Great hiking area with beautiful views all around! The trailhead starts right at the base of the mountain - don't be misled by Google Maps - just drive straight up the road leading to the mountain ahead. Once here there are several routes you can take varying from easy to challenging. Most importantly, please wear appropriate footwear!! I saw an older guy wearing Crocs without the back supports going up the path and he nearly toppled backwards several times. I was very worried for his well-being - this path really requires socks and shoes. Of note, depending on when you go and which direction you choose to go in, one side of the mountain has no relief from the sun - it is hot! The other side is shaded and pleasant. Whichever route you take, make sure to bring liquids to hydrate and know your limit. You can always get to a lower elevation and walk around the mountain if it gets too steep. read more

Beautiful and simple hike that will take you to a half way mid point, then you can keep going to the top. Lovely local hike with good views. Going up can be rocky, not a smooth path. read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Views from half way - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Lookout Mountain is great for a quick local hike. There's several easy trails that circle the mountain and then a way to climb to the peak, which I haven't tried yet, but didn't look too hard. There's a clearing near the top to the north, where you can see as far as Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Deer Valley, and then all the way to the west valley too. Right now after monsoon season, there's a lot of green and lots of butterflies. read more

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I forgot I had been to this mountain with my boba sistah years ago, and we didn't have the best experience due to the lack of trail markers and other factors. However I was looking for a hike to do late afternoon and this spot was on my way home. This time I parked in the lot off of 16th st south of Greenway and there were plenty of spots available. The weather was nice, not too hot with a steady breeze, so I knew I'd be okay hiking while fasting (know your limits!) I decided to do the 308 trail since it loops, I love a good loop. I went counterclockwise and followed the markers. I had my Strava app to keep me on trail since there are many forks along the way. I did one loop and it was short enough that I did another one, this time scaling a summit and taking a shorter way back. Overall my hike ended up being about 7.3k (~4.5 miles) which is just the distance I was aiming for. I enjoyed my hike this time and passed a few people on the trail, not too many. Certain parts of the trail provide a view of people's backyards which I find amusing. Now that I've been here a second time, I can appreciate that this mountain has options for crating shorter or longer hikes, depending on time and level of difficulty. The views were nice and I will always be a fan of mountains and hiking. read more

Park rangers closes gate b4 time which is 7:00 pm However she closes gate @ 6;00 pm smh And Very rude & unprofessional!

I love this hike...it's short, sweet and to the point....of a summit! I used to work in this area, so used this hike as my workout, since it totally beats the scenery at the gym. It's about a 500 ft climb to the top, where you have awesome views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's a short trail to the summit, about .9 miles out and back, but It's steep, which gives you a great workout. There's a lot of parking right off of 16th street and Greenway. You can take some other trails around the park as well, if you want to do some more hiking. Overall, this hike is easy to get to, offers excellent views and a great workout! read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Lookout Mountain Preserve is a good place to enjoy a really nice evening (or morning) hike.  You'll pass through some lovely landscape, and you might even get to see Wile E. Coyote's nemesis ;-) Tip: There lots of easy parking here, and it's a good place to take visitors if you want to show them so nice views. Once you hike up a short ascent, you'll be rewarded with your choice of several vantage points where you can look out at downtown Phoenix, Four Peaks, and/or the U of P Stadium.  If you're not used to climbing take your time going up the hill, and remember to bring water! read more

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Watching the sunset here is consistently stunning, no matter the vantage point. The recent weeks have taken a toll on some trails, as they have been heavily eroded and are now filled with sharp rocks instead of the usual dirt covering. read more

Beautiful views from the top! When the trail ends you have to do a little climbing to get to the top so hiking shoes or boots are needed in my opinion. I would recommend read more

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this place is not real. I drove all the way out here to see a gorg mountain and they lied to me it's not real this is fake

