Papago Park
Trail: Hole in the Rock
Distance: 0.3mi
Est. Time of Completion: 7min
Difficulty: Easy
A short climb up to the Hole in the Rock will take up to 10minutes making this the fastest and easiest option, perfect for travelers low on time. Watch your step as the path can be gravelly but the views of the Phoenix skyline are well worth it. This is also an ideal spot to watch the sunrise for late risers like myself. If you’re not up for a climb, you can skip it altogether and catch the sunset rays at the Papago Ponds nearby.
Piestewa Peak
Trail: Summit Trail #300
Distance: 2.1mi
Est. Time of Completion: 1hr 49min
Difficulty: Hard
With lots of switchbacks, gravel, and a sharp climb, this one will challenge you but the reward at the top is oh so sweet. You’ll see Arizona like never before! Pro tip: pack some lights in case it gets dark on the descent after sunset.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Trail: Saguaro Trail (starting point)
Distance: 1.8mi
Est. Time of Completion: 42min
Difficulty: Easy
Take the trail route less traveled: starting at the Saguaro trail from the Gateway parking turn right about 0.3mi in and loop to the 104th street trail. Following this trail to the right will swing you back to the parking lot and provide an unpopulated walkway to watch the sunset from. Ideal for a short hike! Pro tip: arrive approximately 30min to an hour before sunset to get the best view.
Pinnacle Peak
Trail: Pinnacle Peak Trail
Distance: 4.0mi
Est. Time of Completion: 2hr 41min
Difficulty: Easy
The smooth walkway on this trail makes it ideal for beginner hikers or anyone seeking a relaxing trek! Fair warning: the rangers do try to close up the park around sunset but you still get to catch a glimpse of a fiery Arizona sky before they send hikers back down the mountain.
Camelback Mountain
Trail: Echo Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.5mi
Est. Time of Completion: 2hr 13min
Difficulty: Hard
I’ll be honest, I don’t have the best memory of this hike – I attempted the treacherous 2.4mi route one time with a bum knee on a first date (10/10 don’t recommend hiking as a first date activity). Despite my perilous experience, I did enjoy the views greatly and would recommend the 2,704 elevation clim for experienced hikers. As with Piestewa Peak, pack some lights to aid the descent after sundown.
For more of my recommendations around Arizona visit my dedicated page.