Cooler fall and winter days make it a great time to explore South Mountain Park/Preserve. Right next to Laveen in South Phoenix, this urban favorite has more than 100 miles of trails, with everything from gentle desert walks to rocky climbs and sweeping Valley views.
The best starting point depends on the hike you want. Here are some standout trails, plus the entrances worth knowing before you go.
Favorite South Mountain Hikes
Kiwanis Trail: A Great Introduction
Distance: 1 mile one way | Difficulty: Moderate
Kiwanis winds through a scenic canyon past desert plants and historic stone dams built in the 1930s. With around 480 feet of elevation change, it offers a manageable challenge for many newer hikers. Enter the park from Central Avenue and follow the signs to Kiwanis Trailhead.
Holbert Trail: For Dobbins Lookout Views
Distance: 2.5 miles one way | Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Holbert climbs steadily toward the higher slopes and connects via an extension to Dobbins Lookout, one of the park’s most memorable viewpoints. Expect rocky sections and roughly 1,100 feet of elevation change. Use the main Central Avenue entrance, then take the first left to reach Holbert Trailhead.
Mormon Trail and Hidden Valley: A Rocky Adventure
Mormon Trail: 1.1 miles one way | Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Start at 8610 S. 24th St. The steep approach links to the National Trail and then Hidden Valley, where hikers can explore distinctive rock formations, including Fat Man’s Pass. Hidden Valley itself is 0.5 mile, but reaching it adds distance and climbing. This is better suited to hikers comfortable with uneven terrain.
Ma Ha Tauk Trail: A Challenge Near Laveen
Distance: 1.5 miles one way | Difficulty: Difficult
From the 19th Avenue Trailhead, this trail begins gradually before climbing sharply along the hillside. With about 540 feet of elevation change, it’s a rewarding choice for experienced hikers wanting a western-side alternative.
Where Can You Enter South Mountain Park?
You don’t need to use the main park gate for every hike. These official trailheads provide access from different sides of the mountain:
• Main entrance, 10919 S. Central Ave.: Access to park roads, Kiwanis, Holbert and other central trails.
• 19th Avenue Trailhead, 10500 S. 19th Ave.: Access to Ma Ha Tauk, T-Bone and Crosscut connections.
• Mormon Trailhead, 8610 S. 24th St.: A popular start for Mormon Trail and Hidden Valley.
• Beverly Canyon Trailhead, 8800 S. 46th St.: Eastern access to the moderate Beverly Canyon Trail.
• Pima Canyon Trailhead, 4500 E. Pima Canyon Rd.: Ahwatukee-side access to Desert Classic, Pima Wash and other trails.
• Desert Foothills Trailhead, 14251 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy.: Southern Ahwatukee access to Telegraph Pass Trail.
• Warpaint Drive Access Trailhead, 13009 S. Warpaint Dr.: Access to Warpaint Loop and routes toward Corona de Loma.
For a less demanding outing, consider the Judith Tunell Accessible Trail near the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. It has two paved, half-mile loops with places to rest.
A Few Tips Before You Hit the Trail
Bring plenty of water, wear shoes with grip, and check the forecast even when mornings feel cool. The City of Phoenix lists parking and entrance hours as 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., while trail hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Some trails have additional restrictions during Extreme Heat Warnings, so always check current notices and the official trail map before leaving.
Whether you’re heading out from Laveen for a quick walk or exploring a new side of South Mountain, there’s a trail for almost every ability. Explore more local ideas and community resources at Find It In Laveen.
Official trail information: https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/activities-facilities/trails/south-mountain-parkpreserve/south-mountain-trails.html
Park hours and notices:
https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/activities-facilities/trails/south-mountain-parkpreserve.html