So many trails! Heed the posted sign about bringing some water and not overstepping your personal abilities. Parts of the trails we followed were quite steep and rocky. It's a great place to enjoy the view and get some steps. There are also trails for all levels, so even if you can't make it all the way to the summit, you'll still find something interesting. Bottom line: Water at all times of the year and bring your phone for that awesome mid-hike selfie. read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - The making of the perfect hike picture: Moody clouds, suburbs, and mountains in the distance. - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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My hiking buddy and froyo+boba sistah said after this hike "Yeah I wasn't feelin' this trail" and I'm inclined to agree. The trails fork off into various paths but aren't marked all the time so we got sidetracked (Sidetrailed?) a few times. We passed a hiker who warned us about bees right next to the trail as she was cleaning off a nasty looking bee sting she got on her ankle. As we walked by very carefully we could hear a cacophony of buzzing very close by, yikes! It was a warm sunny day so I actually got heat exhaustion on the trail we went on (308) so I had to squat in the shade of a shrubby bush halfway through to rest for a few minutes lol. I think had it not been for the warmer temperature I'd have been OK so make sure you're well hydrated both before and during your hike. Overall we traversed a little over 3 miles going up and down the mountain. There are some nice views of the city and of the lavish houses in the area. Aside from those boisterous bees I heard a bird chirping whose sound I have never heard before so that was cool. Also be aware that there are a few cacti jutting out right next to the trails so don't get spiked! I said to my husband afterwards "I don't think I could go hiking by myself since I'd easily get lost on those trails" and he immediately said "Yes, don't you will DIE." lol well OK alrighty then! Details: - 308 is a loop trail which intersects with trail 150 - Spacious parking lot with restroom and playground in the vicinity - Stats from Hikingproject.com: - Elevation 1,684' High 1,518' Low - 330' Up - 327' Down - 5% Avg Grade (3°) - 22% Max Grade (13°) read more

PRO TIP: Park on Coral Gables and start hiking from there, off 7th Street. Although this is not super scenic, this is my favorite hike in Phoenix! No crowds and there is always parking. There are several different trails to choose from, so you could go for a quick 20-minute hike, or 90 minutes. The climb to the top is pretty fun because you also have to use your hands, no gloves are need, but you could break a nail. Bring water (hydration) and depending on the time of the year make sure you apply UV protection. read more

New favorite hiking spot! Fairly large parking lot. There is a cul-de-sac but no parking signs posted. Trail is only a mile to the summit and back but there is a moderate amount of elevation gain. I think ~ 500 feet. Spectacular views of the north, east, and south mountains around the city. This short hike is strenuous only in spots but is otherwise fairly easy. The path to the summit does flatten out but can be a bit challenging to get to if you're new to hiking like I am (not many mountains in Wisconsin). The trail was very rocky and not very well maintained and not very well marked but easy enough to figure out. We went on a Sunday and we only saw a handful of other couples. Do not skip or overlook this spot! read more

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Yes, Lookout may be a contender for easiest trails in town, but that's OK. We're not always going hiking for the sake of a thorough workout. My friends scoff at this notion, but they are going to be the next Aron Ralston, and I am going to just be at peace with the world for at least one hour at a time. All appendages attached. Rain in the desert leaves a sort of imprint on the hills and valleys that it doesn't in the streets. After the wettest October of my lifetime, the mountain remained green. I spied a lone flower. Families of quails were running freely. Had I just awaken from a coma, I might have mistaken it for early April. Like I had just awaken from a slumber, I turned to the sun with my arms outstretched. I had a modest view of north Phoenix, unencumbered by the incessant haze of choking pollutants. I needed this. Moving forward, I'll bring more newcomers here for sure. It's a great way to calibrate your skill level before going elsewhere. Just keep your feet sure and your water bottle full, and you'll have fun here without any problems. read more

I'm guessing Paul McCartney was singing about Lookout Mountain when he serenaded us with, "the long and winding road, that leads me to your summit". Well, it seems that The Walrus had a flair for exaggeration. While the path was truly winding, it really wasn't that long. Total time up and back was 29:18. Pretty easy hike. This was my first of four mountains, one Saturday in April. read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Lookout Mountain summit facing south - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We had such a great experience at Lookout Mountain Preserve. It was our first time in Phoenix and we wanted to get a good view of the mountains. This location was perfect because it was close to our hotel and easily accessible. The area provided plenty of parking, picnic areas with grills, and clean restrooms. We can't wait for our next visit to Phoenix, so we can enjoy a day at Lookout Mountain Preserve. read more

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I could hike this on the daily. Not too easy, not too hard. If I don't have my 4 year old with me to point out the lizards and tree roots and pet all the dogs, then I could get up and down in about 30 minutes. Sections are a bit climby, which is nice for such a small hike. No issue with parking, even though the lot is small. Everything is kept clean. Makes for a beautiful spot to watch the sun rise and set. read more

Easy drive up the mountain, gorgeous views. If going for sunset get there early as lot parking is sparse.

