Scottsdale sits in a unique geographical sweet spot where the Sonoran Desert collides with the lower reaches of the McDowell Mountains. This positioning creates a trail system that is remarkably diverse, ranging from flat, sandy washes dotted with saguaros to steep, rocky ascents that reward hikers with panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun. Because the terrain varies so dramatically within just a few miles, the city has become a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the urban sprawl without driving deep into the backcountry.
The local hiking culture is deeply tied to the desert’s natural rhythms. While the summer months bring extreme heat that limits safe hiking to the earliest hours of the morning, the fall, winter, and spring seasons offer near-perfect conditions for exploration. This guide focuses on trails that provide distinct experiences, whether you are chasing wildflower blooms in March, looking for a challenging leg-burner in January, or seeking a quiet sunset walk in November. Understanding the seasonal nuances of the Sonoran Desert is essential for both safety and enjoyment.
Water is the single most important factor on any Scottsdale hike. Even on cool days, the arid climate dehydrates hikers faster than most visitors expect, and many of the trails offer zero shade once the sun clears the ridgelines. Locals follow a simple rule: if you think you have enough water, bring twice as much. Additionally, the trails are shared spaces, heavily used by trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians, so practicing proper right-of-way etiquette ensures a positive experience for everyone.
The geological history of the McDowell Mountains has shaped these trails over millions of years. Granite formations, volcanic remnants, and ancient metamorphic rock create a rugged landscape that feels far older than the city sprawling below it. Hikers will notice that the vegetation shifts subtly as they gain elevation, transitioning from creosote flats to palo verde and ironwood trees in the deeper canyons. This biodiversity makes even a short hike feel like a journey through multiple microclimates.
For visitors staying in Scottsdale’s resorts or vacation rentals, these trails are remarkably accessible. Many trailheads sit within a twenty-minute drive of Old Town, meaning you can finish a morning hike and still make a lunch reservation with time to spare. However, parking is limited at the most popular entry points, especially on weekends between October and April. Arriving before 7:00 AM is the surest way to secure a spot and avoid the midday heat.
The trails listed below represent the best of Scottsdale’s outdoor offerings, balancing popularity with preservation. Some are iconic and heavily photographed, while others offer solitude for those willing to walk a bit farther. Each entry includes practical details about distance, difficulty, and what makes the route special, allowing you to choose the right hike for your fitness level and time constraints.
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
| Address | 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 312-7013 |
Very easy "hike". Really just a stroll through the desert. Nice views. Very well maintained trail. I hike Camelback a lot and it was nice to have access to bathrooms that feel and smell clean.
Great hike on the Gateway loop trail. Trail is well defined, some areas with loose rock. Some elevation change, but overall a relatively easy hike. About 90 minutes for the full loop with a few short photo stops. Denise with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy cart near the restrooms was a great source of information and provided a trail map of the area.
A very nice hike on the gateway trail. We did the loop and it took about 2 hours. You get some elevation gain but not much and it's a bit Rocky so we're good strong shoes. There's almost no shade so bring water and a hat. Plenty of parking and bathrooms.
We spent a couple hours hiking the various trails here. Very beautiful scenery all around! Clean and spacious restrooms and nice and easy/medium hiking trails. Plenty of parking when we were there. If you are in the Phoenix area and looking for something to do and want to see some awesome Saguaro Cacti, this is the place to go! easy to get to and great for kids to tag along and enjoy. We would come back here again. Nice job by all who have helped make this possible for us to all visit and enjoy!
The rating Dependance on what you are looking for on your hike. On a Sunday night this place was buzzing. It is well maintained, offers activities (like today's owl demonstration) and has a educational path that has a lot of surprizing fact to offer. For golden hour there were plenty of photo shoots going on. If you are looking for a relaxed hike in solitude, you will have to get past the crowded first to find the further out trails with great view. The Park has a good map about the different levels of the many trails. For a quick evening hike with my dog, I prefer less frequented and organized trails. But that is only my taste... 😉
Pinnacle Peak Park
| Address | 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (480) 312-0990 |
We didn't realize that a short hike was involved to reach the top and see the valley below. I also discovered that many will hike all the way down the other side and then return.
And the best hint I wished that we had known was to park on the street outside of the gate so that we could see the views after the sun had set. The gate to the lot gets locked before the complete sunset which is what we were there for.
