Pima Canyon Trailhead image

Pima Canyon Trailhead

Tourist attraction Hiking area

There is a trail running up this canyon that rises from 880m above sea level to 1940m in elevation. People often mention trails, trail, parking, hike, Great, hiking, views, great, easy, good,


Address

4500 E Pima Canyon Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044, United States

Website

www.phoenix.gov

Contact

+1 602-262-7393

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 5 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 5 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 5 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 5 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 5 am to 11 pm
  • Monday: 5 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trails (53) trail (37) parking (24) hike (23) Great (19) hiking (17) views (17) great (17) easy (15) good (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 John P. 1 year ago on Google
    South Mountain is hands down my favorite hiking area in Phoenix. There are so many different trails to chose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. I’ve hiked almost all of them, but National trail, from east to west, is my favorite. There are many parking locations, so you should always be able to find access to whatever trail you want. The views from the top are unparalleled and the best in the valley. Highly recommended for residents, newcomers and visitors. Just be sure to adequately prepare and have fun!
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle H. 1 year ago on Google
    At first, the trail is long, and there are not many nice desert views. Once you get off National and loop onto Mormon or Hidden Valley, the scenery starts to get pretty. The rock formations look like giant mushrooms. When coming to the Hidden Valley - Fat Man loop crossing the trail is questionable then once you figure it out you get to boulders you have to figure out as well. It's a good 6 almost 7 mile hike, I say 7 if you get off course. Bring tons of water, shoes with tread, and dog friendly.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Formica G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is my second time hiking here in AZ. We took one of the trails that goes up behind the parking lot and it is no joke. However, it was fun. The scenery is great. Obviously, I stopped 10 times to take it all in and take some great pictures. It was quite cool and windy, which is a blessing for someone who is from a cooler climate. We will be going back to one of many other hiking trails and hope to see the archeological sites, birds and fauna, etc. I would recommend this trail to everyone.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rommel F. 11 months ago on Google
    A few snaps from my early morning hike at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Lots of parking when I came in. Did counterclockwise to get the hills out of the way, but definitely had to stop at the 1st bench I saw to catch the sunrise. After that the fun began. It was an awesome hike! What usually takes 1.5 hours based on the reviews, turned into 2.5 hours for me with all the picture and video taking! Couldnt help but take it all in and enjoy the surroundings. Arizona is amazing for hikes! Oh, and perfect weather yesterday, too!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolas E. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy to reach trailhead with tons of parking but still will fill up quickly on the weekends so get there early or when the early people start to leave around 9. Lots of different trails that cross each other so you can mix and match for a new experience. Pretty clean, let's keep it that way!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda H. 1 year ago on Google
    Third day in a row while visiting AZ, this trail offers so many options. Hike, trail run or hike these diverse hills. See some historical markings and more.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenny P. 1 year ago on Google
    Avoid during the weekend, it gets packed and parking is hard to find. Weekday mornings are the best. During spring, summer (if you dare), fall, bring extra water, better to be safe than sorry. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes as it gets warmer, I've seen them on the trail before. There are lots of trails to choose from at Pima. May I also suggest hats and cooling long sleeves, there is almost no shade so be careful to not get heat exhaustion.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris L. 8 months ago on Google
    Great trails to explore. Great views from the ridge line. Bathrooms and water and parking are good. Great place to have a flat tire. Was able to inflate it long enough to drive to a nearby parts store and get a patch. Friendly people offered to help while we were flat in the parking area. Thankful our flat didn't happen somewhere else along the drive to California.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily R. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy path for beginners and novices. There were harder paths for more experienced hikers. Seems like a very popular spot. They were very filled up in the parking spots near the trails around 9 am on Saturday and Sunday in the end of March. Bring lots of water!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ietaka h. 11 months ago on Google
    We are from Taiwan Innocence Project. This afternoon, we went hiking at Pima canyon trailhead before leaving Phoenix. What a gorgeous landscape it is! We will be back in the future. Thank you all from this pretty state and friendly people.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Albert David G. 2 years ago on Google
