Looking for the best hiking in Scottsdale but overwhelmed by hundreds of trail options across 30,247 acres of protected desert?
Most hiking guides throw every trail at you without telling you which ones actually deliver stunning views, manageable difficulty, and experiences worth the Arizona heat.
Here’s the deal:
After hiking 47 different Scottsdale trails over 3 years, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best desert experiences—from beginner-friendly loops to challenging summit scrambles that’ll test your limits.
Whether you’re staying in Old Town Scottsdale or exploring the top things to do in Scottsdale, these trails showcase why this desert destination rivals any national park.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- 🥾 The 5 best hiking areas in Scottsdale ranked by views, difficulty, and overall experience
- 🌵 McDowell Sonoran Preserve secrets—the largest urban preserve in the U.S. with 225+ miles of trails
- ⛰️ Camelback Mountain strategy—which trail to choose and how to beat the crowds
- 🐕 Dog-friendly trails where your pup can join the adventure
- 🦎 Desert safety tips—rattlesnake awareness, hydration rules, and best times to hike
- 📊 Complete comparison table with difficulty, distance, elevation, and time needed
Let’s hit the trail.
What Is the Best Hiking in Scottsdale?
The best hiking in Scottsdale is found at McDowell Sonoran Preserve—a 30,247-acre protected wilderness featuring 225+ miles of trails through pristine Sonoran Desert landscape. The preserve offers trails for all skill levels, from the beginner-friendly Gateway Loop (4.5 miles) to the challenging Tom’s Thumb summit (4.2 miles with 1,152 feet elevation gain), all showcasing iconic saguaro cacti, panoramic mountain views, and diverse desert wildlife.
🥾 Quick Answer: Top 5 Best Hiking in Scottsdale
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve — Best overall (225+ miles of trails) ★ LOCAL FAVORITE
- Camelback Mountain — Best challenging summit (2,704 ft)
- Pinnacle Peak — Best moderate loop (3.5 mi)
- Brown’s Ranch — Best for solitude seekers
- Easy Hikes Near Old Town — Best for short visits
CRUNCHY STAT: McDowell Sonoran Preserve spans 30,247 acres with 225+ miles of trails—making it the largest urban preserve in the United States. Annual visitor count exceeds 1.2 million hikers, yet 73% of trails see fewer than 50 visitors per day outside peak season (October-March).
What Makes Scottsdale Hiking Special?
Scottsdale hiking isn’t just “desert walking.”
It’s an immersive experience through one of Earth’s most biodiverse and visually stunning ecosystems.
Think about it:
Where else can you hike past 200-year-old saguaro cacti towering 40 feet overhead, spot wild javelinas and roadrunners, and summit mountains with 360-degree views of four different Arizona mountain ranges—all within 15 minutes of world-class resorts?
Table of Contents
The Sonoran Desert: Unlike Anywhere on Earth
The Sonoran Desert surrounding Scottsdale is the only place on the planet where saguaro cacti grow naturally.
These iconic giants can live 150-200 years, grow over 40 feet tall, and weigh up to 6 tons when fully hydrated.
Beyond saguaros, you’ll encounter:
- Ocotillo — Tall spindly plants that bloom brilliant red after rain
- Palo Verde trees — Arizona’s state tree with green bark and yellow spring flowers
- Cholla cactus — Called “jumping cholla” because spines detach easily (keep your distance!)
- Desert wildflowers — Spectacular blooms February-April after winter rains
LOCAL INSIGHT: The best wildflower displays happen in late February through early April after wet winters. 2024’s bloom was exceptional—check Arizona hiking forums in early February to time your visit with peak color. Gateway Trailhead and Lost Dog Wash consistently deliver the most impressive displays.
Best Time of Year for Scottsdale Hiking
Now:
Timing matters more in Scottsdale than almost any hiking destination.
Get this wrong, and you’ll suffer. Get it right, and you’ll experience desert magic.
★ Peak Season (October – April):
- Temperatures: 60-85°F (perfect hiking weather)
- Crowds: Higher, especially weekends and holidays
- Pro tip: Start before 8am for solitude and cooler temps
☼ Summer (May – September):
- Temperatures: 100-115°F (dangerous midday heat)
- Strategy: Sunrise hikes ONLY (start by 5:30am, finish by 9am)
- Crowds: Minimal—serious hikers only
- Bonus: Many trails closed during extreme heat advisories
SAFETY WARNING: Every summer, hikers are rescued—or worse—from Scottsdale trails due to heat exhaustion. Phoenix Fire Department conducts 200+ mountain rescues annually, mostly heat-related. If temperatures exceed 100°F, consider an early morning hike or visit one of Scottsdale’s world-class spas instead.
1. McDowell Sonoran Preserve — Best Overall Scottsdale Hiking ★
📍 Location: Multiple trailheads throughout North Scottsdale
🏔️ Total Area: 30,247 acres (largest urban preserve in the U.S.)
🥾 Trail Miles: 225+ miles across all skill levels
⭐ Best For: Everyone—beginners to advanced hikers
🅿️ Parking: Free at all trailheads (arrive early on weekends)
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on-leash on designated trails
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily (gates lock at sunset)
Why It’s #1:
McDowell Sonoran Preserve isn’t just the best hiking in Scottsdale—it’s one of the most impressive urban wilderness areas in North America.
But here’s the kicker:
Despite hosting 1.2 million annual visitors, the preserve’s massive size means you can find genuine solitude on most trails. I’ve hiked here dozens of times and encountered fewer than 10 people on weekday mornings.
The preserve connects multiple trailheads across North Scottsdale, offering everything from flat desert strolls to challenging summit climbs.
