Hiking is generally considered a daytime activity, but has anyone ever stopped to question why? During the summertime, dusk is the only respite from the sweltering desert heat, which makes taking to the trails after dark a particularly pleasant experience. North Mountain National Trail is paved and easy to navigate, so it’s perfectly acceptable for a nighttime adventure. If you’ve never seen a birds-eye-view of Phoenix city lights illuminating the night, it’s a bucket list-worthy sight.
Clocking in at 2.2 miles, North Mountain National Trail is a moderately difficult hike featuring beautiful flowers and majestic wildlife.
Alltrails/Andi Donahue It’s a great workout, especially if you’re strapped for time and looking for a quick way to work up a sweat.
While the trail is popular during daylight hours, it’s something of a hidden gem after dark.
Alltrails/Jessica Parrish Watching the sun make its descent behind the Estrella Mountains is a sight that belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
You’ll scale an elevation gain of over 600 feet, but the heart-pounding trek pays off tenfold upon reaching the summit.
Alltrails/Cinthia Womack You’ll be surrounded by four different towering peaks and the view can’t be beaten.
The colorful clouds and amber skies that define summertime unabashedly make their presence known.
Alltrails/Fayette Wester As evening fades into dusk, you can practically hear a pin drop in the stillness. A more meditative, healing experience truly doesn’t exist anywhere else in the state.
City lights can be a nuisance when you look at them head-on, but an elevated view changes things entirely. Seeing Phoenix illuminate the darkness will give you a whole new appreciation for our capital city.
Alltrails/Adam Huston While the trail technically closes at 7 p.m., you can still hike until 11 p.m.
Address: 10608 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
Have you ever taken North Mountain National Trail at night? What other hikes in Arizona are even better after dark? Let us know your favorites!
Alltrails/Andi Donahue
It’s a great workout, especially if you’re strapped for time and looking for a quick way to work up a sweat.
Alltrails/Jessica Parrish
Watching the sun make its descent behind the Estrella Mountains is a sight that belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
Alltrails/Cinthia Womack
You’ll be surrounded by four different towering peaks and the view can’t be beaten.
Alltrails/Fayette Wester
As evening fades into dusk, you can practically hear a pin drop in the stillness. A more meditative, healing experience truly doesn’t exist anywhere else in the state.
Alltrails/Adam Huston
While the trail technically closes at 7 p.m., you can still hike until 11 p.m.
Address: 10608 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
In the meantime, check out these easy trails perfect for any time of day: 9 Easy Desert Hikes In Arizona Anyone Can Do.
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