    I have a friend there in the valley and when I’m in town we straight hike!! Love this trail and love how it’s really centrally located. You can have a good hike and equally good shift if you’re on the way to work as well! So awesome here really good vibes and lots of space
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trail S. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are looking for a good mountain bike ride in the Phoenix area I highly recommend checking out the National Trail. The gnar is top notch and the views are incredible! The climb at the start will require a high level of fitness to clear, but once at the top it will all be worth it. We did a 18 mile out and back and found the trails to be challenging but also a ton of fun. Note: The National Trail is NOT for beginners. The tech is advanced level in some spots and the exposure is real!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ChronicallyHerbal 1 year ago on Google
    This is my favorite trailhead in Phoenix. There are flushing toilets and a water filling station. There are multiple difficulty rating of trails so there is something for every ability. The beginning of the trail is flat enough that a manual wheelchair can be used if pushed by someone else(I personally have done this)but you won't be able to go super far in. Very dog friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gypsy R. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful and multiple trails for easy/moderate/hard hikes or mountain bikes. **plz do not subject your pets to high temp hikes 🐾
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Norman Begay (. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to hike, very friendly people also hiking and very beautiful view no matter witch patch you choose to hike. Great place to let go of any stress or just to work out even go for a run.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kai 5 months ago on Google
    Various types of trails for hikers of different levels. Beautiful view for the sunrise.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J L. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places to hike in the Phoenix area. Can be very busy on weekends, so either come early or try mid week. There are washrooms at the trailhead. Today we hiked Mormon Loop, Fat Man's pass, Hidden Valley trails....this is a nice loop, about 7 miles, with only about 1100 feet of elevation gain.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 B B. 4 years ago on Google
    Trails here range from almost level and easy to devilishly difficult. We like the moderate elevation trails of East and West Loops. These trails take you to the edges of the mountain where you can see the sharp contrast of town and nature preserve. There are some saguaro cactus but not many.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica I. 2 months ago on Google New
    The Pima Canyon Trailhead at South Mountain has a handful of different trails to choose from as well as clean restrooms and even a sink. There are maps of the trails along with information on plants, animals, and history of the area at the trailhead too. I wandered along a few different trails including Pima Wash, Pima Canyon Loop, Beverly Pima Connecter, and Beacon Hill. I enjoyed scenic views of the mountains and power lines and then spectacular views of the valley and city and surrounding mountains. Some parts of the trails, mainly the wash, were sandy, and other parts were rocky and steep. I’d rate it as moderate and recommend plenty of water as there is not much shade. Enjoy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin 4 years ago on Google
    There is a huge network of trails for hiking and mountain biking that stem from this trail head. You can find all levels of difficulty in terms of steep hikes or technical bike routes like the Mormon loop. Or if you want a relaxing stroll and beautiful sights and awesome rock formations, there are trails for that too. People are friendly and bikers look out for hikers, so it's good for everyone! Get out and enjoy this weather (all these pics are of South mountain)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy L. 3 months ago on Google New
    This is a good trail...the first mile straight off is flat,but if you go up the hill to the right you can follow the ridge like up the mountain. There are a lot of different trails that all connect in the canyon at one point or another,when I hiked this yesterday I hiked all the way up to the natural tunnel,there weren't very many people hiking just a lot of biking. The hike to the tunnel only took an hour and ten mins at a decent pace I enjoyed the solo hike and getting to the tunnel was awesome. It was my first time being there and I had the place all to myself, it was super quiet and very beautiful the tunnel is big enough to walk through without crouching down mind you I am only 5'9...I highly recommend you go here and visit this trail and see the tunnel for yourself if you haven't been here, I will definitely be back soon...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zack W. 4 years ago on Google
    Some of the best hiking the valley has to offer. Plenty of well-maintained, designated trails to explore and lots of beauty and wildlife to see. Great facilities and enough challenging hikes to make for an excellent outdoor gym. Skip the treadmill, throw on some trail runners, and come experience the beauty and wonder of this awe-inspiring place. Take the time to slow down along the way, breathe, and take in the totality of what’s happening in and around you. Be blessed and whole ?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 ICTV 2 years ago on Google
    This is a good easy trail to take beginners on. I have not completely explored the trails at South Mountain but there is no real easy loop from this trail. It seems like you go from zero to sixty in 1.2 seconds. Keep riding!

