A world of profound ruggedness and surprising serenity lies just a short drive from Gilbert and East Valley. This guide is your passport to a diverse landscape that buckles into jagged volcanic ridges and softens into lush urban oases, offering everything from brutal mountain ascents to gentle family strolls.
Let’s get to it.
Gentle jaunts & family outings
All of the hikes in this section are suitable for families and anyone looking for a nice spot to go for a walk. Most of them are paved, as well.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (Gilbert)
This is less a hike and more a delightful nature walk through a masterpiece of urban ecological design. A 110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Gilbert, the Riparian Preserve features over 4.5 miles of easy, mostly flat trails that meander around seven water recharge ponds.
A paved path circles the main lake, making it perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, while other well-groomed dirt paths explore the rest of the grounds. The preserve is an internationally recognized birding area, and the constant activity of waterfowl provides endless entertainment for all ages and abilities.
Best of all, it’s completely free to enter and park, making it one of the most accessible and beloved natural spots in the entire East Valley. The preserve is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Get details and plan your visit.
Veterans Oasis Park (Chandler)
Another gem of urban planning, this 113-acre park in southeast Chandler combines recreation with water resource management. It offers 4.5 miles of groomed trails perfect for a walk or run, with a mix of paved and dirt paths winding around a five-acre community fishing lake.
The highlight for families and the intellectually curious is the self-guided Solar System Walk, a scaled model of our solar system that stretches along the 0.4-mile paved path around the lake. It’s education and exercise rolled into one, with monuments representing the planets at a scale where one foot equals 1.5 million miles.
It’s open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Explore the park and its amenities.
Merkle Trail (Usery Mountain, Mesa)
For those wanting a true desert feel without the climb, the Merkle Trail is perfection. Located within Usery Mountain Regional Park, this is a 1-mile, barrier-free interpretive loop that is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
The trail is wide, with a flat, unobstructed surface that circles the base of the small Merkle Hills, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains—including the prominent Pass Mountain, sometimes called “Scarface”—without any strenuous effort.
It’s an ideal choice for a multi-generational family outing or anyone seeking a peaceful, immersive desert experience. A $7 per vehicle entry fee is required to enter the park.
Find park hours and trail information here.
Hole-in-the-Rock (Papago Park, Tempe)
This is perhaps the most rewarding “hike” for the least amount of effort in the entire Valley. Located in Papago Park, the trail is a very short 0.2 to 0.3-mile walk that takes only 5 to 10 minutes to ascend. It leads up the backside of a large sandstone butte to a wind-eroded chamber that acts as a natural picture frame for views of the city and desert.
It’s an incredibly popular spot, especially at sunset, and an absolute must-do for visitors short on time or energy. The park is free to enter, with trail hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m..
The Canal System (Various)
The circulatory system of the East Valley, the network of canals provides miles upon miles of uninterrupted paths perfect for long walks, runs, or bike rides away from vehicle traffic. Trails like the 18.9-mile Consolidated Canal Path (which includes the 6.5-mile Paseo Trail in Chandler) and the 7-mile Queen Creek Wash Trail offer paved or maintained gravel surfaces ideal for recreation.
These are the region’s unsung greenways, connecting parks and neighborhoods in a vast, linear network that brilliantly repurposes historic water infrastructure into modern community assets. Many trails feature underpasses at busy streets, allowing for long, uninterrupted journeys.
Check out all the trails here.
Great options if you’re after a quick workout
If you want to up the difficulty level a bit, these hikes have some elevation gain and longer distances to give you more of a workout.
Wind Cave Trail (Usery Mountain, Mesa)
Arguably the most popular hike in Mesa, this 2.9-mile round-trip trail is a perfect introduction to mountain hiking and a local favorite “starter” hike. Located in Usery Mountain Regional Park, it gains a respectable 812 feet in elevation as it switchbacks up the side of Pass Mountain to the “Wind Cave”.