Great hike, well paved, no confusing trails no bouldering. Moderate incline and mix of flatter easier trail. The rules are strict so make sure you get back to your car before they close the park which is a time that changes every 2-4 weeks! Or else your car will get locked in the lot. Even if you park outside the gate the rule to get back to your car before closing time is crucial too! There will be obvious signs stating the current closing time when you get to park! Gorgeous views absolutely stunning. Love the sections where there are markers pointing to other mountains in the valley that you can see from a distance:) took us round trip 1 hour 55 min stopping a few times. 4 mile total . 2 miles in and 2 miles back the same path.
Just a beautiful spot with so many picture moments. Moderate intensity. You don't need to hike all the way to the very very end I would turn around 3/4 of the way to the very end.... Also exceptional for trail running.
Beautiful hike, with stunning views! However!! Be forewarned, they LOCK the parking lot gates exactly at the time they say, if you’re not out, you’re locked in and have to call the police to come unlock you out. Major pain because we went to go see a sunset and right as the views and skies are glowing you need to be leaving :/.
Part of the hike was harder than others, nice little out and back.
Stunning homes to see but I won’t come back to this hike again- too many others to explore with out the pain of dealing with law enforcement’s even when you’re back to your car 2.3 min late.
Beautiful hike. 2 mile trail, 4 miles round trip. We want about 1.25 miles then turned around. Would definitely go again. Signs and staff are very helpful. Free public bathrooms and water fountains.
Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
| Address | 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (602) 261-8318 |
Amazing hiking experience at Cholla Trailhead on Camelback Mountain. The trail offers incredible views of Phoenix and the surrounding desert landscape, and the scenery becomes more rewarding the higher you climb. It is definitely a challenging hike in some sections, but the experience and views at the top make it completely worth it.
The trail was well maintained and had a great mix of elevation, rock climbing sections, and scenic viewpoints along the way. Perfect for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure, exercise, and photography.
Highly recommend bringing water and going earlier in the day, especially during warmer weather. One of the most memorable hikes in the Phoenix area.
This was my first time doing this trail, but I have done the echo Canyon Trail several other times. This trail was so beautiful and went to the same summit as the Echo Canyon Trailhead, but I did not like it as well as the Echo Canyon Trailhead. There was less scrambling on this trail, and was less rocky, but still had some pretty intense scrambling parts. You are able to run down most of this mountain once you get past the summit section, which you are not able to do on the Echo Canyon Trailhead. I was going quick and made it up in 45 minutes and down in 30. Only parking is on the street. There is not more parking here than at Echo. If you are choosing either, choose Echo. I would recommend ride share.
Great hike and a great way to spend a morning. Moderate difficulty and uneven terrain until marker 27, then extremely difficult terrain/vertical climb for the final summit (marker 35/36). Worth the views. Takes about 2 hours up and 1 hour down for the average climb (not like those psychos that run it!!!). Be sure to wear good runners or hiking shoes/boots. Bring plenty of water. Enjoy and good luck!
Cholla Trailhead at Camelback Mountain offers absolutely stunning views. We came here mainly to take in the scenery and see Camelback Mountain up close, and it did not disappoint. The views are beautiful, and it’s amazing to see how many homes are tucked into the mountainside. It really adds to the uniqueness of the area.
I didn’t hike the trail itself. We drove up to enjoy the mountain and the views, and it was still a wonderful experience. Just being there and seeing Camelback in person was worth the visit. If you’re in the area and want to admire the beauty of Camelback Mountain, whether you hike or not, this is a great spot to stop and take it all in.
An extremely challenging yet rewarding hike! I completed the Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain with friends — it took about 2 hours total for me. The final 450 feet involved bouldering, which made it both tough and fun.
We started at 6:00 AM, which was perfect to catch the sunrise — a truly breathtaking view as you climb. I highly recommend starting early to avoid the heat and crowds.
This trail is easier than the other trail for this mountain , but still very steep and demanding. You’ll want to keep your hands free for balance and climbing, so plan accordingly — avoid carrying large items or bottles by hand.
Tom's Thumb
| Address | Tom's Thumb Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
The trail was well maintained and the views were great. There are several lookouts from which you can see Fountain hills, Four Peaks, Flat Iron, Weavers Needle and Scottsdale airport. Be prepared for some steep hills. 1200ft elevation change will challenge you. I went through about 50 ounces of water.
First time going to the thumb. A lot of switchbacks in the beginning too heavy and a few at the end. Great day for a hike after leaving early in the morning. Quite windy at the top, which felt good. Also did a side trip to the Lookout, which is another 1.2 miles added on but worth the views!
