One of the best short hikes on the mountain is National Trail to Fat Man's Pass. The pass is a tight squeeze between rocks, found in a jumble of large boulders with plenty of other nooks and crannies to explore. It's especially fun for families with children, and dogs are allowed if kept on leash.

Peralta Canyon Trail is one of the best and most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains. It extends several miles into the heart of the mountain range, aiming for the highly recognizable peak called the Weavers Needle. A great view of the Needle comes at the trail's highpoint, Fremont Saddle.

Short in length, this is a hike that cannot be underestimated. In just 1.2 miles, this trail climbs 1,200' to the summit of the Piestewa Peak, where you're welcomed with incredible 360-degree views of the valley below. Phoenix.gov even states that "This summit trail has been a Phoenix favorite for several decades and is internationally recognized among hiking communities".

Camelback Mountain is one of the most prominent peaks near Phoenix and Scottsdale, visible from almost anywhere and begging to be climbed. Once on top, it’s like standing on a rocky island in an urban sea, with the cities of the Valley sprawling on all sides. The view is well guarded by a difficult hike, however. The trail is steep and rocky, surrounded by prickly plants, and it bakes in the desert heat, but commanding views and proximity to the city make it a popular and rewarding hike.

Simply referred to as "White Tanks" among locals, White Tank Mountain Regional Park provides one the best backcountry experiences around the valley. Less than an hour from downtown Phoenix, this quiet, secluded loop on the Mesquite and Willow trails is highly sought after by those seeking solitude in the mountains.

The Flatiron is an iconic summit of the Superstition Mountains, located at the western bound of the range. It’s one of the craggy formations so prominent above Lost Dutchman State Park. From a distance the vertical cliffs seem impassable, but one weakness allows passage. That is Siphon Draw, a steep canyon of water-worn rock in the mountain’s west side.