Heading on a road trip in Arizona over xmas. Any suggestions for some hikes around the Phoenix area?
Thanks
Stephanie B provided some good options. Peralta is especially nice.
If you are limited on how far you can drive, here are some options right in town:
Camelback (As mentioned by Stephanie, tons of people. And parking can be ridiculous, so I would recommend getting an Uber to the trailhead. One thing I would differ on a bit, is that if you like city views, it actually is very pretty at the top. One of the few hikes in Phoenix proper where you get a 360 degree view of all of Phoenix.)
Piestewa Peak (Similar to Camelback)
South Mountain (Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley Loop or any of the other trailheads)
White Tanks (Very west of town, depending on where you will be staying, but there are some beautiful trails there)
McDowell Mountains (North of town, alot of options - Tom's Thumb, Gateway)
If you are willing to drive a bit further:
Cave Creek - Elephant Mountain Loop
Seven Springs Area - Cave Creek and Skunk Creek Trails
We have had a decent amount of rain lately, so there is a lot of green vegetation out there on the trails making it extra nice! Have fun.