Looking for day hikes in the Phoenix area

[Chad S]

I will be just north of Phoenix in a week and I am looking for a couple nice day hikes within an hour drive. I am interested in a 12-15 mile loop with a nice view somewhere along the hike. A little off trail is fine also.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for your time.

[Matthew / BPL]

My two favorite hikesnear Phoenix are:

National Trail through South Mountain Regional Park. 16–17 miles. Right in Phoenix. Go east to west.

Cabin Loop near Clint’s Well in the Coconino NF. 16.7 miles for the east half which is better IMO. The diversity of land types in the small loops going through two parallel draws always puts a smile on my face. April is a really nice month up there.

[Matthew / BPL]

My two favorite hikes near Phoenix are:

National Trail through South Mountain Regional Park. 16–17 miles. Right in Phoenix. Go east to west.

Cabin Loop near Clint’s Well in the Coconino NF. 16.7 miles for the east half which is better IMO. The diversity of land types in the small loops going through two parallel draws always puts a smile on my face. April is a really nice month up there.

[Dave Heiss]

Closer to Phoenix (to the Northwest) is White Tank Mountain regional park. I’ve combined the Mesquite Canyon and Willow Canyon trails into a nice day hike loop. Very pleasant this time of year.

[Matthew / BPL]

^thats a really good one too.

[Chad S]

Awesome, thanks for the replies, that is very helpful.

Since I have your attention do you have any nice swimming/hanging around water areas to recommend? Hiking to it is fine.

[Matthew / BPL]

I got nothing on that. Sorry!

[Dave Heiss]

On the White Tank Mountain  loop trail that I mentioned earlier, I didn’t poke around off trail to see Willow Spring (I think it’s past the pioneer home foundations that the trail passes by) but I heard about it from other hikers so afterwards I googled photos of it and it appears to be a little pool. I think you might be OK to visit it but I’m almost certain that swimming is not allowed.

[Arthur]

My favorite is in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Gateway Trailhead, Bell Pass to the old Dixie Mine, Prospector to East End and the classic site of Tom’s Thumb. Then back to the trailhead.  about 14 miles, 3500 vertical, tremendous views of the valley west and Four Peaks east.  A few petroglyphs along the way.  Topo->  https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/Preserve/Preserve+South+Area+Trail+Map.pdf   I can help with details.   No water and it’s getting warm.

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