Exploring the West Loop Trail to Pima Wash | South Mountain

Hiking at sunrise in the Arizona desert without having to drive hours is something special. There’s a peacefulness you don’t always expect to find right in the middle of a city.

This hike, located in the heart of Phoenix within the Sonoran Desert, takes you along the West Loop Trail to Pima Wash in South Mountain Regional Park. It’s a quiet, scenic loop with beautiful desert views and a sunrise that’s absolutely worth the early wake-up.

Trail Overview 

Location: South Mountain Regional Park, Phoenix, Arizona 

Distance: 2.8 miles 

Elevation Gain: 226 ft. 

Difficulty: Easy Time: 1–1.5 hours

Parking: Small lot (arrive early—it fills up fast)

Hiking the West Loop to Pima Wash at sunrise quickly became one of my favorite recent hikes. The trail begins wide, open, and quiet—giving you space to take everything in. The cooler morning air was a welcome break, especially with Arizona already starting to heat up.

As you continue, the terrain gradually shifts. The beginning is mostly flat with a few rocky sections, but once you reach Pima Wash, the trail becomes softer and sandy, weaving through taller desert grass. Even though there were a few people out, it felt far less crowded than other South Mountain trails I’ve explored.

There’s something calming about hiking here. Even though you’re still in Phoenix, the city noise fades away. The only sounds were birds moving through the desert—though none of them stuck around long enough for a photo.

One of the most unexpected highlights was coming across old stone buildings from the 1930s. There isn’t much information about them, but seeing them in person is something special. They’ve held up incredibly well, and catching the sunrise behind the larger structure made the moment feel even more memorable.

As the trail looped back toward the starting point, there was a quiet sense of accomplishment. The breeze, the soft morning light, and the silhouettes of cacti made for a simple but beautiful ending to the hike.

Tips for the Hike

Bring plenty of water—Arizona heat is no joke, even early in the day. Sunrise is the best time to hike, especially in warmer months. Wear sunscreen and a hat—the trail offers little to no shade. Stay alert in grassy areas, as snakes can be present.

This trail isn’t just about the distance—it’s about the experience. It’s the kind of place where you can feel completely removed from the city without ever leaving it. The quiet, the desert landscape, and even the unexpected history along the way make it a perfect escape.

If you want to see the full experience, you can watch my YouTube video here:

If you enjoy desert trail adventures like this, I’d love for you to subscribe and follow along as I explore more hidden gems across Arizona and beyond.