How to Hike Union Hills in Phoenix

Union Hills in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the city’s most accessible yet underappreciated natural escapes. Nestled in the northwest valley, this lesser-known trail system offers panoramic views of the Salt River Valley, rugged desert terrain, and a rare blend of solitude and convenience—just minutes from urban centers. Unlike the more crowded trails of Camelback Mountain or South Mountain, Union Hills provides a quiet, authentic desert hiking experience without the crowds, making it ideal for beginners, seasoned hikers, and photographers seeking unspoiled vistas.

Despite its proximity to downtown Phoenix, Union Hills remains relatively unknown to many locals, largely due to its informal trail network and lack of official signage. This guide is designed to demystify the experience—offering a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to safely and successfully hike Union Hills. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, capture sunrise over the McDowell Mountains, or simply enjoy a peaceful morning among saguaros and creosote bushes, this tutorial will equip you with everything you need to know.

Understanding how to hike Union Hills isn’t just about following a path—it’s about respecting the desert ecosystem, preparing for extreme temperatures, navigating without traditional markers, and appreciating the quiet beauty of Arizona’s high desert. This guide blends practical advice, local insight, and environmental awareness to ensure your hike is not only safe but deeply rewarding.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Location and Trailhead Access

Union Hills is not a single trail with a clearly marked entrance—it’s a network of informal dirt paths crisscrossing a 400-acre desert ridge northwest of Phoenix. The most commonly used trailhead is located near the intersection of 35th Avenue and Union Hills Drive, just south of the Union Hills Golf Course. To find it, use GPS coordinates: 33.5756° N, 112.1087° W.

There is no official parking lot, but there is a wide shoulder along Union Hills Drive where you can safely pull over. Avoid blocking driveways or gates. Park perpendicular to the road to maximize space and visibility. Be aware that the area is not monitored, so lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables visible.

Before heading out, verify road conditions using Google Maps or Waze. While Union Hills Drive is paved, the last 0.3 miles may be rougher due to erosion and occasional flooding. A standard passenger car can make it, but high-clearance vehicles are preferable after heavy rain.

2. Choose the Right Time of Day

Timing is everything when hiking in the Phoenix desert. The temperature can exceed 110°F (43°C) by mid-morning during summer months. The safest and most enjoyable hiking window is between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. from April through October. In winter (November–February), you can extend your window to 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., but mornings remain cooler and more comfortable.

Never hike Union Hills after sunset unless you are experienced with night navigation and have proper lighting. The trail lacks markers, and the terrain becomes hazardous without natural light. Even during cooler months, temperatures drop sharply after dusk, increasing the risk of hypothermia if caught unprepared.

3. Prepare Your Gear

Minimalist gear is sufficient for Union Hills, but every item matters in the desert. Here’s a non-negotiable checklist:

• At least 2 liters of water per person—even on short hikes, dehydration can occur rapidly. Consider an electrolyte mix or salt tablets.
• Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses—the desert sun reflects off sand and rock, intensifying exposure.
• Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing—long sleeves and pants made of breathable fabric protect against sunburn and cactus spines.
• Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes—avoid sandals or sneakers with thin soles. The terrain includes sharp volcanic rock, loose scree, and hidden cactus roots.
• Small daypack—to carry water, phone, sunscreen, and a lightweight emergency blanket.
• Full phone charge and offline maps—download the trail area on Gaia GPS or AllTrails before you leave. Cell service is unreliable.
• Whistle and small first-aid kit—include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for cactus spine removal.

Do not rely on trail markers. There are none. Your navigation tools and situational awareness are your only guides.

4. Start Your Hike: Navigating the Trail Network

Upon exiting your vehicle, you’ll see a faint, wide path heading uphill directly east from the roadside. This is the primary route. It’s not a formal trail, but it’s the most traveled. Follow this path as it climbs gently for about 0.2 miles until it reaches a small ridge with a sweeping view of the West Valley.

