Brian Catron, of Scottsdale, hikes the Bajada Nature Trail in Scottsdale with daughters Callie (6) and Maiah (9). Photos by Tac Coluccio.
Looking for family hikes everyone will enjoy? We’ve got a roundup of popular places around the Valley and one about an hour east of Phoenix. From trails with interactive exhibits to parks with petroglyphs, there’s something to interest kids of all ages.
From left: Brett Maas, of Scottsdale, hikes the Bajada Nature Trail with Ryder Benacci (4) and his mom Jen.
Bajada Nature Trail, Scottsdale
Located at the Gateway entrance to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Bajada Nature Trail is paved and easy to navigate, even with strollers. The path leads to the preserve, which encompasses more than 30,000 contiguous acres and almost 150 miles of trails. Interactive exhibits provide an educational element to the experience. Be sure to check out the Family Passport program and the Sonoran Sunday Series. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Free. 18333 N Thompson Peak Rd, Scottsdale. 480-312-7013 or mcdowellsonoran.org.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior
With more than three miles of trails through 100 acres of natural areas, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum gives Arizona families the chance to reconnect with nature. The Children’s Garden is designed to stimulate the senses. Pick up an Arizona State Parks Junior Ranger kit at the admission desk or gift shop. Kids who complete the form earn a Junior Ranger badge. 8am-4pm (Oct-April). Adult admission $10/day ($5 for ages 5-12). Closed on Christmas. 37615 E US Highway 60, Superior. 520-689-2811 or azstateparks.com.
Hayden Butte Preserve Park, Tempe
Known to many as “A” Mountain because of the 60-foot letter that symbolizes ASU pride, Hayden Butte Preserve Park is a great place for a family hike. The path is paved, the walk is short (about a half-mile from base to peak) and the views of Tempe and Tempe Town Lake are spectacular.
The mountain is also rich in historical significance. The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community considers the butte a sacred place and the preserve contains approximately 500 petroglyphs. It is also home to the Lantern Walk, which takes place each year on the Friday night before the Homecoming game and is one of ASU’s most treasured traditions. Every year since 1917, students, alumni, faculty and friends follow in the footsteps of their Sun Devil predecessors, scaling to the top of “A” Mountain and carrying lanterns to light the way. Open daily. Free. Southeast corner of Mill Ave and Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. 480-350-4311 or tempe.gov.
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, Phoenix
This 600-acre park with 16 miles of paved and dirt trails along the Salt River is home to more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife, including beavers, muskrats, coyotes, jackrabbits, cottontails and javelinas. The Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center offers interactive exhibits, an interpretive loop and many hands-on nature programs. It is also home to the Monarch Butterfly Project. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Free. Northeast entrance located at 2439 S Central Ave, Phoenix. Free. 602-468-6470 or phoenix.gov/parks.
Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa
Located in the East Valley, this 3,648-acre park lies at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains. Families can enjoy a short, easy hike on the barrier-free Merkle Trail. Special events like Just For Kids: Storytime in the Desert, Movie Night in the Park, Wildlife Safari and more make Usery Park a family favorite. The most popular feature of the park is the Wind Cave Trail, which leads to the hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. Open daily. 6am-8pm (Sun-Thur), 6am-10pm (Fri-Sat). $6/vehicle. 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa. 480-984-0032 or maricopa.gov/parks.
Omkar Bharath (8), of Scottsdale, pets a native desert lizard during an exhibit called the Sonoran Sunday Series at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale.