Families and Kids

Family Friendly Hikes in and Around Tempe

September 20, 2024

Spring and fall are the perfect season for hitting the trails with young hikers.

Hiking in the Sonoran Desert is an essential experience for visitors and insatiable passion for many locals. Why can’t hikers get enough? For one, there are so many worthy trails to choose from that no two experiences are ever quite the same. For two, no matter how many times you see a mighty saguaro cactus, you can’t help but pause to appreciate its undeniable majesty.

This cactus — which bears the state flower when it blossoms each spring — is also the perfect photo op (hold your arms up like a cactus if you’re feeling extra). Of course, seeing a covey of quail cross your path, the chance spotting of a jackrabbit or a lizard are also make experiences on these trails an IRL reminder of the Sonoran Desert’s wonders.

The mild temperatures of winter and spring make for excellent seasons to bring your kids for a family friendly hike in Tempe or the surrounding Sonoran Desert. There are so many hiking trails in the Tempe and Phoenix Metro area that are suitable for all ages, that we’ve written this trail guide to help you navigate options that we think are a great fit for toddlers to teens.

“A” Mountain

If your kids have lots of energy, “A” Mountain is a good hike to start their hiking adventures. You’ll begin the trail off of Third Street and Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe, near the light rail tracks. Look for the brown sign that marks the trailhead. Follow the trail to your right and you’ll find yourself on a couple of switchbacks that crisscross the front of the mountain. At the end of the first switchback trail, look up to see the large black rock formation a few feet north of where you’re standing. If you look closely, you’ll be able to see ancient petroglyphs created by the area’s first inhabitants — almost 1,000 years ago. I always like to combine hiking with a little bit of Arizona’s heritage. Just don’t go off the trail to get a closer look, that’s prohibited.  

Once you ascend the wooden stairs, you’ll be at the steepest part of the trail. This paved path leads to the first summit of the trail, just at the bottom of the “A.” You can hang out near the overlook and take some amazing photos of the cityscape. And, if you have a little gas left in the tank, you can continue to the very top of the trail. Just look for the path with stairs and a handrail to the right of the “A.” If you’re hiking at a steady pace, this hike takes around 30 minutes (out and back), plus or minus time if you stop to enjoy the view from the top. 

Papago Park

Located just minutes north of Tempe, Papago Park is one of the most scenic and easy-to-access Sonoran Desert areas in the Phoenix metro area. Explore 1,500 acres filled with sandstone buttes, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and lagoons. Papago Park is also home to attractions including the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail (a short hike to a scenic overlook), Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and Arizona Heritage Center.

Three of the most scenic trails are located on the Phoenix side of the park. You can find these Phoenix Papago Park trails on this map, and the driving directions are below.   

Double Butte Loop and Elliot Ramada Loop
Park in the West Park parking lot, located on Galvin Parkway across from the Phoenix Zoo entrance. From the parking lot, follow the Double Butte Loop trail to access both buttes on this side of Papago Park. There are picnic tables between both buttes if you’d like to stop for snacks. From the same parking lot, you can get to the Elliot Ramada Loop, which is a dirt and paved path, so it is accessible for wheelchair users.

Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
Enter the Phoenix Zoo parking lot and veer to the left. There will be gates to pass through to enter the Hole in the Rock parking lot. Follow the road to the right to a parking lot and ramada. The trail is accessed behind the mountain. It’s a well trafficked trail that is busiest at sunset. The hike to the “hole” will only take about 10 minutes and offers a beautiful view of the city and the desert below. There is also a lagoon between Hole in the Rock and the Phoenix Zoo that makes for a nice photo spot. 

Hunt’s Tomb
Park either near Hole-in-the-Rock Trail or on the north side of the Phoenix Zoo parking lot. Follow the paved road around the lagoon and you’ll find the trail to Hunt’s Tomb. It’s one of the metro area’s most unique landmarks. The white pyramid-shaped tomb is the final resting place for George W.P. Hunt, Arizona’s first governor, his wife, their daughter and his wife’s family. Why a pyramid, you ask? The rumor is that Governor Hunt had a fascination with Egypt. This is a short and sweet hike, so it’s perfect to combine with another hike in Papago Park. 

South Mountain Park & Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve is an easily accessible desert oasis located just south of Tempe (in Phoenix). It’s also one of the largest municipal parks in the country at more than 16,000 acres. And, I just learned that it consists of three mountain ranges: Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. There are more than 50 miles of trails here, with several parking areas.  

From the East (the Tempe side), a popular starting point is Pima Canyon Trailhead, located off of Guadalupe Road and 48th Street. There’s a South Mountain Trail map online that shows all the trails that traverse the park, and the City of Phoenix provides a description of each trail on their website. Here are a few trails in the Pima Canyon area that we think are great for kids. 