At this point, you’ll encounter multiple branching paths. There is no “correct” route—this is part of the charm. Here are three common options:

• The Ridge Route: Continue straight along the crest of the hill. This path offers the most consistent elevation and 360-degree views. It’s the most popular for photography and sunrise viewing.
• The Western Loop: Turn left at the ridge and follow a fainter path descending slightly into a wash. This route loops back toward the trailhead and adds about 0.8 miles to your hike. It’s ideal for those seeking a longer, more varied terrain.
• The Northern Ascent: Head right and climb toward the highest point on Union Hills (approximately 1,650 feet above sea level). This is the most strenuous option and requires scrambling over loose rock. Only attempt if you’re confident in your balance and footing.

Regardless of your chosen route, always keep the golf course and Union Hills Drive in sight to the south. This will help you maintain orientation. The desert can feel disorienting, especially when shadows shift with the sun.

5. Monitor Your Pace and Environment

Union Hills is not a race. The terrain is uneven, and the heat is relentless. Walk at a pace where you can speak in full sentences without gasping. Take frequent breaks in shaded areas—look for clusters of palo verde trees or large boulders that cast shadows.

Watch for wildlife. Gila monsters are rare but present; if you see one, give it space. Snakes, particularly sidewinders and rattlesnakes, are more common in spring and fall. Listen for the distinctive rattle and freeze until you can safely identify the source. Never step where you can’t see. Always use a walking stick to probe ahead in tall grass or rocky crevices.

Watch your footing. The ground is covered in “desert pavement”—a layer of tightly packed stones that conceal smaller rocks and holes beneath. A misstep can lead to ankle sprains. Keep your eyes on the trail, not just the view.

6. Summit and Enjoy the View

Most hikers reach the highest accessible point within 45–60 minutes. From there, you’ll see:

• The entire Phoenix metro area stretching to the southeast
• The McDowell Mountains to the northeast
• The White Tank Mountains to the west
• The Salt River and the distant Superstition Mountains on clear days

This is an ideal spot for photography. The golden hour—just after sunrise—casts long shadows across the desert, highlighting the textures of the saguaros and rock formations. Bring a tripod if you plan to shoot long exposures.

Resist the urge to climb on rocks or disturb vegetation. The desert ecosystem grows slowly and is easily damaged. Take only photos, leave only footprints.

7. Return Safely

Plan your return before you summit. Use your GPS or mental landmarks to retrace your steps. Do not attempt to “cut across” the desert to find a shortcut—you may enter private property or sink into unstable washes.

As you descend, the sun will be higher and hotter. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration sneaks up quickly. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or your skin feels hot and dry, stop immediately. Find shade, cool your neck and wrists with water, and rest until symptoms pass.

Once back at your vehicle, rehydrate fully. Avoid alcohol or caffeine immediately after your hike—they accelerate dehydration.

Best Practices

1. Always Hike with a Buddy

While Union Hills is low-risk compared to other Phoenix trails, solo hiking is not recommended. Emergencies can arise from slips, heat exhaustion, or vehicle trouble. If you must hike alone, leave a detailed itinerary with someone—including your planned route, expected return time, and vehicle description. Check in via text when you return.

2. Respect Private Property

Union Hills borders several private residential areas and the golf course. Do not cross fences, enter yards, or use paths that lead toward homes. Stick to the open desert ridges. Trespassing is not only illegal—it’s disrespectful to the community.

3. Leave No Trace

The desert is not a dumping ground. Pack out everything you bring in—including food wrappers, empty water bottles, and even biodegradable items like orange peels. Microplastics and organic waste disrupt native flora and attract invasive species like rats and raccoons.

Do not carve into trees or rocks. Do not pick wildflowers. The saguaro cactus can live over 200 years—disturbing one can kill it.

