Paradise Valley, Arizona
Top Spots in and near Paradise Valley
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Hike Bell's Pass
7.3 mi / 1700 ft gainStarting at 1800 ft elevation, the trail begins at Gateway Loop. This part of the trail will start off pretty flat and be more crowded than Bell's Pass depending on the day and time you are hiking. If you enjoy running this would be the time to do it before you reach Bell's Pass and the incline i...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Gateway Loop
4.54.32 mi / 764 ft gainThe Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak
4.83.73 mi / 1037 ft gainSunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hike Marcos de Niza Ridgeline / National Loop
5.02.8 mi / 640 ft gainThis is somewhat of a hidden gem in South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the United States, even though it's right there for all to see. The best way to take advantage of this trail is to attack the ridgeline with an intense hiking pace or trail run, connecting it to the National Tr...Read more -
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Hike the Dixie Mine Trail
2.05.5 mi / 591 ft gainThe MineDixie mine was established in 1877, when mining scouts noticed the large amount of quartz in the area. The Dixie Mine was sold many times throughout the 20th Century and was ruled no longer efficient in 1977 when it was sold to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The PetroglyphsThe area ...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hidden Valley via the Mormon Loop Trail
4.03.63 mi / 873 ft gainThis is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. There are some beautiful rock formations, nice trails, and pretty stunning views of the city and desert beyond. It's open year round and is dog friendly so if you've got a pup, definitely bring it along. It gets super hot in the summer and ...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail
3.63 mi / 863 ft gainHidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Phoenix, Arizona.Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail
2.46 mi / 758 ft gainAcer Summit Via Mormon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Marcus Landslide Trail
5.03.77 mi / 561 ft gainNamed after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike. It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hi...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tom's Thumb
4.33.98 mi / 1280 ft gainThe infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline. The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Boulder the Unknown Handcrack near Tom's Thumb
V-easy. 20 feet. Start on the Tom's Thumb Trail about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Climb Brusin' and Crusin' on Gardner's Wall
This is a 100 foot 5.8 trad climb. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the direction you want to take. ...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Climb Girlie Man Near Tom's Thumb
5.9+ 3 bolt slab. About 65ft. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked tra...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Climb Hanging Garden's on Gardner's Wall
This is a 2 pitch 5.6 trad climb. About 130 feet in total. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the dire...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Climb Sphincter Boy Near Tom's Thumb
5.9 trad route. About 60ft. Can be set up as a Top Rope. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Cont...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pinnacle Peak Trail
4.43.87 mi / 896 ft gainPinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...Read more