PHOENIX
Phoenix Mountain Preserve
In the Phoenix area there are several Mountain Preserves to explore. We were staying in Scottsdale and didn’t want to drive too far so these are the three hikes we chose to do.
On the first day we didn’t have too much time so we chose a trail closest to our hotel that was moderately challenging. The Freedom Trail walks around the perimeter of Piestewa Peak and links up to the Summit Trail. The Summit Trail on the west side of the loop is steep, rocky and more challenging. The Freedom Trail on the east side is an easier more gradual trail with its switchbacks and a mix of dirt and rocks.
If you want a good workout I would suggest going up the Summit Trail all the way to Piestewa Peak and then back down and around via the Freedom Trail. This would mean you would be doing the loop clockwise as Alltrails recommends.
In the spring it is a sight to behold with its beautiful wild flowers and slightly cooler temperatures.
Camelback Mountain
The Grouse Grind of Phoenix is the iconic Camelback Mountain hike. It is challenging and you will need to share the trail with a lot of other people, but the views of the city below are worth the climb.
Your route choices for summiting Camelback Mountain are Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail.
Echo Canyon is the more popular route providing an amazing workout. It is a very steep boulder filled trail that has railings in place to help with the steepest sections. You will gain almost 500 m in just over 2 km’s. As much as we enjoyed the workout going up this route it is definitely not the way I would want to come down.
Cholla Trail is a less busy, longer and slightly less steep trail until you need to scramble across the rocky ridge to get to the summit. In my option this is the prettier side and a great reward after your big climb.
We chose to go up Echo and down Cholla as a point to point hike making the descent a lot more enjoyable.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Of the three hikes, this one was my least favourite. I love a challenge and a great workout, which this was not. It is however perfect for hikers of all levels. It is a moderate loop that gradually climbs up towards the Gateway Saddle and then down a calm decline back to the trailhead. This preserve is more green and lush than the others and it was stunning with all the spring flowers in bloom.