4. Adapt to Weather Conditions

Phoenix weather changes rapidly. A clear morning can turn into a thunderstorm by noon during monsoon season (July–September). If you see dark clouds forming or hear distant thunder, descend immediately. Flash floods can occur in washes even when it’s not raining where you are.

Avoid hiking during rain or immediately after. The soil becomes slick, and washes fill with debris and water in minutes. Wait at least 24 hours after rainfall before returning.

5. Acclimate Before Hiking

If you’re visiting from a cooler climate, give yourself 2–3 days to adjust to the heat before attempting any desert hike. Start with short walks in the early morning and gradually increase exposure. Even locals get heat-stressed if they push too hard too soon.

6. Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Recognize the symptoms early:

• Heat cramps: Muscle spasms, usually in legs or abdomen.
• Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, cool moist skin.
• Heat stroke: No sweating, hot dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency.

If you or someone in your group shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move to shade, and cool the person with water and fans. Do not wait.

7. Use Sun Protection Religiously

UV radiation in Phoenix is among the highest in the U.S. due to elevation and low humidity. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 90 minutes—even on cloudy days. Reapply after sweating. Wear lip balm with SPF. A hat with a 3-inch brim is more effective than sunscreen alone.

Tools and Resources

1. GPS and Offline Mapping Apps

Since Union Hills lacks signage, digital tools are essential:

• Gaia GPS – Download the “Phoenix Desert Trails” layer. This app works offline and shows elevation profiles, user-generated trails, and satellite imagery.
• AllTrails – Search “Union Hills Phoenix” for recent user logs. Filter by “most recent” to see current conditions.
• Google Earth – Use the historical imagery feature to see how the trail has changed over the past decade. This helps identify persistent paths.

2. Local Hiking Communities

Join Facebook groups like “Phoenix Hiking Enthusiasts” or “Arizona Desert Walkers.” Members regularly post trail updates, photos from recent hikes, and warnings about closures or wildlife activity. These communities are invaluable for real-time intelligence.

3. Weather and Air Quality Resources

Check these before every hike:

• National Weather Service – Phoenix – Provides detailed heat advisories and monsoon forecasts.
• AirNow.gov – Monitors air quality index (AQI). During wildfire season, smoke can reduce visibility and make breathing difficult.
• Desert Botanical Garden Weather Station – Offers hyperlocal temperature data from nearby desert environments.

4. Educational Resources

Deepen your appreciation with these free resources:

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Offers downloadable guides on desert flora and fauna.
• USDA Forest Service – Tonto National Forest – Publishes educational PDFs on desert ecology and safety.
• “The Desert is Not Empty” by Gary Paul Nabhan – A beautifully written book on desert conservation and cultural history.

5. Emergency Tools

Always carry:

• A fully charged power bank with a solar charger (for extended hikes).
• A compact emergency whistle (attached to your pack).
• A Mylar emergency blanket (weighs less than 4 oz and reflects body heat).
• A small notebook and pen—to record your route if your phone dies.

Real Examples

Example 1: Sarah’s Sunrise Hike – A First-Timer’s Success

Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Tempe, had never hiked in the desert before. She read this guide, packed two liters of water, wore long sleeves and hiking boots, and arrived at Union Hills at 5:15 a.m. on a crisp October morning.

She followed the ridge route, took photos of the rising sun casting orange light over the Phoenix skyline, and rested at the summit for 20 minutes. She returned to her car by 7:00 a.m., feeling energized, not exhausted. “I didn’t realize how peaceful it could be,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “I felt like I had the whole desert to myself.”

Sarah credits her success to preparation: “I didn’t assume I’d know the way. I used Gaia GPS, told my roommate where I was going, and brought extra water. It made all the difference.”

Example 2: Mark’s Near-Miss – What Not to Do

Mark, a 35-year-old fitness trainer, decided to hike Union Hills after work in late July. He wore shorts, sandals, and carried only one water bottle. He started at 6:45 p.m., thinking the heat would have faded.