This is a beautiful hike! The views are amazing and a good workout along the way. It is challenging but worth it.
Tom’s Thumb is like the Hollywood Boulevard of Scottsdale hiking. It’s gorgeous, iconic, and absolutely crawling with people who think silence in nature is a myth. If you’re allergic to crowds, you’ve been warned. Bring patience and maybe a noise-canceling aura.
That said, the trail itself? Damn near flawless. Best maintained path I’ve ever walked on. It’s like REI and the city of Scottsdale had a baby and raised it with nothing but trail etiquette and vitamin D. It’s classified as moderate, which feels right. You’ll break a sweat but you won’t need a will and a backup rescue plan.
The Thumb itself is cool as hell. Looks like it’s giving you the silent thumbs-up for surviving the uphill. Pull up a boulder, pop a squat, and go full snack goblin while you soak in the view. You earned it, even if Karen from Mesa jogged past you like she was late to a brunch reservation.
Four stars because of the crowd. Five if you don’t mind people breathing way too loud near you.
Great hike. Especially if you love rocks and desert views. Went late in the day with my dog and was fortunate because it wasn't too crowded. I found this to be a challenging, but doable, hike. Lots of incline, but not rock scrambling, and the uphill was balanced by flat and downward slope areas. This is a great hike if you want an above-average challenge with excellent city views. There is little to no shade in this area, so bring lots and lots of water - more than you think you'll need.
Echo Canyon Recreation Area
| Address | 4925 E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (602) 261-8318 |
I love this hike first off! It has brought so much challenge out of me personally,I’ve done it in great shape,and bad shape. It is a beautiful place in Arizona! It’s about the climb ,the challenge to accept and actually do it! This was for fun with my family this time. We loved the gorgeous views,the water tent at the end of hike was chefs kiss! Thank you!
Epic hike! The views and flow of trail was awesome. Safe and full of friendly people. Great experience, bring proper hydration and a good attitude. 🧠🤍
One of the most beautiful scenic hikes i've done in arizona.
Trail is well maintained, Great For early morning hikes , as well as incredible sunset views.
I suggest bring lots and lots of water!!!
Lovely desert landscape. Trail difficult with many rocks. The hiker should have hiking boots.
Echo Canyon gets four stars from me, but only because of the crowd factor. The hike itself is awesome. I have reviewed it before and surprise, nothing has changed. Still beautiful. Still packed. It is like Camelback is the only trail people in Phoenix have heard of, so naturally the entire city decides to show up at once. If you are trying to get some peace and quiet, this is not the spot unless you show up early.
Now, if you hit it before sunrise, it is a five star experience all the way. There is nothing like making it to the top, catching that first light over the valley, and smashing some summit snacks while watching the city wake up. But once 7am hits, the trail starts feeling like rush hour in hiking boots. Four stars if you go early, three if you are showing up late and trying to dodge selfie sticks the whole way up.
The hike itself is moderate but can get tough if you are not prepared. Bring water. Take breaks. Do not underestimate the climb or overestimate your cardio. You are not going to impress anyone if you push too hard and have to be carried out. If you are not feeling it, turn around and come back another day. The mountain is not going anywhere.
Still a solid hike with killer views, just go in knowing you are not going to be alone. Or silent. Or probably very patient.
Sunrise Peak
| Address | Scottsdale, AZ 85259 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Fantastic hike. Round trip from the Sunrise Peak Trailhead can be done in under 2 hours, if you move at a brisk pace. Second half of hike up is steeper. The trail is easy to follow. There are a couple of great scenic overlooks halfway up if you don't want to go all the way to the top. Peak offers views of Scottsdale & Phoenix to the west/southwest, Mesa to the south, Fountain Hills & Mazatzal Mountains to the east, and McDowell mountains to the north. 1100 ft elevation change from trailhead to peak in 2 miles.
Fun trail that's easy to follow.
Good balance of distance and elevation gain.
I consider it moderate, but ranked it hard because I'm not sure what fitness level you may be at with regard to distance and elevation hikes.
The view makes the effort worth it. I would definitely do this hike again.
Great hike! Moderate difficulty with excellent views. Spur of the moment hike and it was perfect. Nice shade along the way. Wear good shoes as there are a few spot to mildly climb some rocks. On to the next! Happy hiking!
beautiful hope from sunrise peak trailhead off via linda. a bit over 4 miles. took us roughly 2.5 hours with our dog on leash. wide enough trail to bring our dog and not too steep for her either. definitely a moderate to hard level of difficulty
Nice and challenging hike. Not ideal for a beginner. But if you are comfortable with Pinnacle Peak or Pestana peak this was a good combo of height and length. About 4 miles to the top and back. Water is at the base, no restrooms. Some extra parking about 100 yards down the hill.
