Deem Hills Park and Recreation Area in Phoenix is a fabulous option for families as it offers a playground and hiking trails! It’s always a good find in our book when you can motivate the kids to hike a mile or two, by promising playtime afterward.
So the hiking trails go around a small mountain and has two main trails: the Circumference Trail at 5.7 miles, and the Ridgeline Trail at 1.5 miles. The former goes around the mountain, and the latter runs up to the top of the mountain and back down. There is also a new nature trail!
There are several other trails that connect on the east side of the mountain as well. (Of note, there is a small parking lot on this side as well, if you’re interested in just hiking. This lot can hold 10 cars.)
We hiked about 3 miles out and back of the Circumference Trail. We started from the main parking lot and went north along the side of the mountain for 1.5 miles. The path was well marked, with some rocky points so watch footing with little ones.
While not particularly stunning, you can get a good view of the surrounding neighborhoods, the canal, and North Phoenix! Keep an eye out for black rock mixed in with the landscape too. We’ve read this is remnants of volcanic rock formations. If you’re looking for an easier trail, try the nature trail located on the south end of the main parking lot.
The playground at Deem Hills is sand-based and the kids had a great time. (It kinda reminded us of Desert Horizon Park, with the log like climbing ramp.) There is a toddler playground, with slides, and two toddler swings nearby. The older kids playground also has slides, two swings nearby, and a climbing wall. Very small portions are shaded. A few benches are around the circular walkway.
Deem Hills Park and Recreation Area in Phoenix covers almost 1,000 acres and located near Happy Valley Road and 56th Avenue. Amenities include a dog park, sport fields, a basketball, volleyball, and tennis court, and pickle ball courts. Restrooms are by the playground, and there are also ramadas with picnic tables.
Deem Hills Park and Recreation Area
5050 W Andrea Lane
Phoenix, Arizona 85083
