A safe first hike in the desert
Key facts
| Heat closures | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Extreme Heat Warning days |
|---|---|
| Trails affected | Camelback, Piestewa Peak Summit and some South Mountain trails |
| Monsoon season | From around July |
| Sedona Shuttle | Free, to Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass and other trailheads |
A hike can be a great first date. You are side by side, there is plenty to look at and it is easy to talk. In Arizona, the heat makes planning part of the date.
Check Phoenix heat closures
On Extreme Heat Warning days, Phoenix closes Echo Canyon and Cholla on Camelback, the Piestewa Peak Summit trail and several South Mountain trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city's mailing list sends updates, and its Take a Hike. Do it Right. checklist covers the basics.
Source: City of Phoenix: Trail heat safety, checked 8 November 2026
Plan around the monsoon
From around July, the Sonoran Desert's monsoon season can bring flash floods. Saguaro National Park's two districts each have a scenic loop drive, which is a gentler option when storms are about.
Source: National Park Service: Saguaro visitor center information, checked 8 November 2026
Use the Sedona Shuttle
The free shuttle runs to Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek and Little Horse trailheads, and the trailhead lots at Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass close while it runs. That saves a stressful hunt for parking before a date.
Source: Arizona Tourism Alliance: The Sedona Shuttle has arrived, checked 8 November 2026
Questions
When is the best season for a hiking date?
The cooler months, roughly late fall to early spring, are the easiest in the low desert. In summer, go at first light or head to the high country.
Should we hike somewhere remote on a first date?
No. Keep the first one to a busy, well-known trail, meet there in your own car, and tell a friend your plans.
What if a trail is closed for heat?
Respect the closure and switch plans. A museum or an early evening walk by a lake is a good backup.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch covers dating across the US. WhichDating, our sister review site, has a guide to first date tips.