Bursera and Gila Trail Loop

The Bursera and Gila Trail Loop provides you with the great scenery of Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve without the crowds that more popular trails can bring. This route is pretty quick, but you can opt to add distance by following one of the connecting trails if you’d like.

You can decide to follow this loop either way. Keep in mind that counterclockwise makes for an easier hike and clockwise involves more steep uphill climbing. Our route goes clockwise, so reverse your route if you want an easier hike. Bring lots of water with you.

From the trailhead, take Pyramid Trail to the junction and keep right. Once you reach the fork of Bursera Trail and Pyramid Trail, stay left onto Bursera Trail. You’ll climb up the ridgeline, a steep effort. Enjoy a more laidback stroll across the rest of the ridge. Stay right at the fork and then right again to descend through a set of switchbacks into the valley. The route heads southeast back to the trail fork, from where you’ll retrace your steps.