North Mountain and Shaw Butte Trails
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
Take a Hike. Do it Right.
Review "Take a Hike. Do it Right." guidelines before visiting the trail. The symbol to the right of each trail name represents the difficulty rating.