Hikes and trails without a car

Question

Hello TAers,

I'll be in Phoenix towards the end of September. I won't have a car and want to do some hikes while I'm there.

I'd love to get to South Mountain Park, Camelback, and any other trails that are not too far away from town. I'm an experienced hiker and will plan to go early morning before it gets too hot.

Can anyone advise which ones may be doable via bus/public transport? I can see there are tour operators who also arrange transfers and hikes, but I'm keen to do what ever I can without paying for a tour.

Thank you in advance,

- K

Answer

Phoenix has a number of excellent hiking options, but getting to many of the popular trails without a car can be challenging because public transit coverage is limited. That said, there are a few options accessible by bus, bike, or short rideshare connections.

For experienced hikers planning early morning hikes to avoid heat, the following considerations may help:

South Mountain Park: This is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Some trailheads, like the Desert Vista or Mormon Trailhead, are reachable by Valley Metro bus with a short walk, but the walk may be uphill and long with gear. Alternatively, a short Uber/Lyft from a central bus stop makes access much easier.
Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails): These trails are in central Phoenix and Scottsdale, but bus routes don’t go directly to the trailheads. The nearest bus stops are still 1–2 miles away, so a short rideshare is usually needed. Early morning arrival is important as parking is very limited and the trails get busy quickly.
Piestewa Peak (Squaw Peak): Another accessible peak in Phoenix. Similar to Camelback, it’s not directly on a bus line, but you can take a bus partway and then walk or rideshare the rest.

Other strategies to consider:

Use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to connect from a bus stop or your accommodation to the trailheads. This is often faster and safer than walking long distances with hiking gear in the early morning dark.
Some hotels and hostels may offer shuttle services or can advise on the best combination of bus and rideshare to reach popular trails.
For a “car-free” day hike experience, consider shorter urban trails like the Papago Park trails near Tempe, which are closer to public transit stops.
Plan to start very early, ideally before sunrise, to avoid both heat and crowds. Many bus schedules may be limited in the early morning, so check times carefully.

In summary, while South Mountain, Camelback, and Piestewa Peak are doable without a car, you will likely need to combine public transit with a short rideshare to reach trailheads conveniently. For fully self-contained access, trails like Papago Park or the Arizona Canal Trail are better suited for pure bus-only hikes.

Hikes and trails without a car

More Phoenix Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions