Hiked the death trap that is echo canyon trail and it did not disappoint…read more Made for mountain goats aka I recommend it if you're okay with basically rock climbing the whole way up, it's pretty vertical. It's a fun hike and definitely a good workout. It's also very well marked for people who frequently get lost on trails like me. I wasn't super impressed with the view at the top since it's just overlooking the city but it's probably one of the highest vantage points compared to other hikes. Tips: There is one part where the stairs and rails are where it gets very windy so sunglasses can help. You don't necessarily need gloves to do the hike, just be careful with how you pivot with your hands, I got through it without any callouses, scabs or scratches. Like others said, try to wear shoes with some type of traction, I got through it with sneakers. Very small parking lot so come at sunrise or if you come around 7am, sometimes the early risers leave around that time. There's bathrooms and a water fountain at the beginning. Have fun and be safe!

The views on this trail the higher you go are priceless. However, one time is enough for me lol. It…read moretook an hour and a half up and another hour and a half down. This was my first time doing a hike like this and it's definitely not a "beginners" hike but I had no expectations & didn't know what I was getting myself into. On the way down, I fell and busted my knee. My only recommendation is to take your time & take breaks while going up/down the mountain. & listen to your body if you get tired!

Another Phoenix classic! Also short and steep like Piestewa, just about a 1mile to the summit, so 2…read moreround trip. And about 1,000ft elevation gain. Good 360 views of the city from the top. Parking is tough, especially on weekend mornings and when it's nicer (aka cooler) out. If you want a good workout with scenery, this is worth checking out. Stay hydrated and wear appropriate shoes. @azfitfoodfun

This was a really cool experience to do while I was here in Scottsdale for a conference. THIS IS…read moreNOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. I went up the opposite side of the parking lot and wish there was a sign on the other side that gave a warning but this was a rock climb versus a regular hike. The trails are marked , clean, most trash is picked up. Hikers are friendly and the views are priceless. Once you get to the top it's a great achievement with a prize of a 360 degree view of Phoenix . Bring water and go slow !

I had an amazing day hiking with friends around Piestewa this week. We originally had another…read moretrail in mind but once we arrived, the group decided on Hike 302 (freedom trail). We went 4.1 miles, 1100 elevation (two summits) and it took us about 3 hours as we took our time. On a weekday; it wasn't too crowded until we got to Piestewa summit for the downhill steps. I time of day gave us sun in the early morning chilly time and shade on the backside of the mountain after a couple miles so that was refreshing. Make sure to bring lots of water; take your time as the rocks can be slippery and a hat is a good idea for the intense sun. Parking can be tight too but people start/end at all sorts of times so just be patient.

This area is a very nice city park with plenty of parking, lots of hiking trails, and great views…read morethroughout. We had a great time exploring and enjoying the scenery. Definitely recommend it if you're looking to spend some time outdoors!

Let me start by saying that before, taking any hike, please take heed to every warning sign that is…read moreposted. I made the mistake of seeing extremely difficult and comparing it to a hike I did in New Mexico that was difficult thinking that this was just slightly higher than the one in New Mexico. I only looked at the distance and did not pay attention to the incline. This trail is 1.47 miles but has a gain of over 1300 feet. It is extremely steep and that is the part that will take you out! No pets are allowed on this trail, which is definitely a wise decision given how steep and narrow it is. Another hiker told us that there are a total of 36 markers along the trail, I made it to marker five, my husband made it to marker seven. By the time I hit marker five I was dizzy and nauseous. I was definitely not ready for how extremely difficult this hiking trail was. I feel like I looked at the warning signs, but didn't quite register what they were saying. It is a beautiful hike, but you definitely have to be accustomed to the incline and the altitude. The views were beautiful, but you absolutely must be careful, I would recommend a hiking stick to help keep your balance, especially on the way down. So my rating of five star is that they 100% accurately described the trail, it was absolutely beautiful, I just failed to register the warnings.

Quality/Quantity - 2-3 hour round trip hike (my guest does this hike in 4 hours, lol). We got here…read morelate, so we only did 1 hour as we did not want to get a $118 ticket for staying past sunset. So we only hiked to marker 8. A fairly steep rocky trail. No shade, but perfect weather for us on this winter afternoon. Beautiful views; see my pictures. Views of Scottsdale and Phoenix. Atmosphere - At the start of the trail there were restrooms, drinking fountain, bike rack, etc. Very limited parking, make sure you pay attention to the street signs. We got lucky and got a perfect space, probably because we got here an hour before closing and most people had already left. Summit - 2,704 feet. Animals - We saw loose dogs, rabbits, etc. Open from sunrise to sunset. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1960's since The Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation.

