North Mountain

Phoenix Parks and Recreation

Phoenix Mountains Preserve


North Mountain: From the summit of North Mountain you get a great panoramic view of the city, plus this Phoenix Preserve features a wide variety of trails perfict for all skill levels. All trails are multiuse unless posted otherwise. SEE MAP

History: Early in this century, North Mountain served as a campground for the Phoenix Indian School, but also has a number of closed mining shafts and pits, due to copper mining in the area.

Elevation: North Mountain elevation is 2,104 feet. Shaw Butte tops out at 2,149 feet.

Trails:

#40: Penny Howe Barrier-Free Nature Trail
Length: 3 mile
Elevation: 1,420 ft. - 1,380 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Multi-use trail
The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the Havasupai parking lot in North Mountain recreation area. Paved parking, restrooms and drinking water are available. This self-guided nature trail is a short loop trail adjacent to the picnic areas at North Mountain. Bear to the right at the start and follow the loop in a counterclockwise direction back to the beginning.

#306: Shaw Butte Trail
Length: 4 miles
Elevation: 1,890 ft. - 1,390 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Type: Multi-use trail
The trailhead is located at the paved parking lot at the end of Central Avenue south of Thunderbird Road. **Parking is limited at this trailhead and on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood is prohibited. The trailhead on 7th Street south of Thunderbird is the best access point.

#60: Maxine Lakin Nature Trail
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation: 1,408 ft. - 1,290 ft.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Type: Multi-use trail
The trailhead is at the north end of Mountain View Park at Seventh Avenue and Cheryl Drive adjacent to the Charles M. Christiansen Trailhead. Paved parking, benches, drinking water and restrooms are available.

#44: North Mountain National Trail
Length: 1.6 miles
Elevation: 2,104 ft. - 1,490 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Type: Recommended for hiking only
The trailhead is located at the Maricopa picnic area in North Mountain Recreation Area where paved parking, restrooms and drinking water are available.

#100: Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail
Length: 10.7 miles
Elevation: 2,080 ft. - 1,290 ft.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Type: Multi-use trail
The trailhead is located at the north of Mountain View Park at Seventh Avenue and Cheryl Drive. A dedication plaque, benches, paved parking, drinking fountain and restrooms are available.

Contacts

Phoenix Parks and Recreation: 602-262-6861
Visitors Center: 928-672-2700
Recorded Message: 602-262-6262 Ex. 189. For information not on subjects options list press zero to reach an operator during business hours.
www.phoenix.gov/parks

Trail Map: