Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop
View PhotosPhoenix Mountain Preserve Loop
Difficulty Rating:
This loop hike leads you through an easier, flatter section of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. If you’re looking less for big mountain climbs and more for laid-back desert scenery, this trail is a great pick. We rate it as moderate, but it leans on the easy side of moderate. Except for a few rocky stretches, there are no significant challenges to note. Dogs are welcome on this trail as long as they’re kept on leash.
Getting there
The trailhead for this hike is near the North Mountain Visitor Center off N 7th Street.
About
Backcountry Campground | No |
When to do | October-May |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Loop |
Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop
Elevation Graph
Weather
Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop Description
The Phoenix Mountain Preserve Loop is a relaxed trail that explores a flatter route in the preserve situated between East Thunderbird and North Cave Creek. This is a good pick for beginners and families with kids because of its forgiving elevation profile. It’s a generally well-kept trail, but it does have some rocky sections.
You’ll need to deal with a bit of traffic noise on this hike, but it’s just one of the few downsides to having hiking areas so easily accessible within the city. Watch your step on rocky sections of trail and make sure you bring water with you while you hike.
From the trailhead, you’ll need to cross the road heading east. Hike to where the loop splits. Our route goes clockwise, so take a left and then go straight through the multi-way junction. You’ll hike alongside the low hills towards the intersection of the two roads. Loop from north to south and then turn west to begin your return trip, hiking towards the large ridge and then taking a right at its base to return to the base of the loop. From here, head back towards the road and the trailhead.
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