Desert Classic - Marcos de Niza Loop

This hike is located south of Phoenix in South Mountain Park and Preserve. There is full exposure to the sun through the entire hike and there area gets very hot.  Best time to hike is early morning.

The trail starts from the parking lot at the end of E. Pima Canyon rd.  Hiking clockwise, follow the Desert Classic trail. The first mile is flat and borders a residential community.  After 1.5 miles, the Desert Classic trail ends at a junction with the Chihuahua Ridge trail on the right and the Secret Trail on the left.  Take the Chihuahua Ridge trail.  This trail climbs up along a narrow ridge with great views of the surrounding area.

At the top of the ridge, the Chihuahua Ridge trail ends at the junction with the Scott Ridge trail.  Turn right and follow Scott Ridge up and down several small hills. The Scott Ridge trail becomes the Marcos De Niza trail after crossing the Beverly Canyon Trail.  The trail climbs to a final high point with great views of Phoenix then descends switchbacks to the parking lot.

Bring plenty of water and hike in the morning