Deem Hills Recreation Area is one of Phoenix's newer and quieter desert parks, opened in 2010 on the far north side of the city in the Stetson Hills area, with the main entrance near 51st Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Because it is less established than the city's famous mountain preserves, it still has a pleasantly secluded, off-the-radar feel, and it is a local favorite with both hikers and mountain bikers.

The park is essentially two desert hills, wrapped by a Circumference Trail of just under six miles that loops around the whole area on nicely cut singletrack through open Sonoran Desert. It is a comfortable route for average hikers, with a few inclines that a beginner may find a workout but no sustained brutal climbs, and the terrain can be a little loose in spots. For a bigger effort and the best views, the Ridgeline (Summit) Trail cuts up and over the hills to a couple of fine overlooks, adding a worthwhile challenge while the whole outing still only gains around 600 feet.

The trails are well marked and flexible: the full circumference makes a solid six-mile loop, while using part of the Basalt Trail to cut through the middle trims it to a quick three-mile desert workout. As with all Phoenix desert hiking there is no water and little shade, summer heat is severe, and cooler months and early starts are the way to enjoy it. For a quieter alternative to the crowded big-name trails, Deem Hills is a great close-to-town escape.