​Trail Descriptions

​Maricopa Trailhead

10600 N. 7th St.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

North Mountain National Trail -

Difficulty:  Moderate/Difficult 

Access:  Start from Maricopa Trailhead.  Proceed to North Mountain National Trail.

Description:  North Mountain trail is a hard-surface asphalt and dirt, out and back trail. The trail is steep and offers a great cardiovascular workout. The trail offers excellent views of Downtown and North Phoenix.     

Distance:  1.6 miles 

Elevation Change:  614 feet

Mountain View II Park

9901 N. 7th Ave.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Maxine Lakin Nature Trail -

Difficulty:  Easy 

Access:  Start from Mountain View Park. Proceed to Maxine Lakin Nature Trail.     

Distance:  1.2 miles 

Elevation Change:  190 feet

North Mountain Park

10608 N. 7th St.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Penny Howe Barrier Free Trail -

Difficulty:  Easy 

Access:  Start at North Mountain Park. Proceed to Penny Howe Barrier Free Trail.

Description:  This trail offers two small loops which are very user friendly. There are interpretive plant signs located throughout the trail.     

Distance:  0.3 miles 

Elevation Change:  40 feet 

North Mountain Visitor Center

12950 N. 7th St.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail  (Trail 100) -

Difficulty:  Moderate 

Access:  Start at the North Mountain Visitor Center. Proceed left to continue on to Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail.

Description:  From a portion of the trail, hikers can get great views of Shaw Butte and North Mountain. A water catchment with interpretive signage is located along the same trail. This is a good area for wildflower viewing February through April. Longer hikes are an option in either direction. Water and a shade ramada are available at the trailhead.      

Distance:  10.7 miles 

Elevation Change:  790 feet

Shaw Butte Trailhead

12898 N. Central Ave.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Shaw Butte Trail -

Difficulty:  Difficult 

Access:  Start from Shaw Butte Trailhead.  Proceed to Shaw Butte Trail.

Description:  A rocky and dirt loop trail that starts off easy at the trailhead. As you make your way up the Butte, the trail becomes very steep and rocky at some points, as well as asphalt at other points. It is not uncommon to encounter leashed dogs as well as mountain bikers. When reaching the top, you will pass  by the old "Cloud Nine" concrete foundation is all that remains of the early 1960s elite Phoenix area restaurant that burned to the ground and was never rebuilt. At this point, you will be offered beautiful 360 degree views of the valley. You may encounter wildlife and could even see a falcon diving after its prey. Dogs are more than welcome on this trail, as long as they are kept on a leash.      

Distance:  4.0 miles 

Elevation Change:  654 feet