Respect the heat. Respect the wildlife. And you will enjoy desert beauty at its awe-inspiring splendor.
The views here are incredibly breathtaking and especially at sunset!! Had the pleasure of having a catered dinner at sunset on the side of the mountain flown in by helicopter: gorgeous plus the helicopter ride was flying carpet ride fun. The hikes are a true workout. Read other reviews as my fellow YELPers have done a fabulous job of explaining Echo Canyon & Cholla Trail hiking path.
Even in cooler weather but especially in 100+ degrees; hydrate, hydrate with water & drinks with electrolytes. Heat puts us (especially 110+ or less degrees) & dogs (esp 100+ or less) at risk for heat related distress, illness & death from heat exhaustion: hydrate & turn around if water is half way gone.
Most of the year; metropolitan Phoenix area has amazingly gorgeous weather but our summers' has a different kind of beauty. A good portion of Arizona is considered a desert. A few of our AZ mountains with great hiking trails are in the heart of metropolitan Phoenix area and can mislead you into a false sense of security and safety: please use common sense & check our local forecast. Also, please be aware of your surroundings as we have natural wildlife like coyotes, rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters & etc. We have these wildlife in the heart of our cities on these mountain reserves & some backyards haha. They are beautiful in their own ways but give them a respectable distance.
Phoenix Parks & Recreation does an amazing job keeping our parks & hiking trails clean & beautiful. Also, if you can, pick up litter along the way by bringing a bag with you.