There is more to the preserve than the summit photo. A shorter desert walk can be its own destination. Trail runners should choose terrain they can comfortably handle; rocky mountain routes are very different from jogging beside the canal.
Distances below are the city’s listed trail lengths unless marked as loops. They are not all round-trip totals. Include your approach, connections and return when planning.
Sunnyslope / North Mountain edge · Hike
Maxine Lakin Nature Trail
Mountain View II Park, 9901 N. 7th Avenue
A gentler desert option when a summit is more than you want. The city rates this trail Easy and lists 1.2 miles with 190 feet of elevation change.
Natural desert terrain; an Easy rating does not mean paved or shaded.
Official map & details →Near Sunnyslope · Hike
North Mountain National Trail
Maricopa Trailhead, 10600 N. 7th Street
The mix of asphalt and dirt climbs steeply toward city views. City rating: Moderate/Difficult; listed distance 1.6 miles, elevation change 614 feet.
Check renovation detours before planning this route; the nearby park closure begins December 2026.
Official map & details →Near Moon Valley & Sunnyslope · Hike / trail run / mountain bike
Trail 100 from the visitor center
North Mountain Visitor Center, 12950 N. 7th Street
Choose a shorter out-and-back along the Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail. The city lists the full trail at 10.7 miles, rated Moderate—not the distance every visitor must complete.
Bring the preserve map and choose your turnaround before setting out. Mountain bikes share this trail.
Official map & details →Near Moon Valley & Sunnyslope · Hike / mountain bike
Shaw Butte
Shaw Butte Trailhead, 12898 N. Central Avenue
A rocky climb with broad Valley views. City rating: Difficult; 4-mile loop. The old Cloud Nine restaurant foundation adds a little local history to the outing.
Steep sections; expect other trail users and keep dogs leashed where permitted.
Official map & details →Near Moon Valley · Hike
Lookout Mountain
15600 N. 16th Street; park access also at 1898 E. Evans Drive
Choose the 2.6-mile Circumference Trail or the shorter Summit Trail, listed at 0.6 mile with 474 feet of elevation change. Both carry the city’s Moderate/Difficult rating.
A short summit trail still means a climb. Add access distance and the return leg when planning.
Official map & details →Near Sheaborhood · Hike
Shadow Mountain
Acoma access: 2601 E. Acoma Drive · 28th Street access: 13800 N. 28th Street
A smaller mountain outing with two city-listed loops: Big Loop, 1.6 miles, Moderate/Difficult; Small Loop, 0.8 mile, Moderate.
Neither access point has a designated trailhead parking lot. Respect driveways, posted restrictions and residents.
Official map & details →Sheaborhood preserve access · Hike
40th Street / L.V. Yates Trail
9200 N. 40th Street, south of Shea Boulevard
A useful east-side entrance to the preserve. L.V. Yates is rated Moderate; the city lists 2.5 miles. Start here when you want a desert hike from the Shea side.
Map your return and any connecting trails. The city lists water, restrooms and a shade ramada at the trailhead.
Official map & details →Near North Central Phoenix · Strenuous hike
Piestewa Peak Summit
Piestewa Peak Drive; Mesquite access at 2701 E. Piestewa Peak Drive
The big-view workout. The city rates the Summit Trail Extremely Difficult and lists 1,200 feet of elevation change. Rocky steps and a steep climb make it a different outing from a neighborhood jog.
Hiking only: no bikes or dogs on the summit trail. Heat-warning closures apply; check before leaving.
Official map & details →Want another route near Piestewa? The city also lists the 1.4-mile Piestewa Nature Trail, rated Moderate, and the 3.7-mile Freedom loop, rated Difficult. Check the official trail descriptions before combining routes.