Trail Head Preserve - McDowell Mountains
| Address | 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Excellent place to go for an early morning walk in the summer. Hiking through the desert and into the mountains. Several different trails of different levels of difficulty.
Very pretty views! Lots of parking. Gravel paths. Interesting signs and elevation display. We did not use the restrooms or water fountain. Took a quick stroll and a few pictures. Definitely worth checking out. Easy to get to.
Beautiful trail, though maybe a little crowded on a Sunday afternoon in April. We didn't go super far down the trail but we didn't need to! Views were breathtaking with lots of wildflowers and cactus variations to check out. Plenty of parking and great facilities too. For sure worth the stop. We could have stayed all day if we had the time!
This is honestly one of the nicest trailheads I've ever been to. Excellent views before you even hit the trails. Picnic tables and a ramada. Lovely landscaping, flower bushes, etc.
Clearly marked and paved parking lot.
Clean restrooms! Running water!
The trails themselves are also very well marked.
This is an exquisite place to go spend an early morning or late afternoon for a sunset hike. Panoramic views of Fountain Hills and Scottsdale. Mountains all around.
World class hiking. Would recommend 10/10
Beautiful desert hike close to Scottsdale. Go early and bring water of course.
Echo Canyon Trailhead
| Address | E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
We hit the trail at 6:45am in early July under a lightly overcast sky—perfect conditions that kept the intense desert heat at bay and made the climb far more enjoyable. I packed just two 16oz bottles of water, and they were exactly enough. We were back at the car by 9:30am, feeling accomplished, energized, and exhausted.
Coming from a flat, sea-level city, this hike was a whole new world for us. Yes, it’s tough—steep, rocky, and demanding—but it’s absolutely doable. If you pace yourself, take plenty of short breaks, and listen to your body, most reasonably fit hikers can conquer it and love every minute. Got my heart rate up to 160 at some point.
Don’t underestimate the value of upper-body strength for pulling yourself up those sections, plus good flexibility and healthy knees and hips. This isn’t technical rock climbing; you’re simply climbing rocks on a stunning, well-marked trail that rewards every step with epic views.
Bottom line: Camelback delivers an unforgettable adventure with incredible payoff. Go early, stay hydrated, move smart, and you’ll come down stronger and inspired. Highly recommend adding this to your bucket list—you won’t regret it!
(Perfect father-son or family challenge material too.)
Wife and I are 50 and hike about once a week for roughly an hour. We came out to Echo Canyon because we used to hike it years ago and wanted to see how well we would do so many years later. We got to the peak and back to the car in about 2.5hrs. Stopped a handful of times and took it easy. Our goal was not speed but just making it to the top. It's definitely challenging but fun. Would highly recommend.
Echo Canyon Trail was one of the highlights of my visit to Scottsdale. The scenery was absolutely stunning, with incredible views of the surrounding desert and city that made every step worth it.
That said, this is not an easy hike. Several sections were quite challenging, with steep inclines, uneven terrain, and some rock scrambling that required careful footing. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and start early if visiting during the warmer months.
Despite the difficulty, the sense of accomplishment at the top was amazing. The panoramic views were breathtaking and provided some fantastic photo opportunities. If you’re looking for a rewarding hike and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, Echo Canyon Trail is definitely worth experiencing.
Really enjoyed this hike.
As others have mentioned, the trail can be challenging and demanding. The difficulty really comes from the scrambling aspect of the hike, hard to build any kind of rhythm or pace, as you’re having to navigate over and around larger rocks for a significant portion of the hike. But overall, it is very doable if you have the time and proper hydration. Views are great, trail is pretty well maintained, and the other hikers were all great and respectful.
I arrived at the trail head at around 4:30 AM, gate was fortunately already open. I was able to make it up and back to the car within 2 hours, spending around 15 minutes at the top.
Hey there! Just a heads-up, this trail is a tough one, so don't take it lightly! Make sure to go at your own pace, bring plenty of water, and wear some good shoes – seriously, that's my top tip. If you make it all the way up, enjoy the hike and those absolutely stunning views!
Fraesfield Trailhead - Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
| Address | 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (480) 312-7013 |
Gorgeous trail head. Fantastically maintained. Unique views, wildlife, snakes, deer. Diverse plants. Interesting fellow hikers….
