Phoenix New Times (Nov 25, 2025) by Sara Palmer

With summer temperatures firmly in the rearview mirror, it’s now hiking season in the Valley. From mysteries of lost gold and trails leading to bits of history left behind, to summit views that will take your breath away, metro Phoenix is brimming with places to explore. You’ll find streams, beautiful canyons, waterfalls and spectacular views of the city and surrounding desert beauty.

You’ll find all that and more hiking these, the 10 best trails the Valley has to offer.

Picketpost Mountain

Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Average Time: 3 to 4 hours

At just under 2,000 feet of elevation gain, the Picketpost Mountain hike is one that will keep you coming back for more. It offers a brief jaunt on the Arizona Trail before ascending a series of switchbacks that, in less than 1 mile, have you looking down toward the Valley floor from 2,800 feet. From here, the trail gets a bit technical as it bends, hugging the cliff walls and crossing precarious ledges before entering a narrow ravine. This section will definitely test your courage (stay focused and just breathe), and it should be taken with caution.

From the ravine, the trail begins an upward set of switchbacks and some fun boulder-hopping to the upper plateau and finally the summit. Be sure to stop and take in your surroundings as you ascend — it’s amazing how quickly the views change. At 4,375 feet, the panorama is nothing less than incredible, from the neighboring Superstition Mountains to Four Peaks and Weaver’s Needle. Not to mention that on a clear day, you’ll have a great view of the Catalina Mountains, just north of Tucson. Did we forget to mention that there is a mailbox on top of the mountain? The original red mailbox was removed several years ago and replaced with a new black one. It’s a unique trail register for sure, but you’ve probably already heard about that.

 

To read the article online and learn more about the 9 other top trails in the Phoenix area, click here.