Views are insane, from the moment you park, you can see down 16th st and at the top you can see even downtown! you unfortunately can't see sky harbor but it is a very nice mountain. just very scary at night due to coyotes read more

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Saw my first live diamond back rattle snake here. Gorgeous sunsets and sun rises. Not a huge area but good enough to work up a sweat. Trails around the base are easier. Great for all skill levels. read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is a nice mountain park if you're in the mood for quick easy hike without many strings attached. There are several trails, but of course my favorite is the one that summits the peak, which lies about 400ft above most of the trailheads. Experienced hikers could probably make the summit in 20min. There is not a great deal of parking available at the 16th St trailhead, which may be an issue depending what time you arrive, however, in my experience, I've never seen it full as I usually go at off-peak times. If you live in north Phoenix and want an easy way to get a quick workout and enjoy the desert, give this park a look! read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - View looking south from the summit - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

It's a city hike, or walk. In the distance you can see some beautiful Mountain View's. Up close you'll see the backyards that back up to the mountain. While on our hike I did see a few different bird species. I loved that about our walk. I would rate this as a easy hike. It's about 3 miles total. The parking lot is small, and there are no facilities available. Bring water, and your binoculars! read more

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I have lived in Phoenix my entire life, and for some reason I never knew about Lookout Mountain. I guess I had heard the name, and definitely knew the area, but it never occurred to me that there were hiking trails there. It wasn't until my Dad told me about his recent hike up the Summit Trail, that I realized what a hidden gem Lookout Mountain was. The Preserve is a great location for North Phoenix residents who'd like a moderately easy hike that offers a great 360 degree view of the city. You can see skyscrapers from downtown (preferably a better view when the brown cloud isn't so distracting) and even a view of the Cardinal's stadium in Glendale. The hike itself isn't too difficult. It's a quick and steep hike to the top -- only a little more than 1/2 mile, but much easier than Piestewa Peak and definitely easier than Camelback Mnt. The Summit Trail is rocky and not much to see as far as vegetation and scenery, but once you make it to the top, the view is wonderful. The elevation is about 2,000, which is comparable to the other major mountains in Phoenix. And, if you'd like a more leisurely hike, there are plenty of other trails in the Preserve area to enjoy. Overall, I'd say Lookout Mountain Preserve is another fantastic hiking choice for taking kids, dogs, or visitors to so they can enjoy the weather and scenery that Phoenix offers. read more

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The lack of available lot parking overshadowed our visit to attend a memorial service at the preserve. We had to park down the hill (past all of the no parking signs) in the residential area and then hoof back up - just annoying to be late when we had allotted plenty of time. I consider this one a miss for the city of Phoenix. read more

The gates for Lookout Mountain Preserve will now be open only from 5 am to 7 pm, starting April 5, 2010 (http://static1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/RnUVZkcNp8XMys8ymKrkGQ/l). But at least they're not closing the preserve, so we can continue to enjoy this gem of a city mountain park. It's still one of my favorite city mountains for hiking because it remains uncrowded. read more

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There are swing sets for babies, monkey bars and a few covered picnic tables. What we really enjoyed was the handful of pieces of workout equipment designed for teenagers and adults. We found a leg press and arm press. Public restrooms with toilet paper and running water were available. No soap. It was as clean as expected for a public park's restroom. The park is surprisingly pretty for the Phoenix desert. read more

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Looooved this hike! Preggo friend wanted to go for a hike but seeing as she's extra delicate right now we didn't want to have to deliver her baby on Camelback so we decided to find something a bit easier. This one seemed to be a good option plus it was closer to us than some other ones. First of all the parking situation is MUCH better than Camelback. Even though the lot at the direct base of the trail was full, you can park within about 1/4 mile of it rather than 2 miles down the road. The hike itself looked to not be too high so perfect for what we were looking for. Once we got started it was a bit tougher than we originally thought just due to the loose, rocky trail and steep incline but still definitely doable. The view at the top is awesome because you get a 360 of the whole valley and can even see downtown Phoenix in the distance. We made it up and back down in probably about an hour and that was at a leisurely pace. I would say this is the perfect trail for people who want a hike that's semi-difficult but not something you dread doing. We're already planning on doing it again next week! read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - View of downtown Phoenix from the top - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Perfect for the dog & I! There are so many different Trails that you don't have to always go to the Top. But when you do it's fabulous!! Everyone's friendly and even the out if shaper Can do it!! read more

I love this hike! It is long but you have options, you can take a shorter route or turn around sooner and the views are spectacular. The paths are a bit rough and rocky so I would NOT recommend it for beginners. However kids seem to be the ones running up or down! It can be a bit bust but it's not as bad as camelback mountain. Dog friendly, if you don't want to see a dog, don't go. If you have a small dog though, they could tire out. read more

