Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Phoenix
This isolated North Valley mound attracts a steady stream of hikers, bikers and dog walkers. The road that leads to the antennae-cluttered summit is a mash up of steep dirt tread and crumbling pavement. Sans the precarious edges and loose rock, the wide trail affords the luxury of elbow room, so hikers can take this one at a comfortable pace without dodging sloggers or speed demons.
While an up-and-back trek is the most common way to attack this summit, the hike may also be done as a loop by descending via sketchy switchbacks on the mountain’s south face and pivoting north back to the trailhead. Either way, the trip is about the same length.
- LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip
- RATING: difficult
- ELEVATION: 1,495 – 2,149 feet
GETTING THERE:
Shaw Butte Trailhead
12898 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
- FACILITIES: none
- HOURS: 5 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- FEE: none
