Hiking the Peaks of Phoenix by jumpingnorman
There are a lot of choices for hiking in Phoenix, and this includes the Camelback Mountain (the most famous landmark which resembles a crouching dromedary) which is a 1,000 foot rise to the top. The Camelback Mountain is located in Paradise Valley. Two very strenuous trails exist: 1) Echo Canyon on the north side (the top of the hump, with sheer red cliffs), in Paradise Valley at McDonald Dr and Tatum Blvd, 2) Cholla on the East side, in Scottsdale at 64th St north of Camelback Rd. Along the hike, you will see glimpses of gated mansions and ritzy resort spas for which Scottsdale is known for.
A less strenuous hike would be the Piestewa Peak, the mountain whose previous name of Squaw Peak was changed in honor of the first female Arizonian killed in Iraq. It has 2 summit trails: 1) inside Piestewa Park (22nd St and Lincoln Dr), 2)through a private yard with an easement (topping out at 2,608 feet).
There is also the North Mountain at 7th St south of Thunderbird Rd, which has multiple trails with varying amounts of difficulty.
Just be sure to bring lots of water and suntan!