Hiking the Victory Stairs, or the Verrado Stairs, in Buckeye with kids is a short and challenging trail with amazing views. And by challenging, we mean it’s all uphill but totally possible for little legs with some breaks.
We took on the challenge of the 340 stairs + mountain climb with some friends. Four of the five kids, ages 5-9, were always ahead of us! The toddler was mostly in the carrier, taking a break at the top of the hill and half the way down the stairs. The stairs are railroad ties, and widely spaced. Be prepared for a leg and thigh burn!
If you take a break (sorry, when you take a break), but sure to turn around and take in the views! Beautiful views of the mountains, Verrado neighborhoods of Buckeye, and beyond. We took 3 breaks going up, and none going down.
Hiking the Victory Stairs, Verrado Stairs in Buckeye With Kids
When the stairs ended, we continued up the trail to the highest point. On the map, we think it was the highest point on the red trail, V-350. There was very few trail markings, although the trail itself is clearly defined. Watch the kids as there are a couple drop offs from the trail. Also during spring, be on the watch for snakes. Rocks are good places for them to hide.
At the top we stopped for snacks, boulder climbing, and rock finding. Pictures too! Then we headed back down. Total logged mileage was just over 1 mile. Time to hike will vary by ages of kids and how many times you stop for the views. Our down hike was the quickest at 25 minutes.
Why do this steep hike with kids? The sense of accomplishment is big! Our kids were motivated by boulder climbing too. Maybe the promise of donuts too. But you really feel at the top of the world after climbing the stairs! And it’s even more cool if you hike just a bit further up the trail.
The Victory Stairs, or Verrado Stairs in Buckeye is located at (33.5104159, -112.5134885) for GPS coordinates, or N Verrado Way, Buckeye, AZ 85396. Google Maps with “Victory Steps at Verrado” brought up the beginning of the stairs. Parking is just south of there, free, with two large lots, and no restrooms.
More great hikes in the Phoenix area for kids can be found here!