By 7:30 p.m., he was disoriented. The temperature was still 98°F, and he hadn’t realized how quickly the light fades in the desert. He wandered off the main path trying to find a shortcut and ended up in a wash with steep, loose sides. He called a friend, who called 911. Rescuers found him at 9:15 p.m., dehydrated and sunburned.

“I thought I was fit enough to handle it,” Mark said later. “I didn’t respect the desert. I paid for that.”

Example 3: The Photographer’s Perspective – Capturing the Desert

Juan, a professional landscape photographer from Tucson, visits Union Hills monthly during the golden hour. He uses a drone (registered with the FAA) to capture aerial shots of the ridgeline, but always hikes the trail himself to scout angles.

“The light here is unlike anywhere else,” Juan explains. “At sunrise, the saguaros cast shadows like cathedral spires. At sunset, the red rocks glow like embers. But you have to be there before the light comes. And you have to know the terrain to get close without damaging it.”

Juan always carries a notebook to sketch compositions and notes on wind direction, cloud cover, and how shadows shift. He shares his findings in online workshops, teaching others how to photograph the desert ethically.

FAQs

Is Union Hills a dog-friendly trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Bring extra water for your pet—dogs dehydrate faster than humans. Avoid hiking during peak heat. Check for ticks and cactus spines after your hike.

Are there restrooms at Union Hills?

No. There are no facilities at the trailhead or along the trail. Plan accordingly. Use a portable waste bag if necessary, and pack out all waste.

Can I camp at Union Hills?

No. Camping is prohibited on Union Hills. The land is not designated for overnight use, and there are no permits available. Nearby alternatives include the Tonto National Forest or the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Is Union Hills safe for solo hikers?

It can be, if you’re experienced, well-prepared, and have shared your plans. However, due to the lack of signage and cell service, it’s safer to hike with a partner. Always carry emergency gear.

How long is the hike?

The most popular route is about 1.5 miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation gain. Longer loops can extend to 3–4 miles. Most hikers complete it in 1–1.5 hours.

What’s the best season to hike Union Hills?

October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures. May and September are transitional—mornings are good, afternoons are hot. Avoid June, July, and August unless you’re hiking before sunrise.

Do I need a permit to hike Union Hills?

No. Union Hills is public land managed by Maricopa County. No permit, fee, or reservation is required.

Are there any dangerous animals I should worry about?

Yes—rattlesnakes, scorpions, and Gila monsters are present, but rarely aggressive. Give wildlife space. Wear sturdy boots and avoid putting hands or feet where you can’t see. Most encounters are avoidable with awareness.

Can I bring a drone?

Yes, but you must follow FAA regulations. Do not fly over private property or near the golf course. Avoid flying during sunrise or sunset when birds are active. Always yield to other hikers.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop. Stay calm. Do not keep walking. Use your GPS to mark your location. If you have no signal, look for the highest point and reorient using the golf course or Union Hills Drive as a reference. If you can’t find your way back, stay put, use your whistle, and wait for help. Most search teams can locate you within hours.

Conclusion

Hiking Union Hills in Phoenix is more than a physical activity—it’s a quiet communion with one of the most resilient and beautiful ecosystems on Earth. Unlike the tourist-heavy trails that dominate Phoenix’s outdoor scene, Union Hills offers something rarer: authenticity. It’s a place where you can stand on a ridge, feel the wind move through the creosote, and realize how small you are in the grand scale of the desert.

This guide has provided you with the tools, knowledge, and respect needed to navigate Union Hills safely and meaningfully. From choosing the right time to pack the right gear, from reading the landscape to honoring its fragility—each step is a layer of responsibility. The desert does not forgive carelessness, but it rewards mindfulness.

As you plan your next hike, remember: the best trails aren’t the ones with the most likes on Instagram. They’re the ones that leave you quieter, more present, and more connected to the land.

So lace up your boots, fill your water bottles, and head out before dawn. The desert is waiting—not to be conquered, but to be witnessed.