Scottsdale is a dream come true for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors… from cactus-studded hillsides to sweeping mountain vistas, there are countless trails just waiting to be discovered. Whether you crave a quick pre-work stroll or a challenging summit adventure, this city’s trailheads deliver year-round excitement and scenery.
Let’s get to it.
Sunrise Peak Trailhead
Sunrise Peak Trailhead in Scottsdale provides a moderate desert hike with options for varying skill levels. A 3.7-mile out-and-back reaches the summit, while turning back at the viewpoint creates just over a one-mile trek. For more distance, a loop via Lost Dog Wash extends the route to about 5.8 miles.
The path alternates between compacted dirt and rocky steps, with a brief scramble near the top. Proper hiking shoes are recommended, as the trail is unsuitable for wheelchairs or flip-flops. From the summit you’ll see 360-degree panoramas of Phoenix, Four Peaks and the Fountain Hills water feature.
Parking and a single water spigot are available at the trailhead, but restrooms and benches are absent. On-leash dogs are welcome. Weekends in cooler seasons draw crowds, though traffic remains lighter than Camelback or Piestewa peaks. Early starts offer the best chance at solitude and cooler ground temperatures.
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Pima Dynamite Trailhead offers a variety of loop and out-and-back routes in the northern preserve. Trails range from an easy 3-mile circuit to the 4.5-mile Axle Grease route. Surfaces consist mainly of granite gravel with occasional rocky sections that test calf muscles.
Dense saguaro stands dominate the scenery alongside boulder piles and a powerline corridor framing distant ridges. The trailhead features a large paved lot, real restrooms, water fountains and shaded ramadas for breaks. Dogs must remain leashed and hitching rails plus troughs welcome mounted riders. Weekday traffic is light; cooler months bring steady weekend crowds.
Well-marked junctions and regular trail upkeep keep hikers on course. In summer, temperatures spike quickly on exposed stretches. Most choose to start before sunrise or limit time on shadeless sections. Overall, Pima Dynamite delivers solid desert hiking with flexible route options and reliable facilities.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
At Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, a broad lot accommodates cars, horse trailers and offers real restrooms. Ramadas scattered across the area provide welcome shade for pre- or post-hike breaks. Most visitors plan outings between October and May to avoid extreme summer heat.
Trail options range from the gentle 2-mile Short Loop to the 6.2-mile Corral Loop. Elevation gain is modest, usually between 100 and 300 feet, though sections around Brown’s Mountain introduce rocky terrain. The Jane Rau Nature Trail follows accessible grades for strollers and wheelchairs.
Desert vistas include wildflower displays, distant mountain silhouettes and occasional javelina sightings. Well-placed signs and interpretive exhibits trace the area’s ranching past. Dogs are welcome on leash, and crowds thin out as you move beyond the Short Loop. Water stations and regular maintenance ensure a pleasant visit for hikers, bikers and equestrians alike.
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Nestled at the northeastern corner of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Tom’s Thumb Trailhead leads to a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike that tops out at a dramatic granite spire. Towering saguaros flank the route and seasonal wildflowers appear when spring rains arrive. The trail climbs roughly 1,100 feet and includes a few rock scrambles near the summit where hikers will need to use their hands.
The parking area is paved and usually fills by mid-morning on weekends. You’ll find pit restrooms and a shaded ramada by the trailhead. There’s no water on the trail, so carry at least one full bottle plus a backup for canine companions. Summer temperatures can reach sauna levels, so early starts are crucial. Maintained singletrack, clear markers and cairns keep navigation straightforward. Cell service fades beyond the first mile, which helps keep hikers focused on the climb and the view rather than their phones.
Granite Mountain Trailhead
Granite Mountain Trailhead sets a high bar for a Sonoran desert outing. Wide, well-marked paths snake through boulder fields and classic saguaros. Seasonal wildflowers add color to the dirt and decomposed granite crunch underfoot.
Loop options range from the six-mile Long Loop with 330 feet of climb to the shorter Bootlegger route at 2.9 miles. All trails deliver moderate exercise and varied terrain. Although crowds gather on cool days, a pre-dawn start can secure solitude.