Super easy hike up to Hole-in-the-Rock…read more Plenty of parking in the area with trails up either side to the money shot. At 11a in the morning, there were plenty of people around to follow up. When you get through the smallish opening, you are greeted with vistas of the city in the background. We stopped on our way out of town and it was the perfect spot to reflect about our time in Phoenix.

This place is sooooo crowded. It's a beautiful view and parking is plentiful although you may need…read moreto walk a bit more from a parking lot. But from the base of the "trail" to the top, it was really only .25 and very easy. There were a few spots that could be tricky for older people but overall, this was a very easy and a well graveled walk up. I came on a Monday afternoon and there were crowds already. I couldn't imagine enjoying it when it's more crowded on a Thursday/Friday/Sat kind of afternoon. The views are different from the back to the front. So make sure you actually go through the hike and see the other side! Not a hike worth calling a hike. More like a mini adventure climb if you will.

I love this trail. There are many options…read more You can make a short loop go straight up or make a long loop around the mountains. It's so amazing to be completely in the center of a major city and still be in the middle of nowhere. Totally recommend any of the trails out here. Just bring lots of water and a hiking stick

Surprised Brett is the only one to review this spot, so here I am to add review #2. I knew this…read moretrailhead existed, but didn't remember coming here. We planned to park at the small lot off of Tatum, but of course it was full so I drove to this spot instead. Way more parking here. We initially intended to do Dixie Peak, and so we set off on that hike. There's some elevation here and it's just under 3 miles total, to the peak and back. Decent amount of folks on a Sunday afternoon and it was nice chilling at the top for a bit. We saw some horses as we were leaving. This trailhead has water and bathrooms, and several trails to go on. LV Yates also starts here on the other end of the parking lot and I did that one the following day with a friend. Dixie Peak is referred to as Piestewa's little sister, which feels accurate. It's also part of the Phoenix summits challenge, which I didn't know. Glad to have done this one.

This Preserve has really been cleaned up for the better. Once a place for beer drinking, bottle…read morecaps and assorted trash, it now is a pleasant spot for hiking. Trails are marked although when you first enter the premises, it is not that clear. I am so glad it really is a Preserve now. They have their own small parking lot and there is street parking.

One of the nicest things about Phoenix is having hiking opportunities close by. Phoenix Mountain…read morePreserve is a great example of that. This sprawling preserve has a ton of trails to choose from. It's also the home of Piestewa Peak. I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon with my buddy who was visiting from out of town. Since he was in charge, I'm not sure what trail we selected but it was a one-hour hike that we followed on the All Trails app. I'd say it was of moderate difficulty and rocky terrain which is what you will mostly find in Phoenix. Your reward, halfway through the hike, is some nice views of Phoenix in between a valley in the mountains. The type of spot you sit for a while and take it all in. While not mesmerizing, it was nice. If you're looking for a ton of different options, of various difficulties and length, Phoenix Mountain Preserve is a great choice. It's right within the city so you don't have to venture far to check it out, either. Parking wasn't an issue at all on a weekend which is nice, too.

Mountains are to me a cleanse for the soul.This trail was a 1100 gain off of 145 th in Scottsdale…read more We were lucky enough to discover this trail after meeting a Scottsdale local who recommended it. We found parking at the entrance although there is parking down the mountain another 500 feet away from this one if full. Even though it was 56 degrees at the start it can get warm as the trails are a moderate climb in parts but with good trail shoes and balance you most likely would not need hiking poles . The views from different points are worth a view and we were lucky to go early on a Saturday where the trails were not crowded. It was dog friendly and clean.No facilities so definitely need to bring water or drink of choice. Return: definitely for the views

A lovely hike. It has some elevation gain but is not overwhelming. There is also a lovely false…read morepeak a bit over a mile from the top which is a nice rest or place to stay as the rest of your party does the last bit of the hike. Lots of cute desert plants as well!

So, five stars because it's so cool this exists in Phoenix, but I only saw some small groups of…read morebats when I visited May 1 - I think it's too early in the season? I was there about 15 minutes before sunset and half an hour after...no big bat dinner party. Next time!

Come during the summer months. Not just when it starts to get hot. Came here March 16 and it was…read moreabout 95 degrees today. Didn't get the swarm of bats or maybe none of us stayed long enough. Getting there was easy from the tips here. I parked at 5080 N 40th St and walked down to the river area. Walk right and the first chance to veer right, do it and you'll see this fence. There's a wide trail along the river. Bring a flashlight to use when walking back after bat viewing. Bring bug spray! Plenty of space to even bring a food out chair or something to sit on while you wait.