Why North Scottsdale is the place to hike
Hiking in North Scottsdale means the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of the largest urban preserves in the country, and Pinnacle Peak Park next to it. The trails run through saguaro forest, granite boulder fields and open ranch land, and most trailheads are ten or fifteen minutes from the houses in this part of town. Parking is free, and the Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
We keep a short list for guests. These are the four trailheads on it, from the gentlest to the hardest.
Brown's Ranch Trailhead: wide open and easygoing
Brown's Ranch is the northern gateway to the Preserve, at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway. The country here is old ranch land, flatter and quieter than the southern trailheads, with long views to the mountains and loops of almost any length. It has restrooms and interpretive displays about the Preserve's history.
The Jane Rau Trail is an accessible loop of under half a mile on a stabilized surface, good for grandparents and strollers. Stronger hikers can head for Brown's Mountain or string together a long loop through the boulders. In a good spring, the wildflowers here are the best in the Preserve. For sunset, the short climb on Sunset Vista Trail looks west over the valley.
Gateway Trailhead: the classic first hike
Gateway, on Thompson Peak Parkway on the southern side of the Preserve, is the busiest trailhead and the easiest to recommend. The Gateway Loop climbs into the McDowells with views back over the city, and shorter options start right at the parking lot. Arrive at first light on weekends or you will be circling for a space. Locals use the bridge near the trailhead to watch the sunrise over the mountains.
Tom's Thumb Trailhead: the steep one
Tom's Thumb Trailhead, on 128th Street in the northeast corner of the Preserve, is for hikers who want to work. The trail climbs hard and fast to a field of granite boulders and the formation called Tom's Thumb, a favorite with rock climbers. The view from the top runs across the whole valley.
There are restrooms at the trailhead but no drinking water, so carry all of yours. Do not start it late on a warm day.
Pinnacle Peak Park: the neighborhood hike
Pinnacle Peak Park is run by the City of Scottsdale rather than the Preserve, and it is the hike most of our North Scottsdale guests do first. The trail is about two miles each way, out and back, on a well-kept path the city rates as moderate, with lookouts along the way. Plan an hour and a half to two hours for the round trip.
Everyone has to be off the trail by dusk. The park runs guided full moon hikes on certain evenings, and the climbing areas around the peak have been used for decades.
Hiking safely in the desert heat
Temperatures can pass 100 degrees from April into November, and there is almost no shade on any of these trails. The rules our guests follow are simple.
- Start at sunrise from late spring through early fall, and be off the trail by mid-morning.
- Carry more water than you expect to drink, at least a quart per person even on short hikes.
- Turn around when half your water is gone, whatever the map says.
- Watch the trail edges for rattlesnakes in warm months, and keep dogs leashed.
- Tell someone at the house which trailhead you are using and when you expect to be back.
- Wear real shoes. Decomposed granite is slippery on the way down.
The best season for hiking
October through April is hiking season. Winter mornings start cool and warm up fast, so dress in layers. February and March bring the wildflowers, especially around Brown's Ranch after a wet winter. Summer hiking is possible, but only at dawn, and many locals simply switch to the pool.
Troon Ranch as a base for hiking
Troon Ranch Casitas sit beneath Troon Mountain in North Scottsdale, minutes from Pinnacle Peak Park and the northern trailheads of the Preserve. Three casitas, each with its own entrance, sleep two to eight, and the shared pool and spa in the boulders are where most hikes end. Call (480) 781-0717 and we will suggest a trail for your group's legs and the week's weather.
Questions we get asked
What is the best hike in North Scottsdale?
Pinnacle Peak Park for a first hike, Gateway for the classic Preserve loop, Tom's Thumb for a hard climb, and Brown's Ranch for long, quiet miles.
Is there a fee to hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
No. Trailhead parking is free and the Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Is there water at the trailheads?
Do not count on it. Tom's Thumb has no drinking water. Bring all the water you need from the house.
Can you hike in Scottsdale in summer?
Only at sunrise. Temperatures pass 100 degrees and the trails have little shade. Be off the trail by mid-morning.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, on a leash. The rock gets hot enough to burn paws in summer, so hike early.
Is there an easy, accessible trail?
The Jane Rau Trail at Brown's Ranch is a short, accessible loop on a stabilized surface.
