More Than Camelback and Piestewa: Local Trails That Locals Love
When most people think of Phoenix hiking, two names come up right away: Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. These iconic landmarks are must-see destinations for visitors and fitness enthusiasts from around the world. They’re challenging, rewarding, and always busy.
But for those who live—or own rental property—in Northeast Phoenix, the real secret isn’t the trails tourists flock to. It’s the quieter, less-traveled paths that weave through the Phoenix Mountain Preserves—places like North Mountain Lookout and Dixie Peak. These trails offer residents and renters the perfect balance: the beauty and views that make Phoenix famous, paired with the peace and quiet of a true neighborhood escape.
The Magic of Night Hiking in the Preserves
View of City Lights from Dixie Peak toward Camelback Mountain.
One of the unique advantages of living in Northeast Phoenix is being able to step outside your door and onto a trail. In the summer, when days run hot, the mountains come alive after sunset. North Mountain’s paved road to the summit makes it easy for an evening climb, while Dixie Peak offers a rugged, secluded adventure. Just be sure to get there before the gates close.
At night, the desert transforms. The temperature drops, the breeze cools, and the silence deepens. Then, just beyond the ridgelines, the city comes to life in lights—stretching endlessly across the Valley floor. From these overlooks, you get both: the quiet of the desert and the energy of one of America’s largest cities glowing below.
Iconic Peaks vs. Local Favorites
Camelback and Piestewa will always be Phoenix icons—but they come with crowded parking lots, long lines of hikers, and heavy tourist traffic. The Phoenix Mountain Preserves, on the other hand, are where locals go to find balance.
North Mountain: A paved, accessible trail with panoramic views. Dixie Peak: A hidden gem for hikers who prefer rugged desert solitude. Lookout Mountain: A popular hike on Phoenix Mountain Preserve's northern most mountain. Preserve Trails: Dozens of smaller paths offering everything from easy strolls to steep climbs.
These trails deliver the same breathtaking views of Camelback and downtown Phoenix, but without the congestion. For renters, it means enjoying world-class hiking without leaving the neighborhood. For landlords, it means your property offers something tourists can’t: the privilege of daily access to local mountains and trails.
Why This Matters for Landlords and Tenants
Properties near the Phoenix Mountain Preserves offer more than just a home—they offer a lifestyle. For tenants, that means:
- Outdoor recreation minutes away
- Cooler evening activities during desert summers
- Health and wellness benefits from active living
- Quiet escapes without leaving the city
For landlords, this is a built-in amenity that makes rental homes more desirable. Marketing a property as “near North Mountain and Dixie Peak” or “steps from the Phoenix Mountain Preserves” helps attract long-term, lifestyle-driven tenants who see value in location—not just square footage.
A Prime Area for Expanding Rental Portfolios
For investors, Northeast Phoenix offers something special. Demand for rentals here isn’t just about housing—it’s about lifestyle. Properties in the shadow of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves consistently attract tenants who value the outdoors, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to both downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale
- Adding rentals near these mountains means tapping into:
- Strong, stable demand from active professionals, families, and retirees
- Higher retention rates as tenants stay longer when they love their neighborhood
- Lifestyle-driven pricing power—homes near trailheads and mountain views often rent faster and hold value better
If you’re considering expanding your rental portfolio, the Northeast Phoenix corridor—surrounding North Mountain, Dixie Peak, and Lookout Mountain—is one of the most strategic places to invest.
