles south of Bowie, Arizona in Cochise County. From Bowie travel south along Apache Pass Road then west on the dirt road leading to Happy Camp Canyon.

Description:

Most of the wilderness is covered by Sonoran desert shrub vegetation saguaro, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and desert grasses. Primitive camping spots are abundant, and plants, animals, and geology provide photographic and viewing opportunities. Several mountains with cliffs offer climbing, and the canyons offer opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. The 9,900-acre Hells Canyon Wilderness lies 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona in Maricopa and Yavapai counties.

Description:

Rugged topography and the area's sheltered Brown's Canyon interior drainage system furnish the solitude and secluded experience treasured by many wilderness visitors. Hikers, backpackers, wildlife observers and photographers will find many recreation opportunities here. High-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed to travel to the boundary of the wilderness. Paved State Route 60 provides access to jeep trails extending to the wilderness area's north boundary. The paved Eagle Eye Road provides access to numerous jeep trails along the area's southern side. Harquahala Peak can be reached by a four-wheel drive road, but erosion and steep grades will be encountered. Only experienced four-wheel drivers should attempt this road. The 22,880-acre Harquahala Mountains Wilderness lies in Maricopa and La Paz counties, 80 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona.

Description:

Recreation opportunities such as extended horseback riding and backpacking trips, sightseeing and photography are enhanced by the diverse topography, scenic character, and size, as well as the botanical, wildlife, and cultural values of the area. The 11,840-acre Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness is about eight miles northeast of Wickenburg and 48 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona in Yavapai County. From Phoenix, travel west to Wickenburg via Highway 60 or 74. From Wickenburg, take the Constellation Road north toward the Williams Ranch. Access to the wilderness area is across private land, so please ask permission first. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for access to the wilderness boundary.