Phoenix Mountains Preserve: A Desert Escape
Escape to the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix. Hike, bike, and explore scenic trails just minutes from downtown.
The Phoenix Mountains Preserve offers a natural escape within the bustling city, featuring hiking trails, scenic views, and diverse desert flora and fauna across its 37,000 acres. Popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, it's a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix.
A brief summary to Phoenix Mountains Preserve
- 2701 Piestewa Peak Dr, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016, US
- +1602-261-8318
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months, as there is limited shade on the trails.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen.
- Check the City of Phoenix website for trail closures and alerts.
- Consider hiking at night to avoid the heat and crowds, but be aware of the 11 p.m. trail closure.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Phoenix, the Valley Metro bus line 70 offers a direct route to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Take the bus from 24th St & Buckeye Rd to Lincoln Dr & Piestewa Peak Dr. The ride takes approximately 38 minutes and costs $2.
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Walking
From the intersection of Lincoln Drive and Piestewa Peak Drive, the entrance to the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area is a short walk. Follow Piestewa Peak Drive to the trailhead. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles and takes about 10 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-share
A taxi or ride-share from downtown Phoenix to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve takes approximately 16 minutes and costs between $28 and $35. Request a drop-off at the Piestewa Peak Trailhead located at 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix.
Discover more about Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Norman Lykes House
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Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's last residential masterpiece, the Circular Sun House, nestled in the heart of Phoenix's scenic Biltmore Area.
Historic Phoenix Districts Real Estate | HomeSmart Elite
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Experience the charm of Historic Phoenix Districts, where history meets modern living in a vibrant community filled with culture and unique real estate opportunities.
David and Gladys Wright House
8.3 km
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Memorial landmark - birthplace of McDaniel's son
9.4 km
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Kierland Village Center
10.1 km
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Toca Madera Scottsdale
10.5 km
Upscale Mexican dining in Scottsdale with a vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktails, and sustainable, organic ingredients.
Experience Scottsdale
10.7 km
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
10.7 km
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Historic Phoenix Real Estate
10.8 km
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Get Ghosted Phoenix
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Scottsdale Waterfront
11.0 km
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The Mission Kierland
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“Octavius”
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Kierland Commons
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Heard Museum
11.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
0.8 km
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2701 Piestewa Peak Dr
2.8 km
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Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve
3.4 km
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Carnival of Illusion
4.3 km
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Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
4.5 km
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Phoenix Bat Cave
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Echo Canyon Recreation Area
6.3 km
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Camelback Mountain
7.6 km
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Puzzle Effect Escape Rooms - Phoenix
8.0 km
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Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
9.1 km
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Scottsdale Selfie Museum and Photography Studio
9.3 km
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McCormick Ranch Golf Club
9.4 km
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McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
9.5 km
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Scottsdale Railroad Museum
9.5 km
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Arizona Falls
9.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Geordie's at Wrigley Mansion
4.3 km
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Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
4.4 km
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Rusconi's American Kitchen
4.8 km
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Different Pointe of View
5.1 km
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LongHorn Steakhouse
5.4 km
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Oregano's
5.5 km
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Seasons 52
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The Capital Grille
5.8 km
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Tarbell's
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The Gladly
6.0 km
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Chelsea’s Kitchen
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Culinary Dropout
6.3 km
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The Henry
6.8 km
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HULA'S Modern Tiki Uptown
7.0 km
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Beckett's Table
7.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Whozitz and Whatzitz Unique Gifts and Cards
3.3 km
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Flerish Thrift + Gift, Cave Creek Rd.
4.6 km
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Biltmore Fashion Park
5.7 km
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Cornelia Park
5.7 km
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Wicker Goddess Vintage Boutique
6.0 km
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The Merchantile of Phoenix
6.4 km
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urbAna
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The Shops In Uptown
7.0 km
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Local Nomad
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Muse Apparel
7.5 km
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Art Jewelry Connection/ Souvenirs / Southwest
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WHEAT’s Fair Trade Store
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The Shops Gainey Village
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cactus Tavern
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MercBar
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The Bar
7.4 km
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The Starving Artist
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The Little Woody
8.0 km
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Dave's On Northern
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Handlebar J
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Lookout Tavern
9.3 km
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Sidecar Social Club
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The Coronado PHX
10.4 km
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SEVEN - Caesars Republic Scottsdale
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Verite Lounge
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Brittlebush Bar & Grill
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