  • 5/5 keith 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Michael C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing 315 trail in Maricopa County. Didn't hike or bike at this moment but there were many people taking advantage of the cooler Phoenix weather.

  • 5/5 Arun R. 2 years ago on Google
    So many trails for every age and great views. Nice to have restrooms and plenty of parking during the weekdays.

  • 5/5 Danielle W. 4 years ago on Google
    super fun and easy to find

  • 5/5 Phyllis D. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of parking and a good variety of trails!

  • 5/5 Jenna R. 4 years ago on Google
    The remodel of this trailhead was worth the months of having to park outside of the park. There's now an abundance of parking, a beautiful picnic area, and great bathrooms. We have always loved this trailhead. It leads you to a variety of trails for all experience levels. The main trail is great with little ones. Heading there an hour or so before dusk is the best. You get beautiful views of the sunset and a lot of animal sightings -- including howling packs of coyotes in the distance. It's truly beautiful! There's also a great view of Downtown Phoenix when you get up on the northern side of the foothills.

  • 5/5 SpartanTurtle 4 years ago on Google
    Pima canyon has many trails to choose from, I've done about half of them. this is a great starting point to see some incredible views. from several trails you can see Phoenix and Tempe at the same time and it looks incredible especially when the sun starts to go down. The trails are mostly friendly for pets, most of the trails are kid friendly, and there are also many bike trails here. Pima canyon offers a little bit for everybody

  • 5/5 Warren B. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic hike with enough elevations and options of trails - excellent views and hard to go wrong on a beautiful day!

  • 4/5 Russ H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great desert hills hiking area. Can be a bit crowded with dirt bikes but there are many paths and people tend to be fairly polite. Easy access if you want to get a little nature in but don't feel up to a deep Sonoran trek.

  • 5/5 Samuel S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Pima Canyon Trailhead is a start (or an end) to 315 miles of nationally acclaimed trails, popular with hikers and cyclists alike. It boasts beautiful views from the ramada and other shade structures. Educational signs show interesting facts about the local fauna, historic petroglyphs, maps of the local trail system, as well as important safety instructions. (Bring plenty of water!) There are occasionally timely signage as well, such as the caution about local bees busily collecting nectar while pollinating the trees and bushes. Local wildlife is easy to spot, and commonly seen both on the trails and around the trailhead. Amenities include water fountains for people and pets, sturdy bathrooms including family-friendly stalls, a handwashing station with automatic soap dispenser, and plenty of shade with places to sit. Several trash and recycling disposal bins provide convenient places to dispose of refuse, and dispensers provide plastic bags to help clean up after pets. Parking is available and generally ample, though availability is limited during peak times. There is also parking along the way from the park gate to the trailhead.

  • 5/5 Richard H. 6 months ago on Google
    It depends on what trail you select. They range from easy to moderate. There are no technically difficult trails that require climbing equipment but there are a few steep trails that can increase your heart rate.

  • 5/5 marquesio r. 5 months ago on Google
    Best time to start the trail is 0600-0800; no later than 0900 due to the intense sun. Bring water. Difficulty level on a scale 1-5; "3" Great exercising trail!

  • 4/5 Rissa V. 5 months ago on Google
    A lot of trails of various difficulties. Some good scenic spots. No shade. Parking can be an issue sometimes. Some steep grades with loose rock, so take care!

  • 5/5 Hannah B. 3 months ago on Google New
    One of the most beautiful views so close to home. This hike I was say is moderate. Not handicap accessible. There is a lot of climbing up and down. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate shoes and bring water. As a precaution I did see a lot of Coyotes but they were from a distance but near the houses. Be respectful. The place does have restrooms however they do not always have soap make sure to bring extra .

  • 5/5 david s. 4 months ago on Google
    Easy hike up a valley, you can do a loop and take a little more technical route coming back through the wash. Plenty of parking and restrooms. Was lovely at sunset.

  • 5/5 Marie Davis (. 4 months ago on Google
    Easy to moderate hiking trails. There are petroglyphs (prehistoric rock art)! You can go as far (or as short) hike as you'd like. There is a paved trail for a flat meander. But we chose the dirt trail to see the rock art.

  • 5/5 Michael H. 3 months ago on Google New
    Great starting point for numerous trails with great views of the city. Many different route options for both beginners and experienced hikers. Lots of parking and a well-maintained public restroom. Watch out for the bikers! It seems to be a popular mountain biking area.

  • 4/5 Aaron C. 3 months ago on Google New
    This place is an incredible mix of easy to advanced skill level mountain trails. Some trails are chunky but give you a good flow and some nice alt lines to test you. Check out Cactus Adventures for an awesome rental / or hiking tour experience.

  • 4/5 eva c. 2 months ago on Google New
    The national trail was pretty. A bit too flat for me, but it is great for running.

  • 5/5 David L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great hike and great run. Some flat and some elevation great for long runs.

  • 5/5 rox d. 3 years ago on Google
    So much to explore!

  • 5/5 MARTIN M. 3 years ago on Google
    Was good, nice and hot!!!! But can't expect anything less in Arizona this time of the year!!!

  • 5/5 M Edward B. 3 years ago on Google
    Everybody else goes there and they love too.

  • 5/5 Dawn F. 3 years ago on Google
    ?

  • 5/5 Matthew C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice trails that you can walk, run, hike or even bike ride. Great place to get some exercise in.

  • 5/5 Zach O. 3 years ago on Google
    This Place is amazing! tons of hiking trails and some of the best views of the surrounding area.

  • 5/5 Giridar G. 3 years ago on Google
    Best trailhead in Phoenix, AZ. So much parking space. Restrooms water. So much trails to choose from. Easy short to long difficult.

  • 4/5 Wendy C. 3 years ago on Google
    It's beautiful in the early morning. But it's still very warm, so if you're going to hike, bring plenty of water and make sure you let someone know you're going. Better to be safe than sorry.

