Phoenix is one of the best cities for hiking, exploring, and being outside. From the red desert sandstone and open skies to the easy-to-get-to trails and close-by amenities, the city is a nature lover’s haven. Plus, there are plenty of kid-friendly hiking opportunities for your family to tackle!

Follow this guide for kid-friendly tips on trails, packing, and outdoor safety in Phoenix, Arizona. You can find maps and even more details for these hikes on the TrailCollectiv app!

Safety Tips

Heat

It’s no surprise that Arizona is hot. Being aware of the temperature is crucial for hiking in the desert.

Start early in the morning to beat the heat, bring extra water, and wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun. If you or your kids begin to feel light-headed or dizzy, take a break in some shade, drink water, and consider turning around to go cool off.

Weather

Heat isn’t the only element you need to prepare for when heading outside. Desert climates can change on a dime and it’ll make your hike so much more fun if you know what to look out for.

Check the forecast before heading out and bring the appropriate clothes for whatever may come. (Yes, it does rain in the desert!)

Plants

There are prickly plants all over the desert. Watch your step and keep your hands to yourself while on trail.

If you or your kids get pricked by a cactus, carefully remove the large spines with tweezers then use tape to remove the smaller pieces by placing it on the wound and peeling it off. Tweezers and tape don’t take up much room in a pack, and it could save your crew a lot of pain! When you can, wash the effected area with soap and water.

Bugs and Wildlife

While the desert doesn’t typically have bears, it does have some creepy crawlies that present their own dangers.

Keep an eye out for snakes, spiders, and scorpions. Stay on designated trails, watch where you step, and avoid reaching into holes, cracks or areas you can't see.

Larger wildlife like bobcats and coyotes also roam these lands, but they are generally more scared of you than you are of them. If they get too close, make lots of noise and make yourself big to scare them off.

Teach kids to look without touching and give wildlife plenty of space.

What to Pack

Your pack will look pretty similar if you’re going on a desert hike as opposed to a forest hike, but there are a few things you may want to change up.

Water: Bringing more water than you think you need is incredibly important on a desert hike. The heat is no joke!

Sun Protection: While some forested hikes have natural sun protection from the trees, desert hikes are more exposed. This means bringing high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothes that cover your arms and shoulders.

If you’re kid is old enough, let them carry some of their own water and snacks! They love to feel “responsible” for their things, plus it takes a bit of weight off your back.

When in doubt, bring the 10 essentials that every hiker should have on them while on trail.

Tips for Hiking with Kids

Choose the right trail: Remember that your steps are twice as big as your kid’s steps. A short hike for you may feel like a long one for them. When choosing a hike, pay special attention to the distance and elevation.

Make it an adventure: Let kids look for cacti, lizards, birds, interesting rocks and other desert discoveries along the way. Just make sure they’re keeping their hands to themselves for both their safety and the preservation of the trail.

Keep them entertained: Sometimes kids need a bit more of an incentive to finish the trail. Turn it into a scavenger hunt, make up a story along the way, or anything else you can think of to keep their minds busy.

Take plenty of breaks: Don't worry about how quickly you're moving. Give kids opportunities to stop, snack, drink water and explore.

Know when to turn around: Finishing the trail isn't the goal. Having fun is the goal! If your kids are struggling with the heat, distance, or terrain, turning around is always an option.

Easy Hikes

Hole in the Rock

Distance: 0.3 mile (510 m) out & back

Elevation: 144 ft (44 m)

Estimated time: 30 minutes

This short trail is a popular choice in Papago Park right in the heart of Phoenix. As you hike up to the red butte, estimated to be 6-15 million years old, you can look through the hole in the rock that offers stunning views of the city.

Tip: This is a prime spot to catch the desert sunset!

Dragonfly Trail

Distance: 1.8 mile (2.9 km) loop

Elevation: 110 ft (34 m)

Estimated time: 1 hour

An iconic trail near Phoenix, this hike is the one of the best places to surround yourself with saguaro cacti.

Kids will be fascinated with the towering plants, log bridges, and unique trees that form little tunnels! While the trail only takes an hour to hike, you’re sure to be there longer with your kids exploring every interesting feature.

Big Butte in Papago Park

Distance: 1.6 mile (3.6 km) loop

Elevation: 170 ft (52 m)

Estimated time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Found in Papago Park, this peaceful trail loops around the big butte on a mostly smooth, gradual path. Halfway in, you’ll run into the historic Papago Amphitheater built in the 1930s! Once you get to the butte, you’ll find a small cave that your kids will love exploring.

Moderate Hikes

Tom’s Thumb

Distance: 4.3 mile (7 km) out & back

Elevation: 1200 ft (364 m)

Estimated time: 3 hours

This iconic family hike through the stunning McDowell Sonoran Preserve takes you on a steady climb through the desert. With towering granite and arid plant life, this hike ends with a spanning view on the thumb-shaped boulder formation.

Caution: This trail has steep cliffs and drop offs.

Fat Man’s Pass via Mormon Trail

Distance: 4 mile (6.4 km) out & back

Elevation: 915 ft (279 m)

Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Fatman’s Pass via the Mormon Trail takes you to unique rock formations, including a tight squeeze between two boulders and a natural tunnel. This trail is steep at times and can be a good challenge for young kids.

Tip: If you don’t want to squeeze between the boulders, there are easy ways around them!

Pinnacle Peak

Distance: 3.8 mile (6.1 km) out & back

Elevation: 1070 ft (326) m

Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes

This stunning trail, located in Scottsdale, is a hardpacked and steep hike that curves around the base of Pinnacle Peak. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way, so even if you don’t hike the whole thing, you get great views around every turn.

Hard Hikes

Note: These hikes may be difficult for younger kids. Before hitting these trails, take a good look at your kid’s fitness level and determine whether this would be a good challenge for them!

Boynton Canyon Trail

Distance: 6.5 mile (10.5) out & back

Elevation: 1250 ft (381 m)

Estimated time: 4 hours

This hike winds through Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness in Sedona and rewards you with a beautiful canyon landscape. Plenty of interesting plant life lines this trail, including ponderosa pines, alligator junipers, and shrubby manzanitas.

As this is a longer trail for kids, make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water for them.

Camelback Mountain

Distance: 3 mile (4.8 km) out & back

Elevation: 1300 ft (396 m)

Estimated time: 2 hours 45 minutes

As one of the most iconic hikes in Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is a must-do! While the distance is short, the elevation makes this trek a good challenge, especially for young hikers who have outdoor experience. Make sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need.

Tip: This trail can be very crowded during hiking season. Go early to avoid the heat and crowds.

Freedom Trail

Distance: 3.7 mile (6 km) loop

Elevation: 1122 ft (342 m)