This Sunny Arizona Suburb Near Phoenix Is A Trail-Filled Town With Ridgeline Hikes, Wild Views, And Festivals

Greater Phoenix is made up of several suburban puzzle pieces, each with its own je ne sais quoi. One of these, Queen Creek, sits at the foot of two mountain ranges, with Chandler and Gilbert to the west and north. With rugged, saguaro-dotted paths on its doorstep, the thrilling amusement park of Pecan Lake, and seasons punctuated by fun (and sometimes unusual) festivals, Queen Creek has something special that its 83,700 residents seem to love.

The town's appeal may lie in its abundant desert hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, which can be enjoyed pretty much year-round thanks to Phoenix being the country's second sunniest city, with an average of 211 days of sun per year. From the 6-mile-long Queen Creek Wash Trail to the more challenging ridgeline hikes of nearby San Tan Mountain Regional Park and Lost Dutchman State Park, you'll find epic trails in every direction.

Getting there is simple: Queen Creek is around 32 miles southeast of Sky Harbor International Airport, so without traffic, you could make this trip in around 40 minutes. However, it's also less than 6 miles from Mesa Gateway Airport, which isn't an international hub but could be more convenient for U.S. travelers, as it connects to over 40 destinations across the continent. There are surprisingly few traditional accommodations available in central Queen Creek, but there are always tried-and-true options like the Hampton Inn and WoodSpring Suites Gilbert or a few Airbnb listings if you want to see the suburb through a local lens.

Alternatively, you could skip the hotel in favor of a glamping adventure at The Cozy Peach. This delightful little spot is part of Schnepf Farms, where you'll find Polaroid-worthy vintage trailers and Airstreams to sleep in. They may cost upwards of $200 per night, but for the money, you get a lot of cute extras like fire rings, a secret library, and a dedicated space to do yoga. Importantly, there is no WiFi, but who couldn't use some screen-free time every once in a while?

If you're lucky enough to book in October, Schnepf Farms hosts a Pumpkin & Chili Party where you can PYOP (pick your own pumpkin) from their festive field, take a hayride, try line dancing, watch Hillbilly Bob's pig races, and enjoy a bowl of delicious chili. Maybe Queen Creek isn't the country's top destination for fall festivity, but no matter what time of year, a festival is never far away if you live there. And some are quirkier than others, like the annual Queen Creek Garlic Fest in September (vampires beware) or the Olivepalooza Harvest Festival in December. Both take place at Queen Creek Olive Mill, where you can see the dreamy olive groves, tour the farm, and take their Olive Oil 101 class to learn something new.

The optimal time to visit Queen Creek is from the end of autumn until the beginning of spring, when temperatures are between 46 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to wander the festivals and trails comfortably without fainting from the heat. One resident called Queen Creek "... a charming blend of rural tranquility and modern conveniences. Beautiful landscapes, friendly community, and endless outdoor activities!"

Fall's moderate temperatures are ideal for festivals, but they're an absolute must if you plan to hike. The mountains surrounding Queen Creek can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, so always go with a partner, lather on the sunscreen, and take lots of water, as per the recommended safety advice from Arizona State Parks. In milder weather, you can explore the 12 miles of trails near Queen Creek, the stunning 10,000-acre San Tan Mountain Regional Park just 8 miles south, or the Lost Dutchman State Park 23 miles north.

Queen Creek has many convenient trails, but the Littleleaf, Goldmine, and San Tan Loop is one that local hikers love, with almost 1,000 reviewers giving it 4.7 stars. The 6.3-mile circuit features superb sunset scenes, and — with panoramic valley vistas interrupted only by cacti silhouettes — it certainly rivals some of the best sunset spots in Phoenix. 

If you'd like to venture farther afield, a 30-minute drive away is the Wind Cave Trail in the beautiful Usery Mountain Regional Park, another must-hike if you want striking ridges, wild views, and magnificent sunsets. This out-and-back route is only 3 miles, but the switchbacks and technical terrain mean you will be huffing and puffing in the best way. One AllTrails hiker said, "... you have to pay to get into the park, but it was a nice trail and not a lot of people ... very scenic and then you get into a moderate climb up along the side of a ridge. Great scenery up top."