The trail transforms from a flat desert walk into a series of well-constructed switchbacks and natural rock stairs. The destination is technically a large alcove or overhang, but its shaded interior, panoramic views, and unique hanging gardens of Rock Daisy that thrive on seeping water make it a fantastic destination.
A $7 per vehicle entry fee is required. Get park details and plan your hike.
Treasure Loop Trail (Lost Dutchman, Apache Junction)
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, this 2.4-mile loop in Lost Dutchman State Park is a visual feast. With a moderate 500-foot elevation gain, it takes you up into the foothills, winding around giant boulders and offering spectacular views of the valley below and rock formations like the “Praying Hands”.
In the spring, the area can be carpeted with wildflowers, making it one of the most scenic moderate hikes available. It’s a fantastic way to experience the majesty of the “Supes” without committing to the ordeal of climbing them. A park entry fee of $7-$10 per vehicle is required.
Find park hours and plan your adventure.
Silly Mountain Park (Apache Junction)
Don’t let the name fool you; this park offers a seriously good workout. It’s a compact network of short, interconnecting trails that allows you to customize your hike’s difficulty and length.
You can tackle the steep, leg-burning Huff & Puff Trail (0.2 miles) or opt for the more scenic Superstition View Trail (0.7 miles), linking them together to create loops of varying intensity. It’s a local favorite for a quick, effective training session with rewarding views and is free to enter.
Check out all the trails to plan your route.
Hayden Butte / “A” Mountain (Tempe)
This is the quintessential urban climb. While short—just 0.7 to 0.9 miles round trip—the trail is steep, gaining 200 to 300 feet quickly. The hike is a journey through history, passing by ancient Hohokam petroglyphs on its lower slopes before ascending to the giant, 60-foot “A” that represents Arizona State University.
The 360-degree views from the summit, encompassing Tempe Town Lake, Sun Devil Stadium, and the broader valley, are unparalleled for a hike so centrally located and free to access.
Learn about the preserve’s history and rules.
Type-II fun & bragging rights
These hikes take it up a notch further, with longer distances, steeper inclines, and more remote locations.
The Flatiron via Siphon Draw (Lost Dutchman/Superstition Wilderness)
This is the undisputed champion of difficult East Valley hikes, a local legend that inspires both awe and terror. The stats alone are intimidating: a 5.5 to 6.0-mile round trip that gains a staggering 2,600 to 2,745 feet in elevation. The hike begins in Lost Dutchman State Park before entering the Tonto National Forest and is an adventure in three acts: a moderate approach, a steep climb up a slick rock basin, and a final, brutal Class 3 scramble up a near-vertical gully.
This final mile is an unmaintained, rugged route requiring the use of hands and careful route-finding. A crucial piece of advice is to “stay left” in the gully. This is not a hike for beginners; it is a premier Arizona hiking achievement for experienced, confident hikers only. A park entry fee of $10 per vehicle is required on peak weekends.
Check conditions and plan your attempt.
Pass Mountain Loop (Usery Mountain, Mesa)
While not as technically demanding as the Flatiron, the Pass Mountain Loop is a formidable endurance challenge. Located in Usery Mountain Regional Park, this 7.1 to 7.7-mile loop circumnavigates the entirety of Pass Mountain, accumulating over 1,000 feet of elevation gain along the way.
Hikers can choose their poison: a clockwise route offers a more gradual ascent, while a counter-clockwise approach presents a steeper, more immediate climb. Its length ensures a degree of solitude not found on the park’s more popular trails, and the views from the back side into the Tonto National Forest are spectacular.
A $7 per vehicle entry fee is required.
Find trail details and maps here.
Goldmine Trail (San Tan Mountain, Queen Creek/San Tan Valley)
This trail carries a reputation. Located in San Tan Mountain Regional Park and rated “difficult” and even “hazardous” on park maps, the 2.5-mile Goldmine Trail is a test of balance and nerve.
