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      Take a Hike. Do it Right

      More than 200 hikers annually are rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves. This simple checklist can help keep you from becoming a statistc.

      Use our Trail Rating Guide to choose the right trail for your experience and fitness level. Phoenix trails range from easy paved paths to extremely challenging terrain.

      On This Page...

      Safety Tips

      Illustration of a person sweating under the sun.

      Watch the Weather

      Yes, "it's a dry heat"—but Arizona's temperature can be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it's cool outside. Try early mornings and evenings when there's more shade.

      Illustration of a person sweating under the sun.
      Illustration of hiking boots, a backpack, and a hat with a brim.

      Dress Appropriately

      Wear proper shoes, clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.

      Illustration of hiking boots, a backpack, and a hat with a brim.
      Illustration of a water bottle.

      Bring Water

      Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water—more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink all of your water.

      Illustration of a water bottle.
      Illustration of a backpacker holding a cell phone.

      Keep In Contact

      Carry a mobile phone.

      Illustration of a backpacker holding a cell phone.
      Illustration of two people hiking together.

      Team Up

      Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times and location.

      Illustration of two people hiking together.
      Illustration of a hiker sitting and grimacing over an injury on their leg.

      Be Honest

      Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don't push yourself! (Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails.)

      Illustration of a hiker sitting and grimacing over an injury on their leg.
      Illustration of a hiker walking on a trail.

      Don't Trailblaze

      Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails.

      Illustration of a hiker walking on a trail.
      Illustration of two hikers, one looking at map and the other holding up a cell phone.

      Take Responsibility

      Don't be "that person"—the one who wasn't prepared, shouldn't have been there for health reasons, or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker who takes a hike and does it right.
      Illustration of two hikers, one looking at map and the other holding up a cell phone.

      Trail Rating Guide

      Phoenix trails are rated based on difficulty using the trail. The symbol next to each trail name represents the difficulty rating. Additional factors affecting difficulty include temperature, time of day, and weather conditions.

      A green circle, indicating the easiest type of trail, which is flat and/or wheelchair accessible.

      Easiest, Paved Survace

      Surface: Minimal elevation change, accessible, paved, or hard footing.

      Obstacles: None

      A green circle, indicating the easiest type of trail, which is flat and/or wheelchair accessible.
      An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.

      Easy, Unpaved Surface

      Surface: Slight elevation change over minimally uneven footing.

      Obstacles: 2" or less; rocks and ruts.

      An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.
      A blue square, representing a moderate hike with portions of moderate elevation gain.

      Moderate

      Surface: Elevation change over areas of uneven surfaces.

      Obstacles: 8" or less; rocks and ruts.

      A blue square, representing a moderate hike with portions of moderate elevation gain.
      An outline of a blue diamond, indicating a moderate/difficult trail with elevation gain.

      Moderate / Difficult

      Surface: Elevation change over mostly uneven footing.

      Obstacles: 12" or less; loose rocks, ruts, and possible drops.

      An outline of a blue diamond, indicating a moderate/difficult trail with elevation gain.
      A single black diamond, indicating a difficult trail with significant elevation gain.

      Difficult

      Surface: Large elevation change over mostly uneven footing.

      Obstacles: 12" or greater; loose rocks, ruts, and drops.

      A single black diamond, indicating a difficult trail with significant elevation gain.
      Two black diamonds, representing an extremely difficult trail with potential vertical climbs or scrambles.

      Extremely Difficult

      Surface: Maximum elevation change over extremely uneven footing.

      Obstacles: 12" or greater; loose rocks, ruts, large drops, and increased exposure to the elements.

      Two black diamonds, representing an extremely difficult trail with potential vertical climbs or scrambles.

      I Want To

      Join the Park Ranger Team

      Phoenix park rangers protect and care for more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves, and also provide customer service to users of the city's traditional flatland parks.

      Park rangers are responsible for a variety of activities, including:

      • Natural resource management and protection
      • Enforcement of city codes and park rules
      • Hiking and mountain bike patrol
      • Trail building and maintenance
      • Environmental and hiking safety education
      • Volunteer supervision
      • Special event management

       The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department employs both full and part-time park rangers. 

      Contact Us

      For more information about the program, contact:

      Email: myphxmypark@phoenix.gov

      Phone: 602-262-6864