The Best Hikes in Scottsdale and Phoenix

Few places let you go from a coffee shop to a mountain summit in twenty minutes, but that is a normal morning here. The Valley's trails range from flat desert loops where you can spot quail and saguaros to scrambles that test even strong hikers. This guide covers our team's favorite hikes, what each one asks of you, and the local rules that keep visitors safe.

Camelback Mountain: the Valley's signature climb

Camelback is the mountain you see from almost everywhere in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, and climbing it is a rite of passage. The Echo Canyon Trail gains about 1,400 feet in a little over a mile, with steep rock sections where you will use your hands. The City of Phoenix rates it extremely difficult, and it means it. The views from the top stretch across the whole Valley.

• Go early. The Echo Canyon lot fills from late morning on weekdays and all day on weekends, and the gate closes when it is full.
• Leave the dog at home. Dogs are not allowed on any Camelback trail, any time of year.
• Hours. Trails are open sunrise to sunset.
• Know your limits. Many rescues here involve fit hikers who underestimated the heat or the climb. Turning around is always a good call.

Pinnacle Peak: views without the scramble

If you want big desert views on a well-groomed path, Pinnacle Peak Park in North Scottsdale is a favorite. The trail is 2 miles each way, 4 miles round trip, with about 1,300 feet of total climbing as it rolls up and down along the ridge. It is an out-and-back, so you can turn around whenever you like and still feel like you saw the best of it.

• No dogs or bikes. Both are not allowed on the trail. Leashed dogs are welcome at nearby Brown's Ranch Trailhead in the Preserve.
• Parking. Use the park lot at 26802 N. 102nd Way. Parking along Jomax Road is ticketed.
• Restrooms. Only at the trailhead, so plan ahead.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Tom's Thumb and the Gateway Loop

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve covers more than 30,500 acres with over 230 miles of trails, and it is free to enter. Trailheads open about 30 minutes before sunrise and close at sunset.

• Tom's Thumb (strenuous). A 4.25-mile round trip that climbs to a 140-foot granite tower called Tom's Thumb, with viewpoints along the way and big views of the city from the top. Start at the Tom's Thumb Trailhead.
• Gateway Loop (moderate). A 4.4-mile loop with about 700 feet of climbing that starts at the Gateway Trailhead off McDowell Foothills Drive. It is a great first desert hike, with saguaro forests and mountain views the whole way.
• Dogs welcome on a leash. Leashes must be handheld and no longer than six feet. The Preserve's rule of thumb: if it gets above 90 degrees at any point on your hike, it is too hot for your dog.

Heat rules every visitor should know

Desert hiking is wonderful from October through April. From late spring into early fall, the heat changes everything. When the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Warning, the City of Phoenix closes the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails on Camelback and the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check our Scottsdale weather by month guide before you plan a hike.

• Start at sunrise. Aim to be off the trail before the hottest part of the day, even in spring.
• Carry more water than you think. Bring at least a liter per hour in warm weather, plus salty snacks.
• Dress for the sun. A hat, sunscreen and real shoes with grip make a big difference on rocky trails.
• Tell someone your plan. Share your trail and your expected return time, and keep your phone charged.
• Watch your step. Rattlesnakes are active in warm months. Stay on the trail and give them space.

Which hike is right for you?

For a first day in town, try the Gateway Loop or the first mile of Pinnacle Peak. If you want a bucket-list climb and you are an experienced hiker, do Camelback at sunrise. For a full morning with a real summit, Tom's Thumb is hard to beat. Whatever you pick, a post-hike breakfast and a dip in your rental's pool is the best part of the plan.

Sources checked November 4, 2026: City of Phoenix Parks (Echo Canyon Trailhead and trail heat safety), City of Scottsdale (Pinnacle Peak Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve), Arizona Highways (Tom's Thumb Trail), Modern Hiker (Gateway Loop). Trail conditions change, so check the official park pages before you go.