Home › Arizona › Phoenix › Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead
Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 706 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Moderate hiking area (kid-friendly, too) offering a range of paths that vary in altitude and difficulty.
What runners say about Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead
“I can drive 15 minutes from my home in downtown Phoenix and hike through a beautiful, rugged place that feels a million miles from the city.”
“I would recommend this park for anyone looking to have a quiet peaceful time.”
“It was a couple mile round trip, easy trail, walked up about 500 feet at the end to a great view of the city.”
This area is great for hikes, bikes and horses. They have trails for all levels of hikers. I highly recommend making the hike to view the morning sunrise from the top of Two Bit/Dixie Peak. Parking is a decent size, but can fill up. Overflow cars park on the side of the road.
This hike on the Pheonix Mountain Preserve was spectacular. My partner scheduled this sunset hike with a guide through Air BNB on Tuesday night. The guide was Paul and he was very knowledgeable about the Preserves and the best place to see the sunset. The hike wasn't too back although it's not for beginners.
One of the best parts about living in the Phoenix area is this mountain preserve! Piestewa Peak is just one small area of it so if you want to get away from the crowd come check out the trails at the 40th st trailhead or 32nd street or from Dreamy Draw, if it ever reopens… I’ve hiked and mountain biked all over these…
I love this place so much. I can drive 15 minutes from my home in downtown Phoenix and hike through a beautiful, rugged place that feels a million miles from the city.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike I did was about an hour with moderate rocky terrain and some decent valley views along the way making it a solid but not mind blowing outdoor experience.”
“Phoenix Mountain Preserve is a great close to the city hiking spot with lots of trail options including Piestewa Peak and it is easy to access with plenty of parking.”
“Whether biking, hiking or walking your dog, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”
“Flat trails for running, biking and steep rocky trails to her to the top for a grandios overlook over the whole valley.”
“I would recommend this park for anyone looking to have a quiet peaceful time.”
“The hike I did was about an hour with moderate rocky terrain and some decent valley views along the way making it a solid but not mind blowing outdoor experience.”
“Flat trails for running, biking and steep rocky trails to her to the top for a grandios overlook over the whole valley.”
“This hike is not wheelchair accessible, but one could wait at the base and still see an sunset.”
Plan your run at Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone(602) 261-8318
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Phoenix
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,204 reviews
Group of parks with mountain & desert hiking trails, plus an abundance of cacti & native wildlife.
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,038 reviews
Expansive public park with miles of hiking & biking trails winding through rocky desert terrain.
Piestewa Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 128 reviews
Short hike offering panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline.
Piestewa Peak Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 280 reviews
Hiking area with trails through picturesque desert scenery & striking views of the city skyline.
Piestewa Peak Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,928 reviews
Park with miles of trails & a scenic 2,608-foot summit which is a popular destination for hikers.