Last week, the Arrowhead Hiking Club laced up and headed out to Deem Hills Recreation Area in Phoenix for a loop hike that delivered exactly what we were hoping for: clean desert air, a solid little climb, and those wide-open valley views that make you pause mid-sentence and just… look.

We began on the Circumference Trail, easing into the day with a short, gentle stretch while the morning still had a bite to it. The trail rolled along the hillside with the kind of quiet that feels rare, even in a city. Then came the turn we’d been waiting for: we peeled off onto the Ridgeline Trail and pointed ourselves uphill. That’s when the “brisk morning” became “why did I wear a jacket?” pretty quickly. 😄

The climb was steady and honest, the kind that warms you from the inside out. As we gained elevation, the views kept widening: desert folds, distant mountains, neighborhoods laid out like a map, and the sky so clear it looked freshly rinsed. We reached a high saddle where the breeze reminded us it was still winter, but the sun had already taken the edge off. It was one of those perfect pause spots, equal parts catch-your-breath and take-a-photo.

From the saddle, the route tipped back downhill, weaving its way toward the Circumference Trail again to complete the loop. The descent felt like a reward: less effort, more time to soak in the scenery, and plenty of chances to admire the rugged terrain, saguaros standing watch, and the morning light sliding across the hillsides.

All in all, it was a beautiful hike and a great reminder that we’ve got desert gems right in our backyard. If you’ve been itching to get outside, this loop is a wonderful choice for a scenic morning outing, especially when the weather is this kind.

Trail note: Brisk at the start, but the ridgeline climb warms you up fast. Bring water, enjoy the views, and maybe toss a light layer in the pack so you can adjust as you go.