The best way to witness Arizona’s unrivaled beauty is by lacing up your hiking boots and getting out there. Here’s a short, easy trail that offers some spectacular views.

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is just 20 minutes from Phoenix, and offers several hiking trails.

Gina Adair/Alltrails One of the easiest trails is the Piestewa Peak Nature Trail.

At just 1.3 miles long and with an elevation climb of only 180 feet, this trail is rated easy to moderate.

Gina Adair/Alltrails Start your hike at the 304 trailhead, then watch for signs that direct you onto the nature trail.

This trail offers some of Arizona’s most scenic desert beauty, from the plant life…

Gina Adair/Alltrails

…to the interesting rock formations you’ll see along the way.

danny flynn/Alltrails

In the spring months, desert wildflowers bloom all along the trail.

Gina Adair/Alltrails Spring is the best time to take this hike. Temperatures are lower, and it’s much more comfortable to hike in mild weather.

For an added challenge, take one of the many spurs that are much steeper, but provide even more stunning views of the valley below.

Kerry Nowaldy Mathews/Alltrails

The nature trail has plenty of spectacular views without all the work, though. In many places along the loop, you’ll see the city off in the distance.

danny flynn/Alltrails

This hiking trail is truly magnificent at every time of day, but if you can time your visit around sunrise or sunset, it’s even more beautiful.

Kerry Nowaldy Mathews/Alltrails

What are you waiting for? Lace up your hiking boots and explore the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Doreen Pollack/Alltrails To see a map and descriptions of the hiking trails, click here.

Ready for some more outdoor fun? Check out these eight hiking trails that are all under three miles.

Gina Adair/Alltrails

One of the easiest trails is the Piestewa Peak Nature Trail.

Start your hike at the 304 trailhead, then watch for signs that direct you onto the nature trail.

danny flynn/Alltrails

Spring is the best time to take this hike. Temperatures are lower, and it’s much more comfortable to hike in mild weather.

Kerry Nowaldy Mathews/Alltrails

Doreen Pollack/Alltrails

To see a map and descriptions of the hiking trails, click here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.