Field guide
Running routes and options for hiking near Phoenix
Find practical information on running and hiking near Phoenix. Details on trails at South Mountain Park, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak, and Camelback Mountain.
Phoenix offers a range of options for runners and hikers. For flatter, more accessible runs, Papago Park and South Mountain Park provide paved paths, hard surface loops, and canal trails. These areas are suitable for daily training or a simple walk.
For difficult hiking, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak are prominent destinations. These locations feature steep, rocky summit trails intended for experienced hikers prepared for significant elevation gain, not for trail running.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Recreation Area) | 1.14 miles | Sunrise to Sunset | Not listed |
| Piestewa Peak | Not listed | 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. | Not listed |
| South Mountain Park and Preserve | more than 100 miles | 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. | Not listed |
| Papago Park | 1.4 miles; 0.2 miles | 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunrise to Sunset | paved |
Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Recreation Area)
This area is known for the Echo Canyon Trail, an extremely difficult hike. The trail is very steep and rocky over its 1.14-mile length, gaining 1,400 feet in elevation. It requires the use of handrails to navigate.
The trail is completely exposed to the sun with very little shade. Potable water and restrooms are available at the trailhead. Dogs are prohibited on all trails here.
- Type of place
- One of the nation's top hiking destinations
- Echo Canyon Trailhead address
- 4925 E. McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018
- Echo Canyon Trail length
- 1.14 miles
- Echo Canyon Trail elevation gain
- 1,400 feet
- Echo Canyon Trail surface/type
- Incredibly steep, very rocky, out-and-back trail that requires the assistance of handrails and other aides
- Echo Canyon Trail difficulty
- Extremely Difficult
- Park hours
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Parking restrictions
- Parking lot often full, entry gate closes when full, no idling or illegal parking on nearby roads.
Sources: Camelback Mountain (phoenix.gov), Echo Canyon Trailhead (phoenix.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Camelback Mountain hike: the Echo Canyon Trail
Piestewa Peak
Piestewa Peak is part of the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area. Trails are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., but parking lot hours are more limited. Parking is available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. from June 1 through September 30.
Dogs are prohibited year-round on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail. The city's Trail Heat Safety Program applies to this area.
- Type of place
- Part of Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
- Trail hours
- 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Parking hours
- 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Extended summer parking hours
- Until 9 p.m. from June 1 through September 30
- Dog rules
- Prohibited year-round on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
- Heat safety program
- Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program
- Peak height
- 2,608-foot
Source: Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw (phoenix.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Piestewa Peak trail facts for runners and hikers
South Mountain Park and Preserve
As one of the largest municipal parks, South Mountain has more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. For a run on a hard surface, the Judith Tunell Accessible Trail consists of two half-mile loops.
On Silent Sundays, roadways are closed to motor vehicles. On the fourth Sunday of the month, the main Summit Road is closed all day. On other Sundays, a portion of the road is closed from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., creating more space for runners and cyclists.
- Park size
- more than 16,000 acres
- Park type
- one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation
- South Mountain Visitor Center address
- 10409 S Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042
- Total trail length
- more than 100 miles
- Parking/Entrance Hours
- 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Trail Hours
- 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- South Mountain Visitor Center Hours
- Thursday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Roadways shared by
- motor vehicles, bikers and hikers
Sources: South Mountain Park/Preserve (phoenix.gov), South Mountain Trails (phoenix.gov), South Mountain Visitor Center (phoenix.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: South Mountain Park trail system: hours and rules
Papago Park
Papago Park offers several accessible routes for running. The Ranger Office Loop Trail is paved, and the Crosscut Canal Path provides an easy 1.4-mile route. The park also contains the short, 0.2-mile Hole-in-the-Rock Trail.
Park hours vary by location, with some areas open sunrise to sunset and others from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Trails remain open until 11 p.m. Public restrooms are available near the visitor center.
- Description
- Park with exceptional hiking, recreational facilities, and massive sandstone buttes.
- Address
- 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Crosscut Canal Path length
- 1.4 miles
- Hole-in-the-Rock Trail length
- 0.2 miles
- Hole-in-the-Rock Trail elevation change
- 200 feet
- Ranger Office Loop Trail surface
- paved
- Crosscut Canal Path difficulty
- Easy
- Park hours (East of Galvin Pkwy)
- 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Source: Papago Park (phoenix.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Papago Park trail information for runners and hikers
Before you go
- Verify park and parking lot hours before you visit, as they often differ from trail hours and can change seasonally.
- Parking at popular trailheads like Echo Canyon can fill up, causing entry gates to close.
- Be aware of the Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program and official warnings about extreme heat.
- Carry your own water, as it is only available at select trailheads.
- Dogs are prohibited on certain trails, including those at Camelback Mountain and the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.
- Expect to share paths and roads with cyclists, hikers, horseback riders, and vehicles in multi-use areas.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.