Circumference/Freedom Trail

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 3.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 1434 - 2081 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 2 hrs. 30 mins.
Trailhead: Hopi or Apache
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic desert

The Circumference/Freedom Trail is located in the Piestewa Peak/Dreamy Draw section of the Phoenix Mountains Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The trail begins along Squaw Peak Drive and makes a loop around Piestewa Peak. Note that while the trail is open to dogs, mountain bikes and horseback riding the portion of the route that is shared with the Summit trail is only open to hiking. Riders and people with dogs would have to turn back at that point.

Catalina Nature Trail

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 2705 - 2789 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 45 mins.
Trailhead: Catalina State Park
Fee: $7/vehicle
Attractions: Desert ecosystem

The Catalina Nature Trail is located in the Catalina State Park north of Tucson, Arizona. The trail climbs a small hill above the trailhead and makes a loop around the mesa before returning to the trailhead. The Nature Trail provides a relaxing educational experience in an outdoor setting where hikers can learn about the local desert ecosystem.

Dreamy Draw Nature Trail

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 1402 - 1555 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 1 hrs. 15 mins.
Trailhead: 2421 E. Northern Ave.
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic geology

The Dreamy Draw Nature Trail is located in the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. The metamorphic type of granite geology that is common in the area coupled with a thriving desert flora makes Dreamy Draw popular with hikers and trail runners seeking exercise and their own communion with nature.

Penny Howe Trail

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 1395 - 1424 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: 10600 N. 7th St.
Fee: none
Attractions: Wheelchair accessible interpretive trail

The Penny Howe trail is located in the North Mountain District of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. The barrier free trail loops through the North Mountain Park Picnic Area nestled at the base of North Mountain. The Penny Howe trail is an easy, family friendly, hike situated in a desert environment. The parks hours of operation are from 5am to 7pm.