Quartz Ridge Trail

Quartz Ridge Trail is a beautiful hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve that allows you to appreciate the rolling mountains of the preserve, including nearby Dixie Mountain, along with a lovely city view. With tall saguaros lining the trail and lizards scampering by your feet, this hike feels like a treat for its scenery and lack of challenge. We rate it as moderate, and besides some rocky sections, it’s a fairly relaxed trail.

For those aforementioned rocky sections, consider wearing sturdy boots. Additionally, as with all hikes in this region, make sure you bring lots of water with you. Turn back when your water is halfway gone. Finally, consider some sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.

The trailhead parking area for this hike is pretty small, so you’ll want to arrive early on the weekends or you’ll likely have to find a spot across the street. The trail heads out alongside the wash. Keep right where the first fork is. You’ll climb gradually up the side of the ridge to crest it, then you’ll drop down into a canyon in the second half of your hike. The outbound journey ends at the Tatum Wash. From here, turn back and retrace your steps.