Best Hikes in the Phoenix Area? (Mesa, Glendale: homes, prices, parks)

[rickca]

I hiked up to near the top of one of those mountains near Scottsdale today and liked getting out for the exercise so I'm wondering from the locals what are the best hikes in the Phoenix area within a 1-2 hour drive.. anything really impressive or is it just mainly the same desert terrain? I do like the dessert terrain here but just wondering if there's anything really impressive.. how far out are those red rock formations (sort of like towers that come out of the ground.. they showed them on the Navy commercial)

[silverbear]

You might be thinking of Monument Valley (about 4 hours away) or Sedona (about 2 hours away).

Staying closer to Phoenix, these are some of my favorite hikes:

Pass Mountain Trail, Mesa
Alta Trail, South Mountain, Phoenix
Perl Charles Trail, Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Sunrise Trail, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

[rickca]

Yes.. I looked it up, Monument Valley was what I was thinking of, looks really cool I might have to go check it out one day, I will look into Sedona as well as the local hikes, thanks

[roundball]

Not the best. It is close to home so I go there quite a bit and enjoy it. I usually hit up the H-2, H-3, or H-4 trail depending on time available and who I have with me.

Glendale, AZ - Parks and Recreation - Thunderbird Park

[Bungle]

I really enjoy hiking up Mormon on South Mountain (trailhead is on 24th St). Once you get up over the ridge you can no longer hear the 'city' noise...no traffic...no sirens. It's like a different world up there...great views and miles and miles of trails.

[Elyse Margardino]

I love hiking in the Superstition Mountains in east Mesa. Beautiful rock formations and a great all around hike.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I thought the best hikes were when prices increased on homes a few years ago.

[sativaismydog]

I have hiked only the Superstition Mountains. It's off the hwy 60 going east towards Apache Junction. I would google it. It's called Lost Dutchman Park. It is very beautiful and there are a few different trails you can take. One can take an hour, the other takes 8 hours actually, and i think that one goes way into the mountains. Be aware though of your surroundings. I took my dog and unfortunatly she got caught up in a cholla cactus and had balls of cactus all over her but she's okay now so bring your lunch, lots of water, sun glasses, sun screen, camera, and look for great views while hiking the Superstition Mountain! Hope that helps!

[Foreverking]

how about any innercity walks, can shade be found anywhere?

[_Charles_]

The "Go John" is nice especially early in the morning.

Go John Trail