Your family can hike into adventure on, “A Mountain,” in the middle of downtown, or in any of the three impressive mountain preserves in the greater Phoenix area. Whichever trail you choose, you'll quickly find out why National Geographic named Phoenix one of the 10 best hiking cities in the nation. Hike on or hike ‘em all; just don’t forget your sunscreen and hiking shoes.
Camelback: Popular for Good Reason
Not every city boasts an inspiring peak right in its urban heart. Viewed in silhouette, Camelback Mountain looks like a camel gazing at the stunning views across the valley. Your family can choose between two, moderately difficult trails to the summit: Echo Canyon—steeper but shorter—or Cholla. It's a wonderful introduction to Arizona flora, with typical Sonoran desert plants such as palo verde trees, and saguaro, barrel and prickly pear cacti. It's very popular, so go early.
Shaw Butte: Views into Eternity
Pick another landmark peak—Shaw Butte—for moderate hiking with panoramic views of the desert floor around every bend. Lead your gang into the northwestern corner of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for a 4.25 scenic loop of Shaw Butte. The final 800-foot rise to reach the summit requires some effort, but you'll be rewarded with exceptional views of North Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Clear skies open up a vista all the way to the Sierra Estrellas.
Deem Hills West: Easy, Secluded and Beautiful
Hike back in time over ancient Precambrian granite formed by volcanoes some 2 billion years ago in the Deem Hills Recreational Area. The 1,000 acres of upland Arizona vegetation offers relatively flat trails perfect for families and beginners, with breathtaking scenery. Take the six-mile trail around the entire park to experience desert plants, including ocotillo, creosote and buckhorn cholla, as well as stupendous views of the Hedgepeth Hills and the Hieroglyphic and Bradshaw Mountains.
Big Butte Loop: Rocks and Red Desert
If your family heads to the Phoenix Zoo or the Desert Botanical Garden, take hiking gear along and circumnavigate one of the massive, otherworldly sandstone buttes in nearby Papago Park. Big Butte Loop Trail is a 2-mile exploration of the dry, red desert and its surrounding rock formations. The level hike, with its broad views of the Valley, is both a geologist's dream and an enticing desert escape in the very middle of the Valley of the Sun.