Beautiful trails through the desert surrounded by mountains off in the distance. Trails for walking, cycling and horseback riding. Nice restrooms with hand sanitizer.
Spectacular part with miles and miles of MTB trails. Really just a fun and awesome ride for a couple of hours. If you're an MTB Rider, it's a must do. Strongly suggest you booking with a good guide, like REI. Our trail host was an MTB racer and super fit and very accommodating.
Explored this park on a chilly day with a lot of cloud cover that was very picturesque. The trail is easy to follow and mostly flat. A few puddles here and there but the recent rain didn't do much damage. Pretty peaceful - only came across a handful of mountain bikers and hikers (on New Year's Day observed). Only downsides: surprised by the amount of air traffic noise and wish the power lines weren't in the way of the views.
It was great to enjoy this first full day of Spring! It was great loop hike. The fur kids loved it.
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
| Address | 12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM Tuesday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM Wednesday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM Thursday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM Friday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM Saturday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM Sunday: 6:25 AM – 6:25 PM |
| Phone | (480) 998-7971 |
Clean trails with multiple options for all ranges of hikers. We found a shorter loop via the Ringtail trail (ending at Anasazi Trail) > Sunrise Trail > Lost Dog Wash to the parking lot which was just the right distance for our 3 year old hiker.
No fee for entry and there was plenty of parking, in a large parking. As well as restrooms (indoor plumbing), plenty of shaded seating, and a water fountain with a spigot for refilling water bottles.
Dogs on leashes are welcome, and there was plenty of dog poop bags at the entrance leading up to the restrooms and at the Trailhead itself.
Would recommend and plan on returning again. Though keep in mind that even on a day topping out at 75-78° with a 2-3 UV index, as both dropped while we were hiking later in the day, it was plenty hot. Bring ample water and capture a photo of the map before you head up the trail. Ideally, know your route ahead of time and be sure to check the weather ahead of time to dress accordingly. Happy hiking!
Lost Dog Trail is one of those hikes that just feels right. There are multiple paths and loop options, so you can keep it easy or push a little farther depending on the day. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, which makes it a solid choice whether you’re a regular hiker or just looking to get outside and move a bit. The scenery is classic desert-meets-mountains, with wide open views, cactus-lined trails, and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy where you’re at. It never feels chaotic or overwhelming just a good, relaxed place to unplug and take in the landscape. Sunset is the move here. The light hits the mountains perfectly, the desert cools off, and the whole place takes on a really mellow vibe. Great spot for a solo hike, a low-key hang with friends, or just catching some quiet time outdoors. If you’re into scenic hikes without the stress, Lost Dog Trail is definitely worth checking out.
The Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is a great trail for anyone, even for kids! It's very accessible because it doesn't have high hills, making the walk enjoyable and safe for the whole family. I loved the scenery in the middle of the hike. It was absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect during my visit, but a good tip is to hike early in the morning during the summer months to beat the heat. Highly recommend this for an easy, scenic desert hike!
Bring water, large hat, sunscreen, and good sneakers. The view was stunning. The sun is hot even in December but with comfort. There are restrooms 🚻. And a quick guide for best trails for hiking experience. Parking is free. I took fingernail loop.
Great east hiking for beginners. Friendly people and lots of bikers. Very scenic and options for different trails. The facilities were nice and I loved how dog friendly it was!
Granite Mountain Trailhead
| Address | 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 312-7013 |
One of the prettiest hikes I've been on. Multiple trails with outstanding views and photo opportunities. Would highly recommend for anyone that likes nature. East hike as well.
I can't believe we have lived 20 minutes away and never made it here. Walked the loop this morning, so beautiful and the trail was relatively quiet - we noticed more people as we were close to returning at the trailhead. Lovely boulders and saguaros.
Multi use trail that offers some pretty vistas and mild elevation change. November weather was perfect for the nearly 8 mile hike. Had to be aware of bikes and the occasional horse but not too busy. No real shade and water is necessary of course.
The trail is full of plant life and big boulders scattered along the way. Very beautiful hike.
Lots of hiking choices here with some of the best panaramic views of Rio Verde.
Blue Wash Trailhead
| Address | 43168 42800 N Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
The hike was really cool and honestly such a refreshing experience. It was pretty easy overall, which made it even more enjoyable because we could just take our time and really notice everything around us. The whole trail smelled incredible, like fresh plants and clean earth. We saw so many butterflies — black, gray, yellow, orange — flying all around us. There were also a lot of interesting rock formations, and compared to Arizona, the plants were completely different and much more diverse. The whole experience felt calm, peaceful, and genuinely chill.
