Explore our area's stunning vistas on one of these popular Scottsdale hiking trails.
Wildflowers dot the Granite Mountain Loop trail.
CHOLLA TRAIL
Explore Camelback Mountain’s stunning vistas via Cholla Trail, a 3-mile out-and-back hiking route that both locals and visitors love. The challenging route, marked by blue markers, includes a rock scramble and extreme elevation, so come prepared with plenty of water and supplies. phoenix.gov/parks
Picturesque views abound on Tom’s Thumb trail.
GATEWAY LOOP
With an elevation of only 655 feet, the Gateway Loop is an ideal trail for beginner hikers seeking peace and solitude. The 4.5-mile loop is a leisurely walk through the stunning Sonoran Desert, including iron bridges and a boardwalk nature trail. mcdowellsonoran.org
GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP
Granite Mountain Loop contains a wide variety of trails for hiking, biking and horse riding near Granite Mountain. Expect dramatic rock formations, stunning saguaro fields and a crushed granite terrain. mcdowellsonoran.org
LOST DOG WASH
Lost Dog Wash is an old Jeep tour route transformed into a stunning hiking trail. Climbing a low ridge into the McDowell Mountains, the 5-mile out-and-back path offers views of surrounding landmarks like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. mcdowellsonoran.org
Bikers enjoy Lost Dog Wash trail.
PINNACLE PEAK SUMMIT
Situated in Pinnacle Peak Park in North Scottsdale, this wide, 3.5-mile trail boasts a substantial elevation shift of 1,300 feet, switchbacks, rocky hills and desert vegetation. Keep an eye out for Gamble’s quail, jackrabbits, cactus wrens and road runners. scottsdaleaz.gov
SUNRISE
A challenging hike (out-and-back trails with a 1,150-foot elevation gain) on Sunrise Trail is immeasurably worth the pain once reaching the summit, offering panoramic vistas of the Four Peak Wilderness Area, Fountain Hills, South Mountain and the McDowell range. mcdowellsonoran.org
TOM’S THUMB
This trail is named for its breathtaking views of Tom’s flumb, a popular spot for rock climbers. The steep, challenging trek takes hikers on a journey through a wonderland of large boulders and includes access to Windgate Overlook, Mesquite Canyon and multiple climbing areas. mcdowellsonoran.org
Photography by: BY JOEL HAZELTON; COURTESY OF REI CO-OP EXPERIENCES
