One of the many intriguing characteristics about Arizona is its vast amount of hiking options. From moderate to strenuous climbs in the middle of the city, out in the desert, or up in the forest, there is truly something for everyone. Instead of just savoring the views from your luxury desert home, we invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore this beautiful state.
Each of our Camelot Homes communities offer homes with luxurious finishes, lots available with views of the desert landscape, and the best part: easy access to some of the best hiking trails in the city. Discover the best hikes near our communities and learn some Arizona hiking tips.
Phoenix Valley Hiking Tips
Whether you’re new to the area or not, it’s important to be safe on your hike in the Phoenix Valley.
Look at the Weather First
Our biggest piece of advice is to hike October through April, during the hiking season when the temperatures are cooler. If you’re wanting to explore the outdoors during the summer months, opt for an early start or even a night hike — some trails are open late.
Come Prepared for Desert Hiking
If you want to hike in the Phoenix Valley, go ahead and invest in a hydration pack. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least 1 liter of water for every 2 hours of hiking. If you’re going on a long or difficult hike, you should also bring beverages that are rich in electrolytes like coconut water and Gatorade.
Protect Your Skin
With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s important to lather up on sunscreen before you hit the trails in the Phoenix area. Did you know that with an elevation gain, you’re more susceptible to UVA and UVB exposure? Many hikes in our area include an elevation gain so bring some 30+ SPF sunblock and reapply every two hours. Hats, long sleeves, and pants also help to protect your skin. Don’t forget sunglasses.
Arrive Early for Popular Trails
Parking lots tend to fill up quickly for the popular trails in the area. Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure your spot.
Hikes Near Each of Our Communities
Gold Mountain Preserve Community
Deem Hills Recreational Area — 8-minute drive
This area is a haven for those in the know. As one of the newest parks in Phoenix, many people still don’t know about the Deem Hills Recreational Area. With multiple trails ranging from easy to difficult, hikers of all skill levels can enjoy the experience.
We recommend Deem Hills Circumference Trail. This 3.8-mile loop trail is rated as moderate. Allocate around 2.5 hours to complete.
Eastwing Mountain Trail — 7-minute drive
This lightly-trafficked loop trail is rated as moderate and offers scenic views. Located at Peoria Regional Park. Expect the hike to take around 1 hour.
White Horse
Pinnacle Peak Trail — 12-minute drive
This local favorite is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail. This popular trail is rated moderate and you should allocate around 2.5 hours to complete it.
Gateway Loop Trail — 10-minute drive
The loop trail is 4.2 miles long with a steady elevation gain of 715 feet. The trail is located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a 30,580-acre preserve with 195 miles of trails. Give yourself around 3 hours to complete the hike.
Lane’s End
Taleisin Trail — 6-minute drive
This popular trail is rated as easy, so it’s great for all skill levels. The out-and-back trail is 3.5 miles, plan for the hike to take around 2 hours.
Quartz Trail — 7-minute drive
At 9.6 miles, this out-and-back trail is best for mountain biking or days filled with 70-degree temperatures. Quartz trail is rated as moderate. Carve out a full day for this one, it takes many 6+ hours to complete.
Levee Trail — 7-minute drive
If you’re looking for a challenge, Levee Trail gives you aerial vistas, without the heavy traffic that you’ll find on trails like Tom’s Thumb or Piestewa Peak. From the top, you can see views of the Four Peaks Mountain Range and Phoenix to the west. On a clear day, you can even see Glendale Stadium, downtown Phoenix, and the White Tank Mountains in the west. Expect the hike to take at least 4 hours. The trail is located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which has plenty of other options nearby for Lane’s End residents, like Gateway Loop.
Adero Villas
Dixie Mine Trail — 11-minute drive
Rated as easy, this 4.5-mile, out-and-back trail is good for all skill levels. Give yourself around two hours to complete. Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Sunrise Trail — 13-minute drive
A 4.8-mile, out-and-back trail that is rated as moderate and should take you around 3 hours to complete. If you want a bit of a challenge, take the option for Sunrise Peak. Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Heirloom at Morrison Ranch
Water Ranch Trail — 6-minute drive
Water Ranch Trail is an easy trail fit for all skill levels and offers lake views and should only take you an hour to complete. This 1.9-mile loop trail is located in the Gilbert Riparian Preserve.
Goldmine Trail — 27-minute drive
Goldmine Trail is located in San Tan Mountain Regional Park, in Queen Creek. It is rated as moderate and is a lightly trafficked 4.7-mile loop trail. Most hikers take around 3 hours to complete. There is a $7 parking fee.
No matter where you choose to build your luxury desert home, you can find a trail just a few minutes away. Visit our community page to find out more about our Camelot neighborhoods.
