Arizona · Hiking

Ranger Trail

Ranger TrailPhoto: squeaks2569, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
3.0 mi
round trip
1,909 ft
climb
2,268 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Nov–Mar
best months

Ranger Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike in Phoenix South Mountain Park, Arizona, on city-managed land. The route climbs from about 1,470 feet to roughly 2,270 feet, with a total gain of 1,909 feet, and the steepest stretch comes within the first 0.2 miles at a grade of 28%. The trail is rated hard, and the climb is steep enough to make it a challenge for anyone heading up. Winter and early spring are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show January highs around 67°F and lows near 43°F, while summer highs climb into the mid-100s. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. Bikes and horses are both allowed on the trail. The trip takes about two hours, and the trailhead is within the park. Several other trails start close by, including Bajada Trail at half a mile and Max Delta Trail at 0.8 miles. Climbers can find the Gremlins and South Mountain areas about 1.2 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Nov–Mar

    Best time to visit Ranger Trail

    Best months: November–March. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      67° / 43°

      3 wet

    2. Feb

      71° / 45°

      3 wet

    3. Mar

      79° / 51°

      2 wet

    4. Apr

      87° / 56°

      1 wet

    5. May

      96° / 66°

      1 wet

    6. Jun

      106° / 75°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      107° / 81°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      106° / 81°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      101° / 74°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      89° / 61°

      2 wet

    11. Nov

      76° / 50°

      2 wet

    12. Dec

      66° / 42°

      3 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Laveen 3 Sse, AZ, 3.4 mi away at 1,135 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Route details

Distance
3.0 mi round trip
Climbing
About 1,909 ft
Summit
2,331 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Time
About 1 hour

Other routes up Goat Hill

Questions about this route

How long is the Ranger Trail on Goat Hill?

About 3.0 mi round trip.

How much elevation gain is on the Ranger Trail?

About 1,909 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Ranger Trail?

It is rated hard.

How long does the Ranger Trail take?

About 1 hour round trip.

How many routes go up Goat Hill?

2: Ranger Trail and National Trail.

Conditions and forecast on Goat Hill

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors