Best trails in Scottsdale
4.6·99,028 reviews
Looking for the best hiking trails in Scottsdale? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 104 scenic trails in the Scottsdale area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Explore one of 27 easy hiking trails in Scottsdale or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Scottsdale that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(22614)
•Hard
•2.6 mi
Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix’s best hiking and rock climbing destinations and offers great views of the metropolitan area. Located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area, this area preserves a lot of native species that are unique to the Phoenix area and surrounding desert environment.
The summit can be reached via two hiking trails: Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. Both trails are strenuous and subject to extreme heat, so it is recommended to bring plenty of...
2
(12298)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
•Est. 2h 1m
Enjoy expansive desert landscape views on this scenic route through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This is a great trail to enjoy in the fall and spring as both seasons bring mild weather and a variety of scenery. The terrain can be rocky and challenging in some sections, and appropriate footwear is suggested.
The trailhead is open from sunrise to sunset. Please be mindful of extreme heat in the summer.
3
(9883)
•Moderate
•4.1 mi
•Est. 2h 15m
This route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Scottsdale area. A little past the half-mile marker, the Grandview rest stop presents a panorama of the valley and McDowell Mountain. From Owls Rest, one mile up the trail, you can make out Camelback Mountain in the distance.
This hike has no facilities along the trail, so fill your water bottles at the drinking fountains near the trailhead's restrooms. Hiking during early morning hours or weekdays is recommended for those who enjoy the...
4
(3819)
•Moderate
•2.8 mi
•Est. 1h 13m
This trail leads through an exposed canyon in a wash that ends at Camp Creek Falls. There are multiple forks between the trailhead and the wash, which are slightly confusing. Turn left once you get down to the wide wash, and follow this path until turning left at the flag and mine claim corner post. The falls are seasonal and best enjoyed after heavy rainfall.
5
(3268)
•Moderate
•5.5 mi
•Est. 1h 59m
This is a beautiful hike around the mountain and one of the best spots in north Scottsdale. The trail is well-marked and can accommodate horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. There is no shade along the way, and it is suggested to start early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
6
(1747)
•Moderate
•5.6 mi
•Est. 2h 47m
The trail offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the views of the local flora and fauna, especially during spring when various cacti are in full bloom. It is advised to start the hike early in the morning to get some shade on your way up to Inspiration Point. However, be mindful of the rocky trail with many loose rocks that can be an ankle twister. The incline of the trail makes it an excellent workout, and the last half-mile is an extra challenge. Once you reach Inspiration Point, you...
7
(2760)
•Moderate
•5.8 mi
•Est. 3h 5m
This hiking trail is an out-and-back route that leads to Sunrise Peak in the McDowell-Sonoran Preserve. The trail begins at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead and gradually ascends through the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The last bit of the trail is steep and requires a little effort to reach the top of Sunrise Peak. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the metro Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains, and the Four Peaks Wilderness.
8
(2063)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 1h 38m
The Lost Dog Trail begins at a trailhead with ample parking. It leads into mostly rocky terrain that offers excellent southern views. As you hike, you'll see much of the beautiful desert landscape. The trail features gradual inclines and declines between paloverde-lined washes and open fields punctuated with giant saguaros, ironwood trees, and some ravine walks.
The trail is well-marked and has mileage to various connecting trails. It is a mix of firm sand and rocks, crisscrossing the wash...
9
(1486)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 1h 58m
This trail begins at the Gateway Trailhead parking lot, off the North Thompson Peak Parkway. From here, you'll head through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve up to the Gateway Saddle and back again.
The terrain offers a good workout, with a steady incline along a dirt trail with loose rocks. Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are recommended. The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked.
10
(1756)
•Hard
•9.3 mi
•Est. 4h 47m
This trail explores part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, offering a stunning variety of scenery and views along the way. You'll traverse Bell Pass and Windgate Pass. The climb up to Bells Pass is steeper than Windgate Pass. Wear shoes with good traction, and consider hiking poles to assist with the steep and rocky terrain. There is no shade along the route, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, as they are well-marked at junctions.
Showing results 1–10 of 104
Trail reviews for Scottsdale
Nice trailheads and very thoughtful to have a box of bananas to share at the Echo trailhead! Not as crowded as a couple of weeks ago, but we started a bit later. A good challenging hike with lots of scrambling on rocks and boulders. The trail has been marked well with reflectors and signs. I find it helpful to have gloves and might wear one sleeves next time. We went across to Cholla entrance and then back to Echo parking. The down is tougher to me than the up.
Parking: Free, Large lot
Great trail and a beautiful day! As always, it’s pretty busy, but nothing too crazy!
Moderate hike, great views, lots of people on trail
Conditions: No bugs, Dry ground, Well maintained
Pinnacle Peak Trail
Super fun hike… I actually ended up doing about 8 miles since there were so many trails to piggy back off of. Sad there was no water fall since it rained last night. Will 10000% be back!
Nice mountain views. Could be considered easy. Ok and not challenging for my bikes too.
Difficulty: Easy
Granite Mountain Loop
Very good hike, we added in Gateway Saddle…..went before. Got busy memorial day but coming back. It was extremely busy with lots of people and puppies. 11/11/24
Parking: Medium lot
Inspiration Point via Saguaro, Gateway, and Windgate Pass Trails
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails in Scottsdale?
There are plenty of things to do on Scottsdale's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 94 hiking trails, 58 running trails, 41 mountain biking trails, and more.
What is the longest trail in Scottsdale?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Scottsdale is Pima and Dynamite Loop. This trail is estimated to be 51.2 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale: With an ascent of 5,347 ft, Sheep Bridge Hot Spring from FR205 has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Seven Springs OHV Road: Cave Creek to Sheep Bridge with 4,432 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail in Scottsdale?
The most popular and difficult trail in Scottsdale is Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail with a 4.8-star rating from 22,614 reviews.
Are there camping trails available in Scottsdale?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Scottsdale which is Sheep Bridge Hot Spring from FR205 with an average 4.1 star rating from 44 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Scottsdale?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 58 running trails in Scottsdale and the most popular is Granite Mountain Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 3,268 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Scottsdale?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 46 biking trails in Scottsdale and the most popular is Gateway Loop Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 12,298 community reviews.