What is the best easy hike near Scottsdale?

For beginners, the Gateway Loop Trail (about 4.5 miles, moderate) and Lost Dog Wash Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are the go-to picks, with gentle grades and great desert views. Pinnacle Peak Trail is another well-maintained, scenic option that most fit hikers can handle.

How hard is the Camelback Mountain hike?

Hard. Both routes, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are steep, rocky, and strenuous, gaining over 1,200 feet in roughly 1.2 to 1.5 miles each way, with scrambling near the top. It's iconic and worth it for fit hikers, but it's not a beginner trail. Go at sunrise, bring plenty of water, and turn back if you're struggling.

When is the best time to hike near Scottsdale?

Early morning, especially October through April. Desert temperatures climb fast, so a sunrise start gives you the best light and the safest conditions. In summer, many trails are dangerous by mid-morning, and some, like Camelback and Piestewa, may close during extreme-heat warnings.

How much water should you bring hiking near Scottsdale?

At least one liter per hour of hiking, and more on hot days or long trails. Carry 2 to 3 liters in a daypack, add electrolytes or salty snacks, and never rely on finding water on the trail, there isn't any.

Best Hikes Near Scottsdale: Camelback, Pinnacle Peak & More

Name: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
Address: 17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268, US
Telephone: (480) 837-3966
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

The desert around Scottsdale is a hiker’s playground, from gentle saguaro-lined loops to lung-busting summit climbs with valley views for miles. The trick is matching the trail to your group, because “hiking near Scottsdale” covers everything from a flat family stroll to a rope-optional scramble up Camelback. Here are the best hikes near Scottsdale, sorted by difficulty, with the details you need to pick the right one and hike it safe.

Easy: Great for Families & First-Timers

Gateway Loop Trail

The signature intro to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. About 4.5 miles of well-graded, moderate trail with sweeping desert scenery and a big trailhead with real parking and restrooms. It’s the one to start with.

Lost Dog Wash Trail

A gentle, out-and-back option in the same preserve, with a soft incline and classic Sonoran views. Great for families, casual hikers, or a shorter morning out.

Pinnacle Peak Trail

A scenic, well-maintained 3.5-mile out-and-back that winds around the granite spire of Pinnacle Peak. It has some ups and downs but is manageable for most fit hikers, and the views over north Scottsdale are excellent.

Intermediate: A Real Workout, Big Payoff

Tom’s Thumb Trail

Steep but rewarding, Tom’s Thumb climbs to a landmark granite formation in the northern McDowells. It’s a genuine workout with switchbacks and elevation, but the summit views and the rock scenery make it a local favorite.

Advanced: For Experienced, Fit Hikers Only

Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon or Cholla)

The most iconic hike in the Valley, and one of the toughest. Both routes are steep and rocky with hand-over-foot scrambling near the top, gaining over 1,200 feet in a little over a mile. The 360-degree summit view is unforgettable, but this is not a beginner trail. Start at sunrise, carry lots of water, and know your limits.

Piestewa Peak

Steep, rocky, and exposed, Piestewa (in Phoenix, a short drive from Scottsdale) is a fast, punishing climb that rewards you with panoramic city-and-desert views. It’s popular with locals training for elevation, so expect company.

Quick Compare

Trail	Level	Vibe
Gateway Loop	Easy–moderate	Scenic preserve loop, great intro
Lost Dog Wash	Easy	Gentle, family-friendly
Pinnacle Peak	Easy–moderate	Well-maintained, big views
Tom’s Thumb	Intermediate	Steep, rewarding rock scenery
Camelback	Advanced	Iconic, strenuous scramble
Piestewa Peak	Advanced	Steep, exposed, panoramic

Hike It Safe: Desert Rules

The desert is unforgiving to the unprepared. Before any trail:

Go early. Sunrise starts mean cooler temps and better light. Summer trails can be dangerous by mid-morning.
Overpack water. At least a liter an hour, plus electrolytes. There’s none on the trail.
Dress right. Trail shoes with grip, breathable layers, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Tell someone your plan, carry a charged phone, and stay on marked paths.
Watch the heat. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop and rest in the shade immediately.

Our Sonoran Desert hiking prep guide goes deeper, and our guide on what to wear on an Arizona outdoor adventure covers the gear.

Trade Boots for a Buggy

Some of the best Scottsdale days pair a sunrise hike with an afternoon of off-road fun, and once your legs are done climbing, let an engine do the work. A U-Drive guided ATV or sand buggy tour takes you deep into the same Sonoran Desert on wheels, and a sunset ride trades the midday heat for golden light and cool air.

Call us at (480) 837-3966 or book a desert tour, and we’ll help you build the perfect trails-and-tires day.