Holbert Trail: South Mountain's Summit Route to Dobbins Lookout

South Mountain Park covers 16,000 acres inside Phoenix city limits, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the country. Holbert Trail is the main route that gets you to the top of it.

Dobbins Lookout sits at 2,330 feet. On a clear morning you can see the entire Phoenix metro stretched out to the north, the Sierra Estrella range to the west, and the Superstition Mountains to the east. The views alone justify the 7.6-mile round trip.

Trail Overview

Holbert Trail climbs 1,400 feet from the South Mountain Visitor Center to Dobbins Lookout. The full round trip is 7.6 miles, but the trail has no technical sections and no exposed scrambling. It’s a steady uphill grind on well-maintained rocky singletrack.

Difficulty is moderate to strenuous depending on your fitness level and the temperature. If you’re used to flat Phoenix streets, plan for this to feel harder than the mileage suggests. The first mile is the gentlest. The trail gets more demanding from mile 1.5 onward as the grade picks up.

This is the primary foot route to South Mountain’s high point. It’s also the quieter alternative to Piestewa Peak or Camelback for hikers based in south Phoenix. Expect foot traffic on weekends but far fewer crowds than those two.

Quick stats:

• Distance: 7.6 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,400 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Best season: October through April

Getting There

The trailhead is at the South Mountain Visitor Center: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

From downtown Phoenix, take Central Avenue south for about 12 miles. The park entrance and visitor center are on the right just before the road ends at the mountain. Parking is free and the lot is large. On popular weekend mornings it fills by 8 a.m., so aim to arrive by 7 a.m. or earlier in the winter months.

No park permit is required. The visitor center has restrooms and a water fountain. Fill your bottles here before heading out.

No transit route serves this trailhead directly. You’ll need a car.

Trail Description

Miles 0 to 1.0: Visitor Center to the Desert Flats

The trail begins just behind the visitor center. Look for the Holbert Trail sign at the north end of the parking area. The first mile crosses relatively flat desert terrain with Sonoran Desert vegetation on both sides.

You’ll pass saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and the occasional cholla. The trail surface here is packed dirt with scattered rocks. It’s manageable even for newer hikers. Pay attention to trail markers at junctions, especially in the first half mile where a few social trails branch off toward the road.

Miles 1.0 to 2.5: The Main Climb Begins

At around mile 1, the grade increases noticeably. The trail transitions to rocky singletrack and starts working up the south face of the mountain.

This section has good rhythm. You’ll gain most of the elevation between miles 1 and 3. The footing requires attention but there’s no scrambling. Both hands stay free the whole time.

One optional detour: the Masik Stairway branches off in this section and offers a steeper, more direct line to the upper trail. It cuts some distance but the grade is aggressive. Most hikers stick with Holbert and save their energy for the upper section.

Miles 2.5 to 3.8: Upper Mountain to Dobbins Lookout

The upper section of the trail levels out a bit and curves around the west face of the mountain. Views open up dramatically here. You can look down into the Salt River Valley and see South Mountain Road switchbacking below.

The last half mile to Dobbins Lookout is the most exposed section. There’s no shade and the trail crosses open rock. On a cold morning this is the best stretch of the whole hike. On a warm day it can feel relentless.

Dobbins Lookout has a paved observation area, stone walls, and historical plaques. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and looks the part. Take in the views, eat a snack, and head back the way you came.

At the lookout, the National Trail continues in both directions along the ridgeline. If you have the legs for it, a mile or two along the National Trail before doubling back adds a worthwhile extension.

What to Bring

The 7.6-mile round trip with 1,400 feet of gain demands solid footwear. Lightweight trail runners work well on this trail, but if you haven’t hiked rocky desert terrain before, a proper pair of desert hiking boots will save your ankles.

Water is the other non-negotiable. Carry at least 2 liters for the full round trip and more if temperatures are above 70°F. A hydration pack makes it easier to sip consistently rather than stopping to dig out a bottle. The visitor center has a water fountain but there’s nothing on the trail itself.

Sun protection matters on the upper section where you’re exposed on open rock. A sun hoodie covers arms and neck without adding bulk. Add a wide-brim hat and sunscreen.

Other items worth bringing:

• Trekking poles if you have knee issues (the descent can be rough on joints)
• Snacks with salt for any hike over 2 hours
• A fully charged phone with Maps.me or the AllTrails app downloaded offline

Photo Spots

Dobbins Lookout is the obvious one. The CCC stonework gives the photos a historical look that sets them apart from typical summit shots. The best light hits from the east in the morning.

On the upper mountain section between miles 2.5 and 3.0, there are several spots where the trail turns and frames the Phoenix skyline through a gap in the ridgeline. These mid-trail shots can be more interesting than the summit view if you time the morning light right.

In the lower section near mile 1, saguaros cluster densely on the south-facing slopes. Golden hour before sunset on the return trip lights up these cacti from behind and makes for strong silhouette shots.

Safety Notes

For any trail emergency, call 911.

Heat is the main hazard on Holbert Trail. Phoenix Parks issues heat advisories when temperatures are expected to exceed 100°F, and access to the trail may be restricted. Check the Phoenix Parks website before any summer visit. If you hike between May and September, start before dawn and be off the mountain by 9 a.m.

The rocky surface on the upper trail increases the chance of ankle rolls. Watch your footing on the descent especially. Tired legs make bad decisions on rocky downhills.

Rattlesnakes are present in South Mountain Park year-round but most active in spring and fall. Stay on the trail, don’t put hands or feet in spots you can’t see, and give any snake you encounter plenty of space.

Cell signal is generally available from the upper mountain. The lower sections near the trailhead also have reliable coverage. If you lose signal in between, stay calm and keep moving uphill or back toward the visitor center.

The trailhead lot has had occasional car break-ins. Take valuables with you and don’t leave bags visible in your car.

Related Trails

If you’re based in south Phoenix, Holbert Trail is one of the best options in the area. But it’s worth knowing what else is nearby.

The best hikes near Phoenix article covers the metro’s top options across all difficulty levels. For something different in terrain and character, Saguaro National Park is about 90 minutes east and worth a day trip.

The National Trail at Dobbins Lookout connects to roughly 15 miles of ridgeline hiking within South Mountain Park itself. If you want to extend your range, a car shuttle between the visitor center and the west end of the park opens up a full traverse.