Today, we're focusing on hiking with kids or pets. We also have an exciting announcement at the bottom of the post--so keep reading!
Most of these hikes we have personally done with real-life, actual human children. Although neither of us have a dog, hiking with dogs and kids generally means you are looking for an easier trail so it's a similar search.
In general, dogs are allowed at all county, city, and federal parks but must remain on a leash. And of course, don't forget to clean up after your pet (and/or child)!
Here are several places to try for an easy hike with your favorite short-legged friend:
Trails
1. Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior) Although this place is not really in the Phoenix Area, this
beautiful oasis in the desert is most definitely worth the drive. Located near
historic Superior, Arizona, about a 60-minute drive east from Phoenix on
Highway 60. The Arboretum is the perfect place for exploring, learning, and
relaxing too. Marily and her family loved walking the grounds, learning about
trees or just enjoying the view. There is definitely enough to keep explorers
entertained—mine hugged gigantic trees, ran through rock mazes, and watched
butterflies. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and free for
children 4 and under. azstateparks.com/Parks/BOTH
2. Riparian
Preserve (Gilbert).
There are several trails that wander throughout this preserve, around a lake
and swampy areas laden with birds, turtles, and fish. It is a popular spot for
bird-watchers, dog-walkers, and families. The lush landscape provides some
shade during much of the day. www.riparianinstitute.org
3.
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area (South Phoenix)
This restoration area is 5 miles of
paved and dirt trails along the Salt River. Great for exploring nature,
bird-watching, walking, biking, or jogging. You can also take a guided tour or
find other educational opportunities at the Rio Salado Audobon Center at 3131 S
Central Ave in Phoenix. riosalado.audubon.org/rio-salado-habitat-restoration-area
4. Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park (Scottsdale). This is a low-water use park with a nice desert botanical
trail. The park also has a playground and splash pad. www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/nelson
Easy Hikes
5. Papago Park - Hole in the Rock (Phoenix). You’ve likely seen this one if you’ve been to the
Phoenix Zoo. Basically, it is a long stairway to a big hole in the rock--hence
the name. Short and sweet. There are also other trails at Papago Park if
you want more to do. www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park
6. McDowell Mountain Preserve
McDowell Mountain is a large park with
over 40 miles of hiking. Trails range in every level of difficulty, including a
good 10 different trails rated at easy. The park also hosts lots of fun events
for families like nature walks, full moon hikes, junior ranger programs, and
more. www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/trails
7. Thunderbird Conservation Park (Glendale)
This park in North Glendale has 15
miles of multi-use trails. Trails are as short as .25 miles up to a 5 mile
hike. Something for everyone.
8. Falcon Hill Park (Mesa). This is the easiest little hike in town with a short climb
to the top of Fountain Hill and a view of the city for miles. There is even a
playground at the base of it. www.mesaaz.gov/parksrec/parks/FalconHill
9.Silly Mountain (Apache Junction). Even the name of this mountain makes
this the perfect hike for kids and pets. There are a few different choices of trails, all quite easy. You'll
also find a botanical walk to learn more about desert plants.
10."A" Mountain (AKA Hayden
Butte). A short and sweet hike, easy enough
for little legs. www.tempe.gov
Moderate Hikes
11. Pinnacle Peak Park (Scottsdale)
This park is one of the most popular
hiking spots in the Valley. The hike is 3.5 miles and leads to incredible
views. No dogs allowed at this park.
12.
Usery Park Wind Cave Trail
The Wind Cave Trail is one of those
hikes that everyone Arizona needs to try at least once. It is about 3.2 miles
round trip and takes you to some fun alcoves which you can sit and rest in
before you turn around and head back. For an easy hike, Merkle trail is a great
option for families with young children, it is flat enough for strollers and
wheelchairs. If we have multiple adults, we might split up and one group takes
the older kids on the Vista trail which climbs over the hill. There is a $6
entrance fee to get into Usery Park. www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery
13. Hieroglyphic Trail - The Hieroglyphic trail is located in the Superstition Mountain
near Gold Canyon. It can be a little tricky to find the trailhead but the hike
is fantastic. Not too hard and awesome history at the end. We hiked
this trail twice this last spring. Our youngest were four at the time and
were able to complete the hike on their own two feet. I would recommend
this hike for only October-May as this hike gets too toasty when the summer sun
is beating off the rocks. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto
14.
South Mountain
South Mountain Regional Park is the
World’s largest city park. It is the perfect place to take out of town guests,
whether they like hiking or not. Just a drive up the mountain to stop at
Dobbins lookout is worth the trip. There are lots of hiking opportunities here too. Just grab a map at
the park entrance or ask a ranger for some suggestions. www.phoenix.gov/parks
15.
Lost Dutchman State Park
(Apache Junction)
Lots of options for trails ranging from
easy to challenging. The Discover Interpretive Trail is a flat, .5 mile nature
trail with labeled plants. Several other trails are available at every level of
difficulty, including Flat Iron which is one of the most challenging hikes in
the Valley. In addition, park events are hosted at Lost Dutchman all
season long: a sunset hike, geology hike, kid’s activities, star talks and much
more. $7 entry fee for each vehicle. azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/
16. North Mountain National Trail.
North Mountain Trail is a 1.6 mile loop
around the mountain. Although it is a short trail it is somewhat
strenuous and probably suited better for older children. The steep grade is a
nice work out and leads to a great view over the Valley. Unlike some other
urban hiking spots, North Mountain has plenty of parking spots. www.northmountainvisitorcenter.org
Hiking Tips:
Be prepared for hiking with lots of water and especially if you
are bringing little ones, it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit in the car
for cuts and scrapes.
Do you know proper trail etiquette? Hikers yield to runners, and
both yield to horses. Downhill hikers yield to uphill hikers. Bicycles yield to
everyone. Generally, the people you meet hiking are some of the most friendly
and courteous people around--you should be the same.
Now, get out there and enjoy this beautiful state!
You've been on my Blogger Reading List for a few years, I occasionally comment, and I follow you on FB but have no idea whether or not I am on your e-mail list. We are leaving Chicago late next week for our winter home in Apache Junction and are excited that you are publishing a Fall Guide. Do you need my e-mail address or can you get it from here?
ReplyDeleteI got it, Bev and I put you on our email list! This list is not to subscribe to all of our posts, it is ONLY for our seasonal guides which we will send out 2-4 times a year. We will have to meet you sometime, you are one of our most devoted readers! Hope you have fun in Chicago.
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