City of Phoenix issued the following announcement on Dec. 17.
Looking for a fun outdoor experience with family? Here are 5 fun family-friendly hikes in Phoenix that are safe for any skill level!
Remember before you take a hike, do it right:
- Watch the weather
- Dress appropriately
- Bring water
- Team up, carry a mobile phone
- Don't wander off the trail
https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/take-a-hike-do-it-right
Esplanade Trail at the Sonoran Preserve
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Change: 127 feet
The first section of the Esplanade is flat and sparse. This trail is a gentle climb hosting some occasional sandy areas and quick turns that keep you alert. After crossing an old jeep trail, you'll begin to parallel the Cave Creek Wash and the hike gets more interesting. On your left is a continuation of the desert you just hiked through, but on your right is a nice tangle of ironwood, Palo Verde, various shrubs and often a nice grove of saguaros along the edge of the wash. The wash is very wide here. Be on lookout during monsoon season as some areas may be impassable.
Location: Apache Wash Trailhead, 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr.
Access: Start at Apache Wash Trailhead. Proceed to Badger Brawl Trail. Turn right onto Apache Wash Loop. Continue north and turn right to proceed onto Esplanade Trail.
Parking & Entrance Hours: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Palisade Trail at Deem Hills Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Change: 395 feet
Palisade Trail can be one of the quietest trails at Deem Hills as it takes some work to get to. But once there, you often have 360 panoramic views of the city and the mountains to the east, north and west.
Palisade Trail can be accessed from the Water Tank Road to the east and the Circumference Tail in two areas, both north and east. It is a good trail for running, as you can start out at the Water Tower Trail, connect to Palisade and come back the same way. Often you will forget you are in Phoenix on this trail as it can feel remote. The Palisade also has two additional connectors to the Circumference Trail on the east side to make additional loops. The Palisade trail also shares .1 mile of the same trail tread as Basalt between the .45 and .55 section which is extremely rocky.
Location: 27428 N. 39th Ave.
Access: Start from East Trailhead to connect to Deem Hills Circumference Trail going north. Turn left off of Deem Hills Circumference Trail onto Watertower Road. Turn left off of Watertower Road to proceed to Palisade Trail.
Parking & Entrance Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Ranger Trail at South Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.7 mi
Elevation Change: 800 ft.
The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the park's roadway. This trail also provides alternative routes through connections with the Derby Loop, Bajada Trail, and Las Lomitas Loop, while traveling upward to the roadway. To reach the National Trail along the ridgeline, continue across the road and climb the steep switchbacks to reach the saddle in the mountain just east of “Goat Hill."
Location: Five Tables Trailhead, 10214 S. Central Ave.
Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. through the first four-way intersection. Take your next left and keep right to connect to Five Tables. From Five Tables, proceed to Ranger Trail.
Entrance hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunset
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lookout Mountain Circumference Trail
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation Change: 150 feet
Lookout Mountain Circumference Trail is a natural desert material trail. The trail offers excellent views of surrounding mountain, north phoenix and east towards Scottsdale as well as nearby Shadow Mountain, North Mountain, and Shaw Butte.
Location: 15600 N. 16th Street
Access: Start from Lookout Mountain Trailhead. Proceed to Lookout Mountain Circumference Trail.
Trailhead Hours: Sunrise to 7 p.m. or Sunset
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Shaw Butte Trailhead at North Mountain
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 4.0 miles
Elevation Change: 654 feet
A rocky and dirt loop trail that starts off easy at the trailhead. As you make your way up the Butte, the trail becomes very steep and rocky at some points, as well as asphalt at other points. It is not uncommon to encounter leashed dogs as well as mountain bikers. When reaching the top, you will pass by the old "Cloud Nine" concrete foundation is all that remains of the early 1960s elite Phoenix area restaurant that burned to the ground and was never rebuilt. At this point, you will be offered beautiful 360 degree views of the valley. You may encounter wildlife and could even see a falcon diving after its prey. Dogs are more than welcome on this trail, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Location: 12898 N. Central Ave
Access: Start from Shaw Butte Trailhead. Proceed to Shaw Butte Trail.
Trailhead Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up