Great for a quick hike, the views are amazing. You can continuously climb up over the rocks, and the higher you go, the better the view. I see a lot of families taking this hike together with their kids. Even though part of this climb feels like its a direct incline, my 4.5 pound puppy was able to do it. I'm definitely coming back to this one, especially since its so close to my house! The parking can be difficult, but other reviewers are right, its not as difficult as camelback parking. I also like that is less crowded than camelback. read more

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I will rate this according to Phx metro area hikes. Not a South mountain park by any means but a nice simple hike to the top or around the small mountain. In a hurry but looking to get off the pavement. Here it is. read more

Made my way out here with my dog today.. Im a northeast native so Im used to hiking in NY, NJ and PA. Im definitely an outdoor enthusiast and am in PHX for the spring and want to take it all i while Im here. Now I like shade and trees.. but I knew I wasnt getting that.. A windy day and 65 degrees was enough to get me out of the house. I enjoyed this hike for the most part, the views at the peak are very nice..however its far from ideal for your dog. and definitely a dog under 20 pounds. Also not ideal for most kids, its just a very rocky trail, especially going down. Id recommend having hiking shoes, but definitely give this hike a shot! read more

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As a newbie to Phoenix I was very interested in going on one of the highly spoken of mountain hikes everyone raves about. But as someone who is afraid of "falls from great heights", I wasn't all that enthusiastic about the climb. Lookout Mountain Preserve comes through giving an authentic hiking experience without trigger anxiety. There are various trails that wind all around the mountain, and several summits to crest for a Top of The World take of the Greater Phoenix area. The difficulty could be described as moderate in some areas, with resting points along the way to catch your breath. Best time to go is before or after the sun is at its peak, and DO NOT forget to bring plenty of water and apply sunscreen. In short, it's a great primer what takes thirty to forty minutes at the most to complete. read more

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This gem is a great piece of wide open space for North Valley residents or visitors alike. Trails are well marked, the routes are not especially difficult, and there are several points and lookouts in addition to the mainstream summit. I like to park at the traffic circle edge on the West side of the Park, where Eastbound Coral Gable dead ends & turns South on 12th. There are no Gates to lock your car in and the homes make it a safe area. read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Excellent variety of trails. Easy/moderate climbs to three summits and the circumferential trails are in such good shape I was able to run them. I parked on the street near Coral Gables and 7th Street. Four stars since there are no facilities. Great area though! read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Middle summit of Lookout Mountain Preserve - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Well marked trails, clean and tidy. The circumference loop and summit climb are both a great workout and give nice quiet views of the surrounding neighborhoods. read more

Lookout Mountain Preserve - Summit view - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Love this trail! It's not crowded, views are great at this time of the year, plenty trails to choose from, decent amount of parking, about ~15-20 spots, didn't have trouble finding parking yet. There are two major trails, 328 which is easy/moderate and 150 which is moderate/hard. 328 branches off into a lot of different paths and loops around, pretty flat most of the way; whereas 150 is almost one way straight up hike to the summit and is a great workout. I love climbing to the top and running my way down, a great cardio workout and enjoy the beautiful views of course! I wouldn't recommend it if you have bad knees because some parts do have an incline. I started hiking as a beginner with 328 and it provides great views and a lot of paths like I mentioned before so you won't get bored easily. The trails are pet friendly. Have a great hike! read more

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Hint: Park on Coral Gables and start hiking from there, off 7th Street. This is my favorite hike in Phoenix! No crowds and there is always parking. There are several different trails to choose from, so you could go for a quick 20-minute hike or 90 minutes. The climb to the top is pretty fun because you also have to use your hands. I've seen people rock climb here, too, which is cool. I like bouldering when I get the chance. read more

The summit trail has always been one of my favorite hikes in the Phoenix area. Offering beautiful views of all of the surrounding mountains as well as the skyscrapers of downtown. It's somewhat challenging, but only takes about 15 minutes to reach the summit. The parking lot south of Greenway on 16th St is relatively small, but no worries about finding a spot to park your car. The mountain isn't used and abused like it's cousins to the southwest(Camelback, Squaw Peak). So not only do you not have to fight for a parking spot, you don't have to worry about people getting in your path on the way up or down. Quite peaceful if you ask me! I only hope that it stays this way as the Phoenx metro area gets larger and more spread out. read more