One of my first b Ii g hikes since moving here recently. It is not a big hike it just was for me. Parking was eqsy finding the trail was easy. Pretty easy getting to the waterfall and water is still flowing. Getting back was challenging for me as I am totally deconditioned but I saw some kids with their parents and they were not having a hard time at all. If you have bad knees be aware there are only a few parts of the trail where you have to negotiate but with extra caution and taking your time it's doable.
The day was amazing
Butterflies everywhere! Flowers and rocks and trees and peaceful solitude with a few great spots in the shade to sit on a rock and contemplate the meaning of life. I loved it.
Loved this short hike. You'll need shoes with a good grip, all trails or hiking boots. The small gravel can be slippery as my friend slipped twice. We loved the hike with rocks to climb between and over, cute paths, gorgeous Boulders , and a small pool of water with a baby trickle waterfall at the end. We enjoyed the few small flowers and sat in the rocky shade by the shallow, warm water.
I recommend downloading the All Trails map. The return back we veered left when we should have gone right. The map helped us. We could see the rails of the parking lot and walked uphill towards it.
No cell service so exit, turn left to return to town aka cell service. Easy parking just off the main road. Friendly folk hiking, some young families. Not super busy, maybe 5-6 hikers.
Go early as it gets hot quickly, bring water/hat. It's a short, turn around hike, fun and easy. Oh we saw a twisted tree, vortex energies...
Enjoy!
Worth the dive. Perfect 3 mile total hike. Lots of natural scenery.
Most the trail is flat and easy. There are a few rocky spots if you have troubles. The hill coming back out will get your heart pumping but not too much. About half the trail had some shade if you needed it.
Loved this trail. Moderate. Gravely and loose sand in some areas. Climb with care. Easy for most to hike. Many families and dogs. We followed the AllTrails app to be sure and find the waterfall area. It's about a 3 mile hike out and back.
Follow the basin. Turn left when you get to the flag. Then, keep going left until the dead end.
There was water today! It was relaxing to hear the water as we sat on the rocks about the fall. Children played in the water below. It was very enjoyable.
Careful of rattlesnakes! We encountered one! Massive and angry. Angry because some guys decided to coax it with a stick of the trail, rather than leave it alone. The areas where you climb down/ up rocky areas, proceed with caution as this is where the snake was residing.
Overall a very scenic trail.
Essential Tips for Hiking in Scottsdale
The difference between a memorable hike and a dangerous one often comes down to preparation, not fitness level. The Sonoran Desert is a fragile and unforgiving environment, but it rewards those who respect its rules. Below are the most important considerations to keep in mind before you lace up your boots and hit the trail.
First, start your hike at sunrise or earlier. The desert is most alive in the early morning, with cooler temperatures, active wildlife, and softer light for photography. By 10:00 AM, even in winter, the sun is high enough to make exposed trails uncomfortable. Plan to be off the trail by noon during the warmer months, and always check the forecast before heading out. Second, carry at least one liter of water per hour of hiking. A two-hour hike means a minimum of two liters, and more if the temperature exceeds eighty degrees. Electrolyte tablets or sports drinks help replace the salts you lose through sweat, which is often invisible in the dry air. Third, wear proper footwear with aggressive tread. The granite surfaces on many Scottsdale trails are covered in a fine grit that acts like ball bearings under smooth-soled shoes. Hiking boots or trail runners with deep lugs will save your ankles and your confidence on steep descents.
Fourth, respect the wildlife and plant life. Rattlesnakes are present year-round but are most active in the spring and fall. Watch where you place your hands and feet, and never reach into crevices or under rocks. Cholla cactus segments detach easily and seem to jump onto passing legs, so carry a small comb or multitool with pliers to remove them safely. Fifth, leave no trace. The desert soil is covered in a living crust called cryptobiotic soil that takes decades to form and seconds to destroy. Stay on established trails, pack out all trash, and do not stack rocks or carve into boulders. These small actions protect the landscape for future generations and keep Scottsdale’s trails open to the public.
The hiking community in Scottsdale is welcoming and knowledgeable, and there is always something new to discover on these trails, whether it is a hidden petroglyph site, a blooming ocotillo, or a view that stops you in your tracks. The best way to experience the city is on foot, where the pace slows down enough to notice the small details that make the Sonoran Desert so extraordinary. Take your time, breathe deeply, and let the landscape work its quiet magic on you.
