Marcos De Niza Trail

Great views. Interesting and challenging portions. As others have commented, the parking area fills up in the cooler months. Tons of other trails from the main starting/parking area as well.

This trail is one of my favorites since it has amazing views since it's on a ridgeline of South Mountain.

Great hike. There is one part of it. You will know it when you get to it. That is extremely vertical. It’s only maybe an 1/8th of a mile but it will kick your butt. Once you get past that you’re golden. Take a break, catch your breath, drink some water, and then you can follow the ridge line easy. Further up there are boulders, caves, dry waterfalls, even some hieroglyphs. Avoid in summer. Best to do in the morning during late fall and early spring. Sunrises can be amazing. Bring water, a cell phone, and make sure someone else knows you are hiking if you are alone. Parking is at Pima Canyon which can fill up quick during the cooler months so show up early! It can be a loop or out and back depending on which trails you choose.

Moderate hike off the beaten path, which will possibly make you contemplate a run at certain points. I'm honestly not a fan of the power lines that run perpendicular as one of the structures is located at a base of descent at one point. Overall, it is one of many paths one could take. The benefit here is hardly any loose rock, and it will elevate your heart rate, unlike National Trail. South Mountain has such a myriad of trails. It's just a 5star as a whole.

Amazing views of Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix and east valley. The hike is interesting, it goes through a couple of peaks, it is like hopping peak to peak. There is one pass in this trail which is narrow and very stiff, I had to climb down and then lift my dog to the next step (huge rock) three times to pass through. My dog is medium size, bigger dogs might be able to jump. If you like desert beauty this is the best hiking trail.