A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near El Mirage, Arizona

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

North Mountain Loop

Classic Hike Route

North Mountain Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
1.71 mi
+683 ft
Tom's Thumb

Classic Hike Route

Tom's Thumb

Birding
strenuous
4 mi
+1,302 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Mule Deer Trail

Hike Route

Mule Deer Trail

Views
easy
3.38 mi
+204 ft
Sunrise Peak

Hike Route

Sunrise Peak

Views
moderate
4.47 mi
+882 ft
Mesquite Trail Loop

Hike Route

Mesquite Trail Loop

Views
moderate
3.7 mi
+182 ft
Black Rock/Waterfall Trail Loop

Hike Route

Black Rock/Waterfall Trail Loop

Views
moderate
3.91 mi
+397 ft
Ridgeline Summit Trail

Hike Route

Ridgeline Summit Trail

Views
easy
1.57 mi
+546 ft
Shaw Butte Trail

Hike Route

Shaw Butte Trail

Views
easy
2.08 mi
+758 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Ford Canyon

Hike Route

Ford Canyon

Less Crowded
strenuous
12.24 mi
+1,928 ft
Mesquite Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Mesquite Canyon Trail

Views
moderate
10.02 mi
+1,584 ft
Goldwater Peak

Hike Route

Goldwater Peak

Views
strenuous
12.98 mi
+3,006 ft
Mesquite Canyon/Ford Canyon Trail Loop Clockwise

Hike Route

Mesquite Canyon/Ford Canyon Trail Loop Clockwise

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
10.5 mi
+1,877 ft
Trail 100

Hike Route

Trail 100

Views
strenuous
21.84 mi
+2,483 ft
Skyline Circumference Trail

Hike Route

Skyline Circumference Trail

Views
moderate
10.19 mi
+2,147 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Mesquite Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Mesquite Canyon Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.38 mi
+1,790 ft
Scar Mountain

Hike Route

Scar Mountain

Less Crowded
moderate
5.72 mi
+951 ft
Union Peak Loop

Hike Route

Union Peak Loop

Views
moderate
7.71 mi
+1,148 ft
Piestewa Peak via Dreamy Draw

Hike Route

Piestewa Peak via Dreamy Draw

Views
moderate
6.72 mi
+2,243 ft
Piestewa Peak via 32nd Street

Hike Route

Piestewa Peak via 32nd Street

Views
strenuous
7.95 mi
+2,711 ft
Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve

Hike Route

Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve

Views
moderate
5.67 mi
+756 ft