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Ruth Hamilton Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

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7.7 miles NE of Phoenix, Arizona

Address:	8B, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
GPS:	33°32'35.5"N 112°0'18.5"W Maps \| Directions
State:	Arizona
Trail Length:	2.00 miles
MTB Difficulty:	Intermediate
Trail Type:	Out & Back
Trails/Routes:	0.9 mi

Pet Friendly

Hike and Mountain Bike

The Ruth Hamilton Trail (Trail #8B) is a short but rewarding hike in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, in the popular Piestewa Peak and Dreamy Draw area right in the heart of the city. Named for one of the advocates who helped make the preserve possible, it's a local favorite for a quick desert workout with an outsized payoff in views.

From its trailhead the path climbs by way of rocky switchbacks to a saddle, where it meets the Quartz Ridge Trail at a well-placed observation bench — a fine spot to catch your breath and take in the sweeping panorama of the downtown Phoenix skyline and the northern Sonoran mountains. From there it rolls over another ridge and descends toward the Nature Trail on the east side of Piestewa Peak.

Though short, it's moderately rocky and gets busy, and savvy locals link it with neighboring trails (200, 202, 8A, and the 304 Nature Trail) to piece together longer loops through the preserve.

This is exposed Sonoran Desert with little shade, so summer hikers should go at dawn or dusk and carry plenty of water. Watch for other hikers and cyclists, wear real trail shoes for the rocky tread, and enjoy one of the city's handiest escapes into the hills.

Updated June 30, 2026

2.0K Edited by camilledupar

540 Edited by sott

More Information

Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw Trails | City of Phoenix

The trails in Dreamy Draw Recreation area range from moderate to difficult. The Piestewa Peak summit trail is extremely difficult.

https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/activities-facilities/trails/piestewa-peak-dreamy-draw/piestewa-trails.html

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Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel & camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Phoenix, Arizona

Head west on W Washington St toward 1st Ave (0.5 mi)
Turn right onto N 7th Ave (0.8 mi)
Turn right to merge onto I-10 E toward Tucson (2.3 mi)
Take exit 147A-147B for AZ-51 N (0.6 mi)
Continue onto AZ-51 N (4.9 mi)
Take exit 5 toward Lincoln Dr (0.3 mi)
Turn right onto E Glendale Ave (0.3 mi)
Continue onto E Lincoln Dr (2.2 mi)
Turn left onto N 36th St (0.8 mi)

The Ruth Hamilton Trail is a short trail that intersects the Quartz Ridge Trail and has a very nice observation bench at the intersection. The western section of this trail offers a number of switchbacks and is moderately rocky. Once the hiker reaches the peak, the trail descends and levels out. Although short, it is moderately popular and offers tremendous views of the downtown corridor and the northern Sonoran mountains. Wildflowers are abundant during the spring. Courtesy of phoenix.gov

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Ruth Hamilton Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail