You may be wondering what the best trails to hike in Surprise, Arizona, are, and there are many options. Not every hiking trail is perfect for everyone, though, and it is essential to know what routes are suitable for your hiking experience.
To help you better choose the trail that is just right for you, a list of ten places to go hiking in Surprise, Arizona, has been compiled. Several of these trails are best left to experts, while the others are better suited for those seeking a more relaxing hiking trip. Read on to learn more about each of these marvelous locations.
Mesquite Canyon Trail
If you are looking for a trail that will take you several hours to complete, the Mesquite Canyon Trail is just right. Its an eight-mile-long loop that offers you a chance to see much of the area’s natural wildlife.
Some trails might not allow you to take dogs on them, but dog-owners, this trail is the one for you. As long as you keep your dog on a leash, you are allowed to bring your furry friend. You will want to be careful, though, and not let your dog travel far from you. Snakes and scorpions are both dangers to your dog if it gets near them.
Seeing a lot of traffic year-round, this trail is not a good idea if you are looking for a personal, quiet hike while visiting here in a scenic part of Arizona. Otherwise, this trail is an excellent hike for lone hikers or families.
Estrella Mountain Park
Estrella Mountain Park offers nearly 33 miles of trails, making it an excellent choice for hikers of all experience levels. The entire park spans roughly 19,840 acres and hosts an extensive array of activities throughout the year.
If you also prefer to break up your hiking with horseback or bicycle riding, Estrella Mountain Park’s trails allow for this. There is a competitive bike trail that has several courses for beginners and then several only for experts.
The park charges you $6 a car to park there, but the scenery and experience you get are worth it. Campsites are available if you want to camp.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
One of the largest parks in Maricopa County, White Tank Mountain Regional Park covers over 30,000 acres of countryside. The park consists of mostly just the White Tank Mountains, which provide a rugged and scenic experience.
Some details of the White Tank Mountain Regional Park trails:
- Offer trails from a strenuous level to a relaxing level.
- There are 2.5 miles of pedestrian-only hiking trails and have no barriers set up. They are also handicap accessible as they are entirely paved.
- All the trails are usable by hikers, bikers, and horseback-riders unless otherwise stated on the track.
- There are approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, with the longest being about 7.9 miles. The shortest is about 0.9 miles long.
Vietnam Memorial Trail
The Vietnam Memorial Trail is perfect for those looking for a slightly challenging hike and a scenic, peaceful route. The locals created the trail to memorialize some of the Vietnam War veterans that were killed in action.
You will begin with a mild climb up the hill at the start of your hike, which will eventually become a more moderate incline as you approach the top of the summit. The trek to the top is worth it because of the fantastic view that you get.
Facts about the Vietnam Memorial Trail:
- It was started on February 14th, 2009.
- Placed alongside the trail are forty-four plaques, some of which bear the names of veterans who died in the Vietnam War. Other plaques bear statistics or facts about the Vietnam War in general.
- Eight benches provide ample resting opportunity for hikers along the 1.3 mile-long trail.
West Wing Mountain Trail
The West Wing Mountain Trail provides beautiful scenery as you make your way up the mountain, and being only around four miles long, it will not take long to traverse. If you are just looking to take a short hike out in nature, West Wing Mountain Trail provides that.
This trail is also suitable for kids since it is a very beginner-friendly trail, and you have the option to choose the easier path or the problematic path depending on which route you are most comfortable hiking.
This trail does see a lot of traffic, so unless you want to see lots of people on your hike, this trail may not be the best one for you.
Arizona Canal Path
Arizona Canal Path is a massive multi-purpose path that stretches for 69.7 miles in Maricopa County. It consists of both paved and unpaved sections, so keep that in mind if you plan on taking strollers or other wheeled vehicles on it.
Also keep in mind if running at night that there are no streetlights along this trail.
Places Arizona Canal Path Runs By:
- Peoria
- Glendale
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Cave Creek Wash Trail
This trail is made up of two separate pieces that span a distance of around 10 miles together. You will not have much difficulty traversing this trail, thanks to it being paved.
Cave Creek Wash Trail connects to the Arizona Canal Path and the Cave Creek Tributary Trail, so if you are feeling adventurous and have the time, you can check out these other paths.
You will want to make sure to bring your water, though, as there is a lack of water stops along the trail. There is not much shade either, so you should get a sun hat or similar head protection for the sun, you’ll thank us later.
Grand Canal Path
Following the Grand Canal, which was built in 1878, the Grand Canal Path is a long hiking trail in the Phoenix area. Depending on the difficulty you are looking for, the path offers a paved and gravel option located on opposite sides of the Canal.
If you are looking for a peaceful hike alongside one of the oldest still existing canals in Arizona, then the Grand Canal Path is an excellent choice for you.
Cities Linked by the Grand Canal Path:
- Glendale
- Phoenix
- Tempe
Skunk Creek Trail
Another moderately sized hiking path, Skunk Creek Trail, stretches for about 8 miles. It runs alongside Skunk Creek, the waterway that gave its name to the trail. The trail is paved fully for the southern portion of the course, but the path is only partially paved on the northern section.
The trail connects multiple residences, businesses, and several recreational centers and provides good scenery and a well-paved route to places in the local area. If you have the time and are looking for a new course, Skunk Creek Trail may become your new favorite path.
North Jackrabbit Trail
A short trail, North Jackrabbit Trail, will not take you very long to hike. Stretching only about 3 miles, it comprises short disconnected pieces rather than a singular track. The trail mostly consists of asphalt sections, making it family and handicap-friendly.
The trail goes through mostly only suburban areas, making it right if you wish to stay within your comfort zone and remain around civilization.
However, there is no shade along the trail, so be sure to bring along sun protection and remain hydrated as you hike.
