Phoenix isn’t just another desert city. It’s a playground for people who love the outdoors. With more than 200 miles of trails, rugged mountains, wide-open preserves, and desert landscapes that stretch forever, it’s one of the best spots in the Southwest for hiking and biking.
Whether you’re into heart-pumping climbs, casual weekend rides, or you just want an excuse to be outside in the sun, Phoenix gives you options. You’ll find everything here—from easy hiking trails in Phoenix AZ that are perfect for beginners to technical singletrack routes that test even the most seasoned mountain bikers. Add in a strong community of hiking clubs in Phoenix AZ, and you’ve got an outdoor scene that’s as social as it is adventurous.
This guide breaks down the best trails, biking routes, beginner-friendly hikes, and local clubs so you can jump right in.
If you’ve never explored Phoenix on foot or two wheels, here’s what makes it different:
The mix of accessibility and variety is what makes hiking and biking here so addictive.
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If you ride, Phoenix is a goldmine. Mountain biking in Phoenix Arizona gives you everything—fast, flowy loops and rocky technical lines that demand focus.
Trail 100 runs through the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and is one of the most well-known routes in town. It stretches across the preserve with different access points, so you can make it as long or short as you wan
Head east of the city and you’ll find Hawes, another gem for mountain biking in Phoenix Arizona. It’s great for all levels—easy loops like Red Mountain Rush if you’re new to the sport, and tougher trails like Sunset Ridge if you’re chasing a challenge.
The Sonoran Preserve has wide desert views and trails that flow nicely, which makes it a go-to for both riders and hikers. Trails like Apache Wash Loop are beginner-friendly but still fun if you just want to spin your legs and enjoy the scenery.
Not every hike has to be a sweat-dripping grind. If you’re new, hiking with family, or just want something short, there are plenty of easy hiking trails in Phoenix AZ.
This one is short (less than half a mile) but gives you amazing views. The sandstone rock formation has a big opening you can climb into, and from there you get a picture-perfect look at the city skyline.
If accessibility is important, this paved trail is perfect. It’s flat, shaded in spots, and great for families with strollers or anyone who just wants a relaxing walk.
At just under 3 miles, this loop is simple but scenic. It’s one of those easy hiking trails in Phoenix AZ that still makes you feel like you’re out in the desert without pushing too hard.
This 2-mile loop wraps around the iconic buttes in Papago. It’s flat, easy, and good for beginners who want to enjoy desert scenery without climbing a mountain.
If you want something a bit longer but still manageable, Trail 8 is a nice option. It’s about 2 miles and gives you a taste of the desert landscape without being too tough
One of the best ways to get motivated and explore more trails is to join a local group. Hiking clubs in Phoenix are welcoming and filled with people who know the area inside out.
This group has been around for years and organizes regular outings across the state. They’re a good choice if you want a mix of easy hikes and more challenging trips.
They focus on hiking and also put an emphasis on preserving the outdoors. If you like the idea of giving back to the community while exploring trails, this is a solid pick.
A long-running club that offers scheduled hikes of varying difficulty. It’s great for meeting people and keeping a regular hiking schedule.
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The desert looks beautiful, but it can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Here are a few basics to keep in mind:
The city even runs a campaign called Take a Hike. Do it Right. It’s all about educating people on trail safety and reducing rescues. It might sound basic, but a little preparation makes a huge difference.
One of the cool things about Phoenix is how often hiking and biking share the same space. Multi-use trails like Trail 100 or parts of the Sonoran Preserve let both hikers and bikers enjoy the same desert views.
If you’re into both, you can plan weekends that mix things up—maybe a morning mountain biking loop on Saturday and an easy hike on Sunday. It keeps the experience fresh and gives you a chance to see the same trails from different perspectives.
It’s easy to think of hiking and biking as solo activities, but in Phoenix, community plays a big role. Hiking clubs in Phoenix AZ aren’t just about exercise—they’re about connection.
Joining a club gives you:
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Phoenix is built for people who love the outdoors. Whether you’re testing yourself on rugged mountain biking routes, easing into weekend walks on beginner trails, or joining one of the many hiking clubs in Phoenix AZ, you’ll never run out of options.
So grab your shoes, your bike, or both, and start exploring. Hiking and biking in Phoenix isn’t just about exercise—it’s about connecting with the desert, the community, and yourself.
This content was created by AI