Trail 101 to North Mountain National Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

Save Add Photo

Add Photo

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

3.78 miles

Elevation Gain

702 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

This is a new adventure! Be the first to share your experience.

Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights.

Added by Outbound

Trail 101 to North Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, is a popular hiking route that offers a variety of natural features and scenic views. The trail is approximately 3.78 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail begins with a gradual ascent, winding through a landscape dotted with saguaro cacti and other desert flora. As you progress, you'll encounter a series of switchbacks that lead to the summit of North Mountain. From here, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline and the surrounding desert landscape. One of the trail's unique features is a large rock formation known as the 'Giant's Chair,' which is a popular spot for photos. The trail also passes by a small, seasonal creek, which can be a refreshing sight in the arid desert environment. For those planning to hike this trail, it's recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Also, remember to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky terrain. Despite its urban location, the trail offers a genuine taste of the Arizona desert and a rewarding outdoor activity for those visiting Phoenix.

Download Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Scenic

Trail 101 to North Mountain National Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Shaw Butte Trail

The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top. Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good view of much of the valley. North Mountain can be seen immediately to the southeast and downtown Ph...

North Mountain Trail

Beginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area. Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top. Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the city in almost every direction. Look to the south and you'll see (drumroll please) South Mountain. ...

Shadow Mountain Loop

Mojave Trail #200

The entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on the north side of the Mojave parking area and heads east from there. After a short distance the trail...

Piestewa Peak Summit

Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or hike for hours to fit in a good workout, so be prepared to encounter some crowds if you visit on a ...

Freedom Trail Loop

As the third longest trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Freedom Trail provides a great option for those looking for a longer hike, which can also be made even a bit longer by bolting on the Piestewa Summit hike along the way (adds 1.2 miles additional and a view from the top!). Many looking to train for a longer hike use the Freedom Trail in tandem with some others in the area to train...