Rise and climb
Here’s the secret to successful hiking around Phoenix in summer heat
With highs sometimes exceeding 120 degrees in summer in metro Phoenix, it may seem impossible — and frankly undesirable — to spend time outside. But you can still get your exercise and fresh air if you head out early. It’s all about the timing.
Head out at dawn for a hike that’s a good workout but short enough to get you off the trail before it gets dangerously hot.
Some of these hikes have water. Some are harder than they look. All have great views. The biggest thing they have in common? A workout in a short amount of time.
Here are four hikes recommended by staff members at REI’s Chandler store.
Camelback Mountain
There’s a reason this is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. The Echo Canyon Trail is a steep route that can get fit hikers up the mountain and back in two to three hours while giving spectacular city views. Stop and snap photos along the way if you need to take a break.
Dozens of people are rescued from Camelback Mountain each year because of its challenging terrain. Don’t be one of them by misjudging a summer hike. Bring plenty of water and don’t be afraid to turn around if it feels too hot. Length: 2.5 miles out and back. Difficulty: Extremely difficult. Trailhead: Echo Canyon Recreation Area, 4925 E. McDonald Drive, Phoenix, https://www.phoenix.gov/parks.
South Mountain
Try the Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout. The lookout is a prime location for a panoramic view of the city and you’ll trek past cactus and perhaps wildlife along the way. For a shorter outing, try out the moderate, 2-mile roundtrip Kiwanis Trail to Telegraph Pass. Length: 5 miles out and back. Difficulty: Difficult.
Trailhead: South Mountain Park and Preserve, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix.https://www.phoenix.gov/ parks.
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Like the Camelback hike, this one is no easy feat. With a 1,200-foot elevation gain in the 1.2-mile trek to the top, you’re summiting the second highest peak in Phoenix and can proudly cross that off your bucket list. Camelback Mountain, city views and the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area are just a few of the sights you’ll see while hiking this steep trail. Length: 2.4 miles out and back. Difficulty: Hard.
Trailhead: Phoenix Mountains Preserve Mesquite Trailhead, 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive, Phoenix. https://www.phoenix.gov/parks.
North Trail at
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
If you’re looking for more of a leg stretcher than an endurance test, this hike is for you. A completely flat trail, this trek will give you great views without a hard workout. Saguaros and rich vegetation saturate the entire hike. Length: 2.9-mile loop.
Difficulty: Easy.
Trailhead: McDowell Regional Mountain Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, north of Fountain Hills. https://www.maricopacounty parks.net.
Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark.