Scottsdale, Arizona

Pinnacle 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...

The 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...

Starting 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...

Saguaro Loop and Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona.

Named 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...

The 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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

Pima and Dynamite Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Scottsdale, Arizona.

Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Jane Rau Trail stands as a gateway to the Sonoran Desert's rich ecosystem within Arizona's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This accessible 0.5-mile loop serves as an interpretive nature trail, honoring Jane Rau, a dedicated conservationist who played a pivotal role in preserving these lands. Wheth...

The 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 ...

This is a 15.4 mile loop that has 879 feet of elevation gain and descent. We took this trail clockwise. The trail is very well marked and maintained. It starts out flat from the parking lot. Once you have made it across the road it begins to climb. You continue with a gradual climb until you've g...