Summary
Whether you’re looking for a climbing challenge or a family-friendly walk, there’s a hike for you in and around Scottsdale.
Fact checked by
Jillian Dara
Some landscapes just beg to be explored on foot, and Arizona’s mountainous Sonoran Desert is one of them. Here, the subtleties of spiny cacti and quick-footed wildlife — plus millennia-old geological wonders and panoramic desert views — are best admired from the trails.
Scottsdale and the surrounding area offer plenty of hiking options, from family-friendly paved trails to strenuous treks for the experienced. No matter how fit you may be, the Arizona desert’s dry climate and extreme temperatures can be deceptively brutal. Therefore, be sure to bring lots of water and sun protection on any hike, as most trails have little shade and can be quite hot and dry.
Your water bottle is packed? Your boots are strapped? Then head out to the trailhead of one of these nine amazing hikes.
Camelback Mountain
The kneeling camel profile of this red sandstone and granite mountain is the Phoenix-Scottsdale region’s most beloved natural feature — and a challenging must-climb destination for hikers. Two summit trails ascend the mountain: the Echo Canyon Trail, which starts at the “camel’s head” (you can even make out the eyelash) and the less-crowded Cholla Trail beginning at the “tail.” Either way, steep, rocky terrain and slick patches make the hike difficult. Consequently, with both trails connecting at the peak, 2,704 feet above sea level, it’s possible to traverse the full ridgeline from trailhead to trailhead (or would it be head to tail?).
Pinnacle Peak
Unique granite formations, towering saguaros, abundant wildlife, and spectacular views of Scottsdale and Phoenix at several points along the trail make Pinnacle Peak one of the area’s most picturesque hikes. At about two miles (each direction), this trail in northern Scottsdale is relatively short but still moderately difficult. You’ll want to go as early as possible to avoid climbing up switchbacks in the heat of the day. Expect to share the path, which can be rough and rocky at times, with trail runners and the occasional reptile from rattlesnakes to gila monsters. Pinnacle Peak is a great option for hikers who want a little challenge.
Tom’s Thumb Trail
Tom’s Thumb Trail is a favorite among the 30,500-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The four-mile out-and-back trail is short but steep and full of switchbacks. Rest assured that the views of the McDowell Mountains and Phoenix are well worth the effort. Moreover, like many other hiking trails in the area, the Tom’s Thumb Trail does not have drinking water and is not shaded, so plan your trek accordingly.
Piestewa Peak
This is one of the most popular hiking spots among Phoenicians. The trail is short (just over a mile in one direction) but difficult. Consequently, you’ll stay entertained with the city views, various types of cacti, palo verde and mesquite trees, and up-close encounters with jackrabbits, lizards, and other wildlife on the way to and from Piestewa Peak. It’s also not uncommon to see the flashlights of night hikers in the evenings and after dark.
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
This rounded, red-hued butte in Papago Park is a Phoenix landmark. Hole-in-the-Rock can barely be classified as a hike, as it’s just a 0.2-mile wander from the visitor center. Nonetheless, it does have epic views (framed by a natural porthole formation, nonetheless) to rival any other. The mountain’s unique “holes,” formed by water erosion over many years, are historically important to Native Americans of the region.
Gateway Loop Trail
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to more than 200 miles of trails, but one of the most prominent (and popular) is the Gateway Loop. You’ll find plenty of spring wildflowers on this moderately difficult 4.4-mile hike. If you want to avoid the crowds (and the heat), plan for an early-morning or evening excursion.
Scenic Trail
The Scenic Trail in McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a 4.4-mile loop without much elevation gain, but vistas of the Verde River and Superstition Mountains justify its name. It’s a rare opportunity to get glorious views without climbing to them, so you’ll probably find it’s well worth the park’s $7 entrance fee.
Go John Trail
Just north of Phoenix is the 2,922-acre Cave Creek Regional Park, home to the Go John Trail. This 5.8-mile loop starts with long switchbacks that pass by desert trees and giant saguaro cacti. Around a mile in, you’ll be rewarded with views of downtown Phoenix and the Hieroglyphic Mountains. The trail is accessible year-round; however, it’s hard to beat during the spring season when the wildflowers bloom.
Lost Dog Wash Trail to the Taliesin Overlook
This out-and-back hike offers visitors a gradual incline and views of the vast desert and rolling hills. Four miles on Lost Dog Wash Trail will land you at the Taliesin Overlook, called so because it overlooks the late Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Taliesin West compound. Although the trail connects with a network of other trails in the area, this is a good place to turn around for a gentle hike. Feel free to bring your canine companion as long as it’s leashed to avoid “lost dogs” in the wash.