  • 5/5 Julian E. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to hike

  • 4/5 Dex O. 3 years ago on Google
    Very fun and bike friendly, I go biking here almost daily

  • 5/5 Hannah B. 3 years ago on Google
    It can be busy but the mountain biking is amazing

  • 5/5 Chris K. 4 years ago on Google
    Many hiking trails from easy to moderate. Short to long distances. Beautiful views of the entire valley and region. Great family outing. Limited parking, plan early morn, or late afternoon.

  • 5/5 jose r. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Trail with awesome views once you get to some of its mountain tops.. I highly recommend it, the trail has all kind of levels from beginners to the most skilled hikers. Family & Dog friendly..

  • 5/5 Bob H. 3 years ago on Google
    I go mountain biking here frequently. The workers are very kind, and for the most part people are friendly on the trail. Good variety of trails to take. Park is kept very clean.

  • 5/5 D L. 4 years ago on Google
    Recently renovated trail head. Parking lot is much bigger now. I love this section of south mountain because from here there are so many different branches of trails to run that you never really feel congested. The main dirt road is what the novices will usually hike. It's flat but scenic so it's perfect for an easy stroll. If you want some challenging hills then try the ridgeline trail. It's a personal favorite. Most loops from this trail head are less than 5 miles. There's also a ton of good mountain bike trails. Plenty of room to run and share it with riders. Check this place out. Expect parking to be tough on nice days.

  • 5/5 Bart H. 3 years ago on Google
    From easy to very hard, hiking and Mountain biking trails. Great parking.

  • 4/5 Ryan B. 3 years ago on Google
    I Visit South Mountain Several Times a week just hadn't gotten to this spot till today and I was Pleasantly Suprised! Always Enjoy Free Parking, I think there's a large number of spots in comparison to most the other trailheads. SHADE under these Ramada type deals with tables to Sit at, Very VeryNice, everything seemed Very Clean, multiple trailsto Pick from ,really no serious complaints with other trailheads were similar to this. ENJOY

  • 4/5 Justin H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great spot to start a ride as the incline in slower and gradual compared to Javelina or Beverly trailheads. Very congested though so be courteous to others on the trail.

  • 3/5 Western Wolf S. 4 years ago on Google
    I'd give it five stars if there was more parking! Seriously it's a big park, not enough parking. It's usually the weekend when it's a problem when the duffers are out to cause car accidents. Quite a shame for such a beautiful place.

  • 5/5 Alistair H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great intro to Sedona

  • 5/5 Ben 4 years ago on Google
    Pretty easy going trail had some hills and some good climbing rocks for kids.

  • 5/5 James W. 4 years ago on Google
    Grate trails. Walking and biking

  • 5/5 Dave R. 4 years ago on Google
    Easy access to great trails. Reasonable parking options, and there are some basic restroom facilities and water available at the trailhead.

  • 5/5 arnold s. 4 years ago on Google
    The desert is beautiful here

  • 4/5 David P. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a great spot for hiking on the weekends but you need to get their early to get parking. If you aren't there by 8AM you will have a tough time.

  • 5/5 ajA - B ;LUVUet :. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome ridge trail that overlooks the the surrounding cities

  • 5/5 Samuel H. 4 years ago on Google
    This trailhead has tons of parking, a beautiful bathroom facility, and access to multiple trails.

  • 5/5 michael m. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy Arizona wildlife

  • 5/5 Paul R. 4 years ago on Google
    Located on the N/E corner of South Mountain Park one of Phoenix dozen and more City parks and Phoenix Pride of Point! It oversees the Whole East Valley & has a hiking trail into & around South Mountain! Historical feature of a rock carved inscription of 16th. Century Franciscan Priest Marcos de Niza who slept there who was part of the Coronado expedition that pass thru Arizona. Water, Restrooms & Ramadas available for the public!

  • 5/5 Amy L. 4 years ago on Google
    So many great hikes from this trailhead! Beautiful views too!

  • 5/5 Yara L. 3 years ago on Google
    I love hiking!

  • 5/5 Holly K. 3 years ago on Google
    Convenient. Many trail options for all levels. Clean. Beautiful.

  • 5/5 Misael G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great hike with different elevations for subtle or intense workouts.

  • 5/5 Jesus O. 3 years ago on Google
    In great trails for different sports

  • 5/5 Robert O. 3 years ago on Google
    The updates that were performed to this trailhead are really great. The bathrooms and water fountains are a very welcome addition and the extra parking is nice. It gets extremely crowded which is a bit of a downer, but otherwise is great.

  • 5/5 kim r. 3 years ago on Google
    AWESOME spot to hike!

  • 5/5 Yong S. 3 years ago on Google
    Fairly easy trail. Very clean and there were a decent amount of people on it. There is a small part of the trail where you scale a small rock face but it's easy. Don't think too much about it, just do it.


Call +1 602-262-7393 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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