Finally doing a review of my home away from home (At least when it's cooler than 95 degrees)! I'm not a hike with the rest of Phoenix kinda guy, so you won't find me on Camelback Mtn or South Mtn. Phoenix Mountain Preserve has trails that snake all over the place. Mix up the trails for longer runs or steeper treks. I am addicted to this crazy wild area of Phoenix. I love the fact that I can run right from my house and be in the thick of dust, cactus and reptiles in just a couple minutes. Now I would suggest pulling up some trail guides to figure out what loop would be best for you. Just know that not all the trails appear on these guides. Use the Mountains (or as I call them hills) as your guide. I learned my favorite trails just by trial and error. Word of caution, when you are going with the trial and error, know that when you are on the less traveled trails you will hear or run into some rattlers. My suggestion, and I wouldn't go by it, is to turn your music up loud enough so you don't hear them. The busiest trail is the one off of 32nd st. and Lincoln. Most people just go to the top of the peak and then turn around. Be adventurous and try the loop back to the 202! Well worth the 5 mile trek/run!! I didn't think I would like Phoenix when I moved from San Diego about 5 years ago, but I have to say my love of the Ocean has been able to transform into my love of the desert. Get your ass out there on these trails, you'll love it! If you get bit by a rattler sorry for the bad advice!
**Oh shit, forgot about the Tarantula Hawk! I had one land on me and I damn near fell off the trail. There is one thing that freaks me out here, these damn things are the size of a hummingbird and have the most painful sting in the world. No BS!! Thanks for the reminder Joyce!! Enjoy the trail!!