North Mountain

North Mountain, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is a prominent feature of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, offering visitors an accessible and scenic escape into the desert landscape. Standing at 2,104 feet, North Mountain is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor recreation within the city limits. Its convenient location and well-maintained trails make it a go-to spot for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

For hikers that want an amazing summit along with some extra miles, hikers should park at the 7th Street Trailhead and the North Mountain Visitor Center.  There is plenty of parking as well as potable water and restrooms.  Hikers will start out on trail #100 and the trail will follow for 0.7 miles until the intersection with trail 101 where hikers will follow until they reach the summit. From this point hikers will climb roughly 600ft to the summit.  This portion of the trail is enclosed by the surrounding mountains making hikers feel like they are in the middle of the wilderness even though they are less than a mile from a road.  This unique experience is why the preserve is such a great place to enjoy a hike.  

Prior to reaching the summit hikers will intersect with the paved trail that will take hikers the last half mile to the summit.  Once hikers reach the paved trail it becomes significantly more crowded but the trail is wide so it is manageable. Once hikers reach the summit they can enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.  When hikers are ready to return to the trailhead they will return the way that they came and enjoy the descent to the trailhead. This trail offers a variety of views and experiences along the 3.7mi route to the summit.