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Quartz Ridge Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

4.5/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

2.29 miles

Elevation Gain

509 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Nick Tort

The Quartz Ridge Trail is a great alternative starting point to access the spiderweb-like trail system of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It can be done as a sole act or combined with many intersecting trails to customize your adventure.

Quartz Ridge in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (also known as Trail 8A) is a great escape getaway trail that can be done as a single track or combined with many intersecting trails. It is a very popular trail for hikers, trail runners, pet walkers, sky gawkers and more!

The trailhead sits in a small cul-de-sac where 32nd St dead ends at the intersection of Lincoln Drive. It is a very small parking lot, so plan ahead and arrive early - especially for sunrise and sunset jaunts. Be careful parking across the street in the shopping center, as there are signs everywhere warning against hiker parking (pick up a water or snack before the hike and now you're an official customer!).

The classic Quartz Ridge hike is a straight forward out-and-back 2.2 mile hike, that meanders it's way through the beautiful Sonoran desert, littered with quartz all around you and giant granite boulders. Around each corner, you will constantly be rewarded with ever-changing views of the city and surrounding mountains (Camelback, South Mountain, Papago Park). You will be gaining 415 ft, so it's enough to get the heart pumping, definitely doable as a run for the more fit, and easy enough to bring along the out-of-towners!

The trail itself glides gently into the hike along the west side of a wash. At .2 miles you reach a junction with Trail 200 (Mojave Trail) which veers to the left. Around .7 miles, the trail narrows and you begin your climb. There are a few switchbacks and a moderate climb to a saddle at 1.1 miles. This is the official saddle of Quartz Ridge and the turnaround point for the out-and-back. From here, you may also connect to a few trails and make the adventure your own.

It's a beautiful scene at the saddle, tucked away from the bustling city that surrounds you and a bench to soak it all in.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Scenic
ADA Accessible

Reviews

A good easier option to Piestewa Peak. I hadn’t hiked in a while and it was a great tune up

Fun hike with great views; a great option when Piestewa Peak is too crowded. There are lots of species of cacti and the change in terrain is fun. You can even get in a little bouldering near the start of the trail.

Beautiful, well groomed, and interesting hike with easy access/parking.

A nice easy / medium hike. There are many trails that stem off from the main path which are fun to explore!

Not too easy, not too hard. Parking can be a pain during the busier hours but the views are golden

This really is one of the better options for urban hikes. It's in the heart of the city and it's one of the lesser traveled hikes in this range.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mojave Connector Trail #202

Freedom Trail Loop

Piestewa Peak Summit

Mojave Trail #200

Climb the Praying Monk

Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain