What to do and see in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ): The Best Hiking Trails

February 25, 2022 Emerita Lamoureux

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.
Restaurants in Scottsdale

1. Tom's Thumb Trailhead

23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ http://arizonahiking.org/component/content/article/83-phoenix-area-and-central-arizona/188-toms-thumb
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 393 reviews

Tom's Thumb Trailhead

Reviewed By ca847

Beautiful scenery. Fun walk in the heat. Trails are marked very well. Be sure to bring plenty of water and proper shoes.

2. The Bajada Nature Trail

Thompson Peak Pkwy, between Bell Rd & Legacy Blvd McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/trailhead/displayHike/2#sthash.x3XeoiP4.dpbs
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

The Bajada Nature Trail

Reviewed By Kkoleary - Scottsdale, United States

This was a nice walk around 1 mile loop perfect for family outing. Very informative interactive signs showed us so much about the desert- geography of the wash, animals (insects, birds, and mammals), and plants. Easy walk for two year old.

3. Marcus Landslide Trail

Scottsdale, AZ http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=16878
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Marcus Landslide Trail

Reviewed By luv2travelhubs

This hike is surprising as you reach the final loop, there's more of a challenge with inclines. Great hike!

4. Sunrise Peak Trail

0.6 miles from 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/hike/sunrise-trail-east
Excellent
75%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Sunrise Peak Trail

Reviewed By 947janicer - DeLand, United States

This trail is approximately 4 miles round trip if you go all the way to the top. It is really rocky and you have to watch every step. You will just love the beautiful desert and the views from the top. Note: this trail tends to also be very windy.

5. Brown's Ranch Trailhead

30301 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ +1 480-998-7971 http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/trailhead/displayLocation/9
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Brown's Ranch Trailhead

Reviewed By astromandsn

I loved this trailhead because it has so many options available. From the super-easy 1/2 mile trail to ones that go for miles and miles around the park. I particularly liked climbing Brown Mountain.

6. Pemberton Hiking Trail

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Scottsdale, AZ
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Pemberton Hiking Trail

7. Lost Dog Wash Trail

12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/trailhead/displayLocation/5#sthash.V2YqZId4.dpbs
Excellent
68%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Lost Dog Wash Trail

Reviewed By lhirsch2018 - Phoenix, United States

wonderful and well maintained hiking trails about a 4 and a half mile round trip. ground is rocky so wear good hiking shoes

8. The Gateway Trailhead

Scottsdale, AZ +1 480-312-7013 http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/trailhead/displayLocation/1#sthash.iSuvVvYz.dpbs
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

The Gateway Trailhead

Reviewed By livingthedream30

So many different trails to choose from - everyone welcome! There are short nature trails that are good for small kids & those with mobility issues up to 13+ miles. Bikes are ridden on this trail but only if you are really experienced - very loose, rocky soil. Be sure to take plenty of H2O, no matter the time of year. Also, don't bring the dog when it's above 90 degrees - too hot for them!

9. Pima-Dynamite Trailhead

28777 N Pima Rd Intersection of Pima and Dynamite, Scottsdale, AZ 85266-9008 +1 480-312-5000 http://scottsdaleaz.gov
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

Pima-Dynamite Trailhead

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