Marcos de Niza Trail
Park along the access road at the Pima Canyon Trailhead or if you’re lucky, grab a spot in the parking lot at the end of the drive. You’ll find the Marcos de Niza trail entrance to the left of the parking lot. It’s not a gradual elevation — you’ll head straight up the mountain for 10 to 20 minutes to get to the summit, depending on your speed. You can go up and come straight down or continue along the ridge for as long as you’d like. Fun Fact: about 1/3 of the way up this trail, you’ll see a metal cage around an inscription on the rock. It looks like it was carved by Marcos de Niza, the Spanish explorer. Our local NPR station did some investigative work to determine its authenticity. It’s a good story. This hike is better for kids 6 and up, depending on their hiking abilities. 

National Trail
If you have younger kids who are more runners than hikers, this is a great trail. With the parking lot and bathroom facilities on your left and a ramada on your right, keep walking straight and pass through the yellow pylons to access this trailhead. It’s a scenic path that offers just a slight elevation change and it connects to other trails along the way. Because this trail is relatively flat and wide, with plenty of space for other hikers and bikers to pass, it’s good for kids as young as 3 years old. Just be sure to watch your little ones to make sure they don’t get too close to a cactus or turn over any rocks where scorpions might be hiding.

Pima Wash to Santa Cruz Hill
The directions for this trail might seem a little complex, but really, you’re just going to head for the mountains that will reveal the city skyline from the top. From the main road, veer right onto the Pima Wash Trail before reaching the ramada and parking lot area. The trail will go down first (past a wash, hence the name), and then climb up again. When you’re at the top of the first hill, look for the brown trail marker for the East West loop and veer to the left. At the bottom of the hill, go right to head east on the Beacon Hill Trail. Then, take the trail marked for Santa Cruz Hill. Follow the Sant Cruz Hill Trail upwards and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Phoenix and Tempe. You can go back the way you came, or turn back south on the Beverly/Pima Connector trail. You can see the parking area from here, so use that as your guide. Follow the Beverly/Pima Connector all the way back to the parking area. This 1.3-mile trek trip took about 35 minutes, and is probably best for kids 5 and up.  

Usery Mountain Regional Park

Usery Mountain Regional Park is a 3,600-acre park located in nearby Mesa. Usery has nearly 30-miles of multiuse trails ranging from easy to moderate, ideal for walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Another big perk is that the trails are mostly flat for long spans (ideal for biking) and a mix of wide and narrow, so families love it because you can release your littles into the desert and easily keep an eye on them.  

Crismon Wash Trailhead
An easy place to park is in the dirt lot off Crismon and McKellips Roads. We recommend taking the following route: Take Levee Trail east to Noso Trail and head north until you hit a parking lot and Blevins Trail. Head west of Blevins Trail until you meet Crismon Wash Trail and head south until you’ve returned to the Levee Trail at the trailhead. This route can be adjusted at any point to shorten or add length. In total, this route is mostly flat and is 3 miles total. This is a great trail for little ones as young as 3 or 4 depending on their abilities.

Pro tip: Use caution when it rains in the area. The wash trails are subject to flooding and shouldn’t be entered when flooded.  

Wind Cave Trail
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, you might check out the Wind Cave Trail. It’s just over 3 miles round trip and contains many switchbacks to ascend 2,000 feet to the summit, where you’re met with an open-faced cave with scenic views of the Valley and other nearby mountain ranges, including Tonto National Forest. This hike would be great for kids over 6, as littles might get worn out early on this one. 

To access the Wind Cave Trailhead, you’ll enter the park off Ellsworth Road, north of McKellips Road. There’s a $7 per vehicle entry fee. Follow the signs to the Wind Cave Trailhead on your left-hand side about one mile past the ranger station.  

Lost Dutchman State Park

This destination is a bit of a drive from Tempe (about 40 minutes), but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery. There are plenty of trails at Lost Dutchman State Park, from easy, kid-friendly trails to climbs for the most experienced hikers. There is a park entry fee, $7 per vehicle during the week and $10 per vehicle Friday through Sunday (and on holidays).  

Since this is a state park, don’t forget that kids ages 6 to 12 years old can become a Junior Ranger. You can download an activity before you visit the park or ask a ranger for a Junior Ranger booklet to complete during your visit.  

The Native Plant Trail
This is an accessible trail that is also perfect for younger kids. To find it, park in the lot to the right of the ranger station and look for the trailhead just past the accessible parking sign. You’ll walk alongside a collection of labeled desert plants so you can learn as you go. Ask for a plant guide at the ranger station so you can follow along.

Be on the lookout for the “Watch me grow” Saguaro cactus. Its growth has been measured over the past 25 years. You can see that it takes a real commitment for these cacti to grow to their full potential.

Know Before You Go

Before you hit the trail, here are a few hiking tips:

• Always bring plenty of water for everyone and a good rule of thumb is to turn around when you have half of your water supply left.  
• Stay on the designated trails.  
• Bring snacks for your kids (and for you too). Hiking isn’t fun when you or your companions get hangry.  
• If you do bring snacks, remember to pick up your trash and #leavenotrace.  
• Apply sunscreen liberally and often. The famous Arizona sunshine feels so warm on your skin, but you don’t want a sunburn souvenir from your hiking excursion.