North Mountain Park
4.8(2.8K)google
4.3(114)yelp
MountainHikingScenic Lookout
Overview
North Mountain Park is a scenic and highly accessible desert preserve nestled within the Phoenix Mountains system. Known for its distinct paved and rugged trails, it offers excellent recreation opportunities for both casual strollers and serious hikers. The popular North Mountain National Trail takes hikers up a challenging incline to panoramic ridge-lines, offering stunning, expansive views of the sprawling city below. The park features excellent ramadas and picnic areas equipped with charcoal grills, making it a beloved gathering spot for local families. Rich in indigenous Sonoran plant species and desert wildlife, the preserve captures the rustic charm of Arizona's natural open spaces.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended for hiking between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM from November to March. Early spring brings scattered wildflowers along the ridges, and the crisp morning light is perfect for catching panoramic views of North Phoenix while ensuring a safe, cool trek.
Getting ThereSituated in the core of North Phoenix. Drivers should take 7th Street north and turn right into the main park entrance just north of Peoria Ave, which features plenty of free shaded parking spaces. For public transit, take Valley Metro Bus Route 7 to the 7th St & Peoria Ave stop.
Travel Tips
- Major Renovation Closures: Extensive renovations from late 2026-2027 cause rotating closures of trails and parking. Check the Phoenix Parks site. [1.1]
- Extended Summer Hours: To encourage safe evening hiking, gate closures are extended to 9:00 PM from June 1 through Sept 30. [1.1]
- Steep Incline Warning: Trail #44 is very steep and slippery; trekking poles and proper hiking shoes are strongly advised. [1.1]
Reviews
Positive
- Reaching the summit vista point delivers a breathtaking panorama of the Phoenix valley and skyline, fully living up to its reputation without disappointing.
- The trail system is very well-planned, spanning flat gravel paths to hardcore climbing routes that maximize outdoor hiking fun.
- The park features completely free public admission, offering outstanding budget value; the visitor center provides detailed multilingual maps.
- Spacious dedicated parking lots are well-planned at the base with clean accessible restrooms and shaded picnic ramadas, ensuring reassuring safety.
Heads up
- Certain direct summit trails are extremely steep with loose gravel, making them highly hostile for strollers or frail seniors.
- The entire hiking track is fully exposed under the blazing desert sun, severely lacking shaded canopy structures or water hubs, risking dehydration.
- Weekend morning or sunset golden hours see exploded tourist density among packed fitness crowds, making main parking spaces hard to find.
- The pristine wilderness pose minor safety hazards from cactus prickles or rattlesnake encounters, requiring constant vigilance.