AZ Hiking Guide: 10 Best Hikes in the West Valley
They say the most incredible adventure is what lies ahead and especially when you are facing a new trailhead. We put together a local AZ Hiking Guide for the best hikes in the West Valley Arizona. What we love most about hiking in Arizona is the community, the terrain, the landscape, the parks nearby, and of course the plants! There is nothing like a quick hello and smile to a fellow hiker walking by, the voice of a little one discovering something new and the internal motivation to keep going to see what’s around the bend.
TEN BEST HIKES IN THE WEST VALLEY
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trailhead (Sun City West, Arizona)
A trail that honors Vietnam Veterans minutes off the AZ-303 in Sun City West.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trail
As you make the climb, you can read the names and ranks of veterans who served our country with an American Flag standing tall on the top of the hill. It’s an incredible reminder of the sacrifice men and women made…. and make for our country. It’s a short but fairly steep climb, but we’ve seen all ages climb it and have had our littles climb it with ease, too. It takes about 45 minutes to hike it. There is no sign but you will see the first plaque a few miles in and can easily spot the trail once you identify where the flag is. You can google the location but it’s just west of Dysart Rd and Jomax in Peoria, near Vistancia!
Calderwood Butte (Peoria, Arizona)
Calderwood Butte Trail is a moderate hike in Peoria, Arizona with easy access off the AZ-303 and Happy Valley Road exit or Lake Pleasant Parkway! It’s tucked behind some neighborhoods but offers stunning 360-degree views from the top. It takes just under an hour to complete and is open year-round! Start this circular trail off 99th Ave, just north of Jomax Road and the famous Four Corners Shopping area in North Peoria, Arizona.
Sunrise Mountain (Peoria, Arizona)
Sunrise Mountain Trail sits in the Peoria Sunrise Mountain Reserve in Westwing community. It intersects with quite a few different trails including the Westwing Trail with a quick shortcut through a nearby neighborhood. It’s a 4-mile loop that takes about 2 hours to complete and is very popular for hiking, mountain biking, and running. It’s also close to one of our favorite local coffee spots, WellCoffeeCo!
Westwing Mountain Trailhead (Peoria, Arizona)
Westwing Mountain Trailhead starts across the street nearby WellCoffeeCo and Copper Hills Church, but ultimately is one large 4.0 mile loop on Westwing Mountain. It takes just over 2 hours to complete and is considered moderately challenging.
Deem Hills Park (North Phoenix, Arizona)
Deems Hills has three trails – the park’s circumference trail, plus a west & east trailhead. Its considered one of the West Valley’s best-kept secrets for amazing sunrises and sunsets. There are a few ways to get to the top – one trail is straight up with lots of big rocks to climb or you can take a more scenic route with less climbing. Many hot air balloons frequent this area and it’s fun to see them flying around so closely that you can even see their faces. Plus Deem Hills has large field space, nice amenities, huge playground area and phenomenal dog park space. You can easily spend hours here enjoying the great outdoors – pack some snacks or a lunch and do it! Deem Hills is located in Stetson Valley off Happy Valley Road in North Phoenix.
Thunderbird Conservation Park (Glendale, Arizona)
Top of Thunderbird Mountain
Thunderbird Conservation Park is one of the largest desert parks in Glendale, Arizona. It is great for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, picnicking, and so much more! There are a few different trails as well as entrances off 67th Ave and 59th Ave just south of Happy Valley Road. The views are incredible and you can see all the way to Downtown Phoenix and beyond! It really puts the Valley into perspective when you reach the top!
White Tank Mountains Waterfall Hike (Waddell, Arizona)
Waterfall in Arizona? You’re probably thinking — yeah right. #sideye But we are screaming “YES… WE ARE RIGHT!” White Tanks Mountain Regional Park has a (weather-permitting) waterfall trail! This 1.8-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for all ages with a fairly flat path. There is even a Petroglyph midway through for a quick history lesson!
White Tank Mountain Trail
If you are only going for the waterfall, make sure to hurry to the park and trail after heavy rainfall as it’s the only time that you will certainly see water. It’s worth going when the water is pouring in as it’s fun to crawl over the wet rocks and just hang while watching nature do what nature does! However, year-round, this hike is incredible and so is White Tanks Mountain Regional Park which has plenty to do for families from a library, various playgrounds, many trailheads, picnic tables and bathrooms. Make a morning or afternoon of it! It’s located off the AZ 303 in Waddell, Arizona.
Skyline Regional Park (Buckeye, Arizona)
Skyline Regional Park is located in the southern part of the White Tank Mountains in Buckeye, Arizona. You can rent a campsite, hike 9 trails and attend various programs like Jurrasic Hike, Plants of the Sonoran Desert Nature Hike, Yoga Hike, Kids Hike, Star gazing and more! Head west on the 1-10 off the AZ 303 towards Los Angeles and exit on Watson Rd heading North and you will run right into it!
Victory Steps at Verrado (Buckeye, Arizona)
Victory Steps at Verrado
Victory Steps at Verrado is a massive outdoor staircase in the middle of the desert perfect for the ultimate cardio workout. It’s located in the heart of the Victory at Verrado, a 55+ community and absolutely worth the drive. It is closed right now due to renovations but as soon as it reopens, which we hope will be soon, we will let you know!
Quartz Peak – Sierra Estrella Mountains (Rainbow Valley, Arizona
Quartz Peak is located in the Sierra Estrella Mountains in south Buckeye and is made for experienced hikers who love a good challenge. It touts gorgeous views from the top, but does take over 4 hours to hit the peak. There is also a part of the trail that is shared by 4x4s then it’s pretty much straight up to the top.
BEST HIKES IN THE WEST VALLEY MAP
We hope you enjoy our Best Hikes in the West Valley list as much as we do! Don’t forget to seek out trail maps before you go, bring extra water and always go with friends and family See you on the trail soon!
Please spend some time discovering other family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures on our blog: https://offtheaz303.com/category/outdoor-adventures/
Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and share all those #offtheaz303 pictures with us. We’d love to see them… and share ours with you, too!
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