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Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve'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.
Peak with scenic trails popular for hiking.
What runners say about Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve
“Great spot in the middle of the city, where you can hike into the desert mountains and have great views.”
“Trail is quiet and full of solitude as it's not as popular as others through the McDowell Mountain Preserve.”
Easy to moderate hike to the 1st ridge (1.1 miles up), more difficult to the 2nd and 3rd ridges. The top requires some scrambling and gives you 360 degree views 2025.04.20 Easter hike, good parking and a little busy on the trail. Beautiful morning
Moderate, shaded hike offering beautiful views of the city and conveniently located parking. You can loop back toward RJ peak. It's a little sketch, but view worthy.
Quartz One of my favorite trails in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. I normally park in the 32nd st parking lot. It's a small lot. There's a Starbucks across the street, but they don't like when hikers park there. Signs are posted. This trail has a GIANT quartz rock beside the trail.
This was my first time there. It's not for amateur's though they do have a couple different levels it looked like to me. I was there at Sunrise and pleasantly surprised at how many people were there going and coming.
Trail conditions & character
“Great spot in the middle of the city, where you can hike into the desert mountains and have great views.”
“Sometimes one has to wait for parking and most folks park at the shopping center even though there are signs not to.”
“Parts of the trail are very rocky, so shoes with good solid soles are best.”
“Well maintained, plenty of options, and enough elevation gain to remind your legs who’s boss.”
“I was embarrassed 😳 The dog's all seemed to enjoy the trail I was on, and the trail was very clean.”
“Trail is quiet and full of solitude as it's not as popular as others through the McDowell Mountain Preserve.”
“It is a nice loop that connects with the main parking lot for Piestewa peak.”
Plan your run at Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
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.
Piestewa Peak Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 280 reviews
Hiking area with trails through picturesque desert scenery & striking views of the city skyline.
Piestewa Peak Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 725 reviews
Trio of trails, boasting panoramic views, desert foliage, and steep rock formations for all fitness levels.
Piestewa Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 128 reviews
Short hike offering panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline.
