Whether you’re just getting started hiking, or looking for outdoor fun with family or guests, these easy Phoenix area hikes are just the ticket. With pathways alongside seasonal streams, ending at rainy-day waterfalls or up-close-and-personal with ancient hieroglyphics or wacky hoodoos, each trail provides a unique experience. Hike just a little ways, or go the distance, on the longer trails.
★★★☆☆ Hieroglyphics Hiking Trail / Easy / Superstition Mountains / 1.2 miles
Ancient hieroglyphics and pools of blue water sit before endless vistas, at the end of this easy hike. This uniquely beautiful spot, at the base of a vast canyon, is magical for families to explore.
★★☆☆☆ Hole in the Rock Hiking Trail Loop, Papago Park/ Easy / 0.31 miles
A super-short hike to a huge hole, in a huge rock, is perfect family fun! At just over a quarter mile long, this loop trail is both easy and surprisingly scenic.
★★★★☆ Jewel of the Creek & Dragonfly Hiking Trail Loop / Easy / Jewel of the Creek Preserve / 2 mile loop
Dragonflies by a pond, wood-plank creek crossings and a kid-sized cave are some of the fun features on this easy, hike around the lush green banks of Cave Creek.
★★★☆☆ Kiwanis Hiking Trail to Telegraph Lookout / Easy / South Mountain / 1.25 miles
Meandering up a pretty valley this hike is family-perfect! Near the top, Telegraph Pass Lookout offers awesome north & south valley views.
★★★★☆ Marcus Landslide Hiking Trail / Easy / McDowell Mountain Preserve / 1.85 miles
Easy, but dramatically beautiful… this hike’s otherworldly rock formations and intriguing geology are custom-made for a mellow day of outdoor exploring!
★★★☆☆ Ocotillo, Apache Wash, Sidewinder Loop / Easy / Sonoran Mountain Preserve / 1.95 miles
Escape Phoenix’s northern ‘burbs on this wide, scenic loop trail, that blends short, easy bits of three Phoenix Sonoran Preserve trails.
★☆☆☆☆ Rainbow Valley and Toothaker Hiking Trail Loop / Easy / Estrella Mountains / 6.2 mile loop
Winding through a series of interconnected valleys, this loop is “nice & easy.” Wide, mildly inclined paths span long desert stretches, sandy arroyos and hillside rambles. Distant views of the White Tanks frame the horizon.
★★★★☆ San Tan Hiking Trail Loop / Easy / San Tan Regional Park / 7.5 mile loop
Spectacular Southwestern scenery goes on for miles on this level loop hike! Circling the desert floor, between the Malpais and Goldmine Mountains, this mostly-flat trail offers big views, but requires minimal up & down hiking.
★★★☆☆ Waterfall Hiking Trail / Easy / White Tank Mountains / 0.9 miles
Abundant Native American hieroglyphics and a hidden waterfall are just two of the awesome, squeal-inducing features of this easy, educational trail. Under a mile long, this one of the more perfect family hikes for young kids.
★★★☆☆ Wild Burro Hiking Trail / Easy / Lake Pleasant / 2 miles
Enjoy a scenic stroll around Lake Pleasant’s intimate, blue coves. This hike teems with Spring wildflowers & views of boats frolicking on the water year round. Possibility of a wild burro sighting are high!
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