By Scott Bryant | Moon Valley Resident & Local Realtor
Published: 10/28/2026 | Last Updated & Verified: October 2026
Field Region: North Mountain District, Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Tucked into North Phoenix between Cactus Road and Thunderbird Road, the Moon Valley neighborhood is bordered by the ridgelines of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. While destinations like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak draw dense crowds and congested parking, the peaks flanking Moon Valley, Lookout Mountain, Shaw Butte, and North Mountain, offer steep cardio climbs, Sonoran desert fauna, and historical ruins with far less foot traffic.
Sun Set a Look out mountain (Picture by Scott Bryant | Bryant Real Estate)
At-a-Glance Route Comparison
Lookout Mountain Summit (#150) | 1.2 mi | ~470 ft | Loose quartz, bedrock scramble | 15600 N. 16th St.
Lookout Circumference (#308) | 2.6 mi loop | ~310 ft | Singletrack dirt, rolling wash crossings | 15600 N. 16th St. / Evans Dr.
Shaw Butte Loop (#306) | 4.3–4.6 mi loop | ~850 ft | Decomposed granite, old service road | 9900 N. Central Ave.
North Mountain National (#44) | 1.7–1.9 mi loop | ~650 ft | Paved access road & rocky switchbacks | 10608 N. 7th St.
1. Lookout Mountain Preserve
Rising immediately east of Moon Valley, Lookout Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,054 feet. It is split into two distinct routes maintained by the city:
Summit Trail #150: A sharp, 1.2-mile out-and-back trail starting on hard-packed dirt before turning into an exposed quartzite scramble up the spine to a 360-degree summit survey marker.
Circumference Trail #308: A 2.6-mile loop that wraps around the base of the mountain, offering steady rolling terrain suitable for trail running and beginner-friendly hiking.
Trailheads & Facilities: The primary parking lot is located at 15600 N. 16th Street (ramadas, no piped water). A quiet neighborhood access point connects from Lookout Mountain Park (1898 E. Evans Drive), which offers paved parking, restrooms, playgrounds, and water fountains.
📝 My Experience on Lookout Mountain
The hike up actual Lookout Mountain can be challenging if you're not used to doing that sort of stuff, but they also have plenty of other paths and parks all around the place that allow for a more level-footed little jaunt in the desert. You really do feel that you are out in the middle of nowhere sometimes, which is a great experience to have somewhere that is so centrally located in the Phoenix metro
Scott Bryant Local Realtor in Moon Valley | Hiking Lookout Mountain during a cool spring evening! (Photo by Scott Bryant | Bryant Real Estate)
2. Shaw Butte: Ridgelines & Cloud 9 Ruins (Trail #306)
Sitting at 2,149 feet, Shaw Butte is the highest peak in the immediate Moon Valley vicinity. The standard route follows Trail #306 in a wide loop around the peak.
The Ascent: Heading counter-clockwise from the Central Avenue Trailhead, hikers follow a steady, graded jeep road up the western ridgeline toward the transmission towers.
Cloud 9 Restaurant Ruins: On the southeastern descent, look for stone foundations, retaining walls, and concrete pads. This is the historic site of Cloud 9, an exclusive mountaintop restaurant built in the early 1960s that burned to the ground in an electrical fire in 1963.
Access Points:
Central Avenue Trailhead: North Central Ave., south of Thunderbird Rd. (gated, free parking).
North Mountain Visitor Center: 12950 N. 7th Street (restrooms, interpretive exhibits, educational flora gardens).
📝 My Experience on Shaw Butte
This one has some incredible views once you get to the top. However, this hike can be a little more challenging. I like this one the most because I have a fantastic view of Shore Buttes from my office window, and I love how the light bounces off it in the evening. That being said, make sure you have plenty of water on this hike and some comfy shoes!
Scott Bryant hiking with his Mum around the base of Shaw Butte (Photo By Scott Bryant | Bryant Real Estate)
3. North Mountain National Trail (Trail #44)
Directly across 7th Street from Shaw Butte, North Mountain (2,104 feet) provides an efficient cardiovascular workout.
The Route: The most popular approach runs Trail #44 up the steep, paved transmission-tower access road, traversing along the ridge before descending the steep, rocky dirt switchbacks on the mountain's western face.
Terrain Alert: The descent along the unpaved section contains sharp, loose caliche and schist; stable ankle support or hiking poles are helpful for knee relief.
Trailhead: Primary access is via North Mountain Park at 10608 N. 7th Street.
📝 My Experience on North Mountain
Around the North Mountain Preserve is really fun because you have some little exhibits showing you what desert critters can be crawling around. It's mostly flat unless you're hiking around some of the hills. I always like going up to the dam, which I always find really cool, looking over into the Moon Valley Racquet Club neighborhood. Overall, this is a good one to have, especially if you are going on a hike with your elderly parents Who may not be so sure-footed as you are! Plus, it's always nice to pop into the visitor center to look at some of the artwork and also have a little sit-down and have a little pack sandwich that you brought with you.
Moon Valley Hiker admiring saguaro cactus (Photo By Scott Bryant | Bryant Real Estate)
Essential Local Trail Regulations & Safety
Gate & Trail Operating Hours: Gated parking lots open daily at 5:00 AM and lock promptly at 7:00 PM (trailheads without gates remain accessible for trail use until 11:00 PM). Never park along surrounding residential neighborhood streets where "No Parking" signs are posted, as towing is enforced.
The 100°F Dog Ordinance: Under Phoenix City Code (PCC 8-3 and 24-54), dogs are prohibited on all City of Phoenix trails when temperatures reach or exceed 100°F. Outside of high-heat periods, dogs must remain on a leash 6 feet or shorter at all times.
Hydration Rule: None of the ridgeline trails feature natural shade or water caches. Always carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person, even during short morning climbs.
Primary Resource Link: Check trail alerts and download terrain schematics via the Official City of Phoenix Mountains Preserve Directory.
The Critters you may see on the trail (Photo By Scott Bryant | Bryant Real Estate
📝 My Favorite Post-Hike Spot in Moon Valley
After a hike, depending on the time, I love to swing by Cinco Taco for a little quesadilla. I'm a big fan of their chicken quesadilla. Yes, I'm simple and easy to please, but if we're feeling a little thirsty, Serafina Coffee is a great spot to grab a drink, or if you're feeling basic, Starbucks is right on the corner.