Beat the heat with a guided sunrise or sunset hike on South Mountain. In 2–3 hours you’ll cover roughly 5 miles of desert ridgeline with city views, petroglyphs, and guided natural-history interpretation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before the sun clears the rim of the valley or just as it slips below it, the Sonoran Desert shifts: creosote breathes, cool air tightens around your jacket, and the city of Phoenix glitters far below. This guided 2–3 hour hike on South Mountain follows trails that rise from a broad desert wash into rocky ridgelines, offering both intimate plant-study stops and wide, city-facing panoramas.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate aerobic fitness; comfortable walking on uneven ground and handling short steep sections.
Wildlife
History
South Mountain preserves trails and rock art used over centuries by Indigenous peoples and later ranchers; the park is now one of the largest municipal preserves in the U.S.
Conservation
Stay on marked trails and pack out all trash; the Sonoran Desert’s slow-growing vegetation and fragile soils recover slowly from disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Guided Desert Sunrise or Evening/Sunset 2-Hour Hike at South Mtn today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate before and during the hike
Start with at least 16–20 oz (500–700 ml) of water and carry an additional 1–2 liters—desert air dehydrates quickly even at dawn or dusk.
Wear ankle-supportive footwear
Trails include rocky, loose sections and short steep pitches; lightweight hiking boots or trail runners with support reduce rollover risk.
Bring a headlamp for low-light sections
Even with moonlight, narrow or shaded stretches can be dark—headlamps keep your hands free and improve footing.
Let the guide know your preferred pace
Routes are customizable; mention mobility limits or a desire for an easier route when booking so the guide can adapt the itinerary.
Hiking boots or sturdy trail runners
Provide traction and ankle support on rocky desert terrain.
Headlamp or reliable flashlight
Necessary for pre-dawn or post-sunset timing and low-light trail sections.
1–2 liters of water or hydration bladder
Extra water is crucial in the dry Sonoran air even for short hikes.
summer
Light layer or windbreaker
Desert evenings and winter mornings can be cool—bring a warm layer for comfort.
winter