Facilities include car and horse-trailer parking, clean restrooms and a shade ramada. Dogs on leash are welcome. There is no water onsite, so bring your own. Trail maintenance is excellent, ensuring clear paths and reliable signage for every visitor.
Brown’s Mountain
At Brown’s Mountain, the 3.2-mile round trip packs just enough challenge to feel rewarding without overwhelming beginners. The trail begins on a wide crushed granite path that’s easy on the ankles, then narrows into a classic singletrack winding among saguaros.
Historical landmarks appear along the way, including the old Brown’s Ranch ruins and a small pet cemetery. At the summit, sweeping views of Four Peaks, Weaver’s Needle, Red Mountain and Tom’s Thumb await. Keep an eye out for lizards scurrying among the rocks.
Amenities include free parking, restrooms, potable water and shaded areas. Hitching rails accommodate horseback visitors. Dogs are permitted on leash, though mid-day summer heat is not recommended. Well-marked signs and modest crowds make this hike a low-stress choice for desert scenery and light history in one outing.
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Visitors to Lost Dog Wash Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve discover a network of trails framed by saguaros and wide mountain vistas. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians all use the horse-trailer-sized parking area. Weekends and snowbird season can be busy, but early mornings reward you with birdsong instead of crowds.
Trail options stretch from the easy 0.4-mile Kovach Family Nature Trail to the 6-mile Sunrise Peak route, which offers a serious climb. Terrain shifts from sandy stretches to loose rocks, so sturdy footwear is a must. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the preserve.
Signage and educational displays guide you along each route. Restrooms and shaded ramadas provide convenient spots to rest or read interpretive panels. Whether you aim for a quick stroll or a strenuous summit quest, Lost Dog Wash has gear-friendly infrastructure and varied scenery to match.
Trail Head Preserve – McDowell Mountains
Nestled in the McDowell Mountains near Scottsdale, the Trail Head Preserve offers trails for every ability. Accessible loops like Camino Campana feature smooth asphalt surfaces for wheelchairs, while more challenging routes climb over 2,500 feet through rocky terrain on Tom’s Thumb. Trail surfaces range from friendly paved paths to sections that demand careful footing.
Parking, restrooms, shaded picnic areas and even water troughs with hitch rails for horses are all on site. Dogs are welcome on leash but must be kept home when temperatures hit 90 degrees. Owners are responsible for cleanup along the way.
Crowds tend to gather at the Gateway and Tom’s Thumb trailheads. For a quieter experience, try Quartz or Pima Dynamite during off-peak hours. Every step presents desert panoramas, spring wildflowers, and occasional wildlife such as javelina. Signage is plentiful and trails are well maintained so everyone from stroller-pushers to serious climbers finds a suitable route.
Gateway Trailhead – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Gateway Trailhead at McDowell Sonoran Preserve caters to hikers of all abilities with multiple trail choices. The Bajada Nature Trail is an easy 0.5-mile loop suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The Gateway Loop covers 4.4 miles with 718 feet of elevation gain over dirt-and-rock singletrack.
A paved parking lot, shaded ramadas and water stations set the tone for a comfortable start. Trail signage and a visitor kiosk provide clear directions and interpretive displays that explain local flora, fauna and history. Weekend use is high, so early weekday visits offer more quiet.
Saguaro forests and cholla clusters line the trails, with volunteers regularly clearing brush and updating markers. Longer routes connect to distant peaks, including Thompson Peak at 14 miles round trip. Dogs on leash, well-maintained paths and ample shade make Gateway a top choice for families, serious hikers and anyone seeking reliable desert trail infrastructure.
Fraesfield Trailhead – Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Located on the northern edge of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Fraesfield Trailhead balances open desert views with civilized amenities. The parking lot easily handles cars and horse trailers. Foot traffic is steady but never overwhelming.
Trails feature soft-dirt surfaces and rolling terrain rather than steep climbs. The Three Trails Loop combines Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine and Black Hill into just under five miles with 300 feet of elevation gain. Longer loops are available for those with extra energy. Camino Campana remains fully accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.
Panoramic views of Four Peaks and the McDowells unfold along the route. Restrooms and sheltered picnic spots offer mid-hike relief. Dogs on leash are welcome under Scottsdale’s regulations. City crews and volunteers keep signage clear and trails in top condition. Early starts are advised in summer to avoid peak heat.