While it can be incorporated into longer, more moderate loops, the primary ascent is known for its steep, rugged, and slippery terrain, especially the 170-foot drop over just a tenth of a mile on the north side. It leads to the highest point in the park, offering breathtaking views and a connection to the area’s mining past, with the graves of two old miners located near the northern trailhead. A $7 per vehicle entry fee is required.
Get park information and trail ratings.
For history buffs, geologists, & shutterbugs
Prefer to learn something or just want a spot to take some cool photos? This section is for you.
Hieroglyphic Trail (Superstition Mountains, Gold Canyon)
This popular and relatively easy 2.8 to 3.0-mile round-trip hike leads into a beautiful, rocky canyon within the Superstition Wilderness. The main attraction is a large collection of petroglyphs (rock carvings, not hieroglyphs, despite the name) created by the Hohokam people some 1,500 years ago.
After winter rains, the canyon often holds pools of water, reflecting the sky and the ancient art on the rock faces, creating a truly magical scene.
The trail is free to access, though the drive takes you through a residential area to the Cloudview Trailhead.
Wave Cave Trail (Superstition Wilderness, Gold Canyon)
Made famous by Instagram, this hike delivers a truly unique photo opportunity. The trail itself is a challenging 2.8 to 3.2-mile out-and-back, with a steep and rugged climb of over 870 feet over loose rock and scree.
The reward is a cave with a large, perfectly formed rock structure inside that looks like a cresting ocean wave, with the hiker “surfing” it for the iconic photo. A crucial detail: the trailhead is on Arizona State Trust Land, which requires a recreational permit for access, which can be purchased online for $15.
Massacre Falls Trail (Superstition Mountains)
This hike is a gamble. The destination, a 30-foot waterfall, only exists after significant, recent rainfall. When it’s flowing, it’s a desert wonder. When it’s not, it’s just a rocky alcove at the end of a pleasant 5.4-mile moderate hike with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain. The trail’s name comes from a legend of a massacre of Mexican miners, adding a layer of dark folklore to the beautiful scenery.
Check the weather and recent precipitation before you go; if the parking lot at the Massacre Grounds trailhead is full, you’ve probably timed it right. Access is free.
Find more details on the trail.
How to thrive (not just survive) while hiking in the desert
Hiking in the East Valley is a spectacular experience, but it comes with a non-negotiable contract with the environment. The Sonoran Desert is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse ecosystems in the world, but it is also one of the most unforgiving to the unprepared.
The sheer volume of safety warnings issued by state parks, county parks, and national forests is not mere legal boilerplate; it is a direct response to the hundreds of rescues performed annually.
Water, sun, and timing
These three elements are the absolute, immutable foundation of safe desert hiking.
Water: A standard guideline is to consume at least one liter (about a quart) per hour of hiking in hot weather. Hydration should begin the night before your hike (pre-hydration) and continue at regular intervals on the trail; do not wait until you feel thirsty, as by then you are already dehydrated.
Sun: Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays penetrate the cloud cover. The recommended attire is lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that breathes well and wicks moisture away from the skin. Long sleeves and pants with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating are highly recommended as they provide a physical barrier against the sun, which can actually help keep you cooler than exposing your skin.
A wide-brimmed hat is an absolute necessity to protect your face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen applied to all exposed skin complete the essential sun-protection kit.
Timing: The desert animals are smart; they are inactive during the hottest part of the day. Hikers should be, too. During the intensely hot summer months (typically May through September), hiking should be limited to the very early morning hours (starting before sunrise) or late in the evening. Always check the weather forecast before you leave, paying attention not just to the high temperature but to the hourly forecast so you can plan your hike to conclude before the heat becomes extreme.
Summer storms are no joke
Monsoon season is mid-June through the end of September. Pay attention to the weather during your hike, but also for your drive home. Flash floods, lightening, and dust storms can all turn a great day into a miserable one.
Leave No Trace
Do your research before you go, including brushing up on the Leave No Trace principles.