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Phoenix Mountains Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,204 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Phoenix Mountains Preserve'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.
Group of parks with mountain & desert hiking trails, plus an abundance of cacti & native wildlife.
What runners say about Phoenix Mountains Preserve
“I come here every weekend with my dog for a sunrise hike and it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Phoenix Mountain Preserves gets a full five stars. This place is loaded with trails, views, and enough space to make you forget you are right in the middle of a city. Most people seem to laser focus on hiking Piestewa, which is a solid hike, sure, if you are into climbing a mountain while being herded like cattle.
Great area for solo hiking!Wide-open views, rugged trails, and an amazing workout with desert terrain. Starting early is key to beat the heat and before the sun gets too strong. Peaceful, scenic, and the perfect recharge while I was visiting the area for work.
This might be one of my favorite moderate trails I’ve ever done (all across the US). It had great views, and the trail was easily marked. We came on a weekday around lunch so there weren’t many people hiking. I highly recommend The Voaz Loop trail.
Several trails leading thru the reserve. Large rock mountain terrain with several species of cactus. Wildlife includes small lizards, butterflies, grasshoppers, and birds. Parking and restroom at trailhead.
Trail conditions & character
“This place is loaded with trails, views, and enough space to make you forget you are right in the middle of a city.”
“Started at the Tatum trailhead and walked deep in to the middle of the preserve stopping at a saddle with a stone bench on the pinkish purple trail.”
“Whether you want a tough climb or just a peaceful walk with views, Phoenix Mountain Preserves has it.”
“4 Stars because smaller trails are not listed / very unclear and there is no loop trail, unlike other Phoenix preserves.”
“They have bbq areas with shades and no shades and bathrooms.”
“It is wheelchair accessible for one trail, but that trail goes around the scenery, which is still cool.”
Plan your run at Phoenix Mountains Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- 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–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–7 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.
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.
Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 706 reviews
Moderate hiking area (kid-friendly, too) offering a range of paths that vary in altitude and difficulty.
Piestewa Peak Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 725 reviews
Trio of trails, boasting panoramic views, desert foliage, and steep rock formations for all fitness levels.