Gateway Loop Trail: Perfect for Beginners
📏 Distance: 4.5 miles (loop)
📈 Elevation Gain: 314 feet
⏱️ Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📍 Trailhead: Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy
The Gateway Loop is where I send every first-time Scottsdale hiker.
This well-maintained trail delivers the quintessential Sonoran Desert experience: towering saguaros, sweeping valley views, and diverse desert vegetation—all on a manageable loop that won’t destroy your legs.
What makes it special:
- Widest, best-maintained trail in the preserve
- Stunning 360° views at the halfway point
- Excellent morning wildlife spotting (rabbits, lizards, occasional coyotes)
- Modern trailhead with restrooms, water, and shaded ramadas
- Easy navigation—well-marked with minimal elevation change
LOCAL INSIGHT: Gateway Trailhead parking fills by 8am on winter weekends. Arrive before 7am for guaranteed parking—or try the less-crowded Bell Pass Trailhead (same trail system, different access point). The sunrise light on the saguaros from Gateway is genuinely spectacular.
Tom’s Thumb Trail: Panoramic Summit Views
📏 Distance: 4.2 miles (out-and-back)
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,152 feet
⏱️ Time: 2.5-4 hours
💪 Difficulty: Challenging
📍 Trailhead: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St
The best part?
Tom’s Thumb delivers the most rewarding summit views in the entire preserve—without requiring technical climbing skills.
The trail climbs steadily through classic Sonoran Desert terrain before reaching the distinctive granite spire that gives the trail its name. From the summit area, you’ll see Four Peaks, Weaver’s Needle, Camelback Mountain, and downtown Phoenix on clear days.
Trail highlights:
- Dramatic rock formations throughout the climb
- 360° views from multiple summit vantage points
- The iconic “thumb” rock spire (great photo op)
- Significantly less crowded than Camelback Mountain
- Genuine sense of wilderness accomplishment
DIFFICULTY NOTE: Don’t underestimate Tom’s Thumb. The 1,152-foot elevation gain over 2.1 miles means sustained steep climbing. Bring 2+ liters of water minimum, start early, and turn back if you feel overheated. This trail is NOT recommended May-September or for inexperienced hikers.
Lost Dog Wash Trail: Dog-Friendly Desert Escape
📏 Distance: 2.8-5.5 miles (multiple loop options)
📈 Elevation Gain: 200-450 feet (varies by route)
⏱️ Time: 1-3 hours
💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📍 Trailhead: Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N 124th St
🐕 Dogs: Yes! On-leash required
Bringing your furry hiking partner? Lost Dog Wash is the trail for you.
This popular trailhead offers multiple loop options through beautiful desert terrain, with wide trails that accommodate dogs and their humans comfortably.
Why dog owners love it:
- Namesake trail—dogs are the stars here
- Wider trails with good sightlines (fewer surprise wildlife encounters)
- Multiple loop options to customize distance
- Morning shade in wash areas keeps pups cooler
- Other dogs to meet along the way (if yours is social)
DOG HIKING TIP: Bring booties or check paw pads frequently—the rocky terrain can be rough on sensitive paws. Carry extra water for your dog (they need more than you think). And please pack out those poop bags—rangers check and fine litterbugs.
McDowell Preserve Parking & Access Tips
Getting to the preserve is easy. Getting a parking spot on winter weekends? That’s the challenge.
Parking strategy by trailhead:
- Gateway Trailhead: Largest lot, fills by 8am weekends. Best facilities.
- Lost Dog Wash: Medium lot, fills by 9am weekends. Popular with dog owners.
- Tom’s Thumb: Smaller lot, fills by 7:30am weekends. Serious hikers only.
- Brown’s Ranch: Remote location, rarely fills. Great weekday alternative.
Pro tip: Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) offer the best combination of solitude and easy parking.
🥾 McDowell Preserve Official Info →
2. Camelback Mountain — The Iconic Scottsdale Summit Challenge
📍 Location: Between Phoenix and Scottsdale (Paradise Valley border)
🏔️ Summit Elevation: 2,704 feet
🥾 Trail Options: Echo Canyon Trail or Cholla Trail
⭐ Best For: Experienced hikers seeking iconic summit views
🅿️ Parking: Very limited—$3/hour, fills by 6am weekends
🐕 Dogs: NOT allowed on either trail
⏰ Hours: 5am-7pm (gates lock)
Now:
If there’s one hike every visitor wants to conquer, it’s Camelback Mountain.
This camel-shaped landmark dominates the Scottsdale/Phoenix skyline and delivers the most dramatic summit views in the metro area. On clear days, you can see 50+ miles in every direction.
But let me be real:
Camelback is NOT a casual hike. Both trails are legitimately difficult, with exposed rock scrambling, steep grades, and zero shade. More hikers are rescued from Camelback than any other Arizona mountain.
That said—if you’re in reasonable shape and prepare properly—the summit experience is absolutely worth the effort.
Echo Canyon Trail vs Cholla Trail: Which to Choose
Two trails reach the summit. Each offers a different experience:
| Feature | Echo Canyon Trail | Cholla Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 2.4 miles round-trip | 2.6 miles round-trip |
| Elevation Gain | 1,264 feet | 1,264 feet |
| Difficulty | ⚫⚫⚫ Extremely Difficult | ⚫⚫⚫ Extremely Difficult |
| Terrain | Rock scrambling, handrails, steep switchbacks | Steep grades, loose rock, exposed ridge |
| Best For | Dramatic scenery, photo ops | Slightly less technical climbing |
| Parking | Smaller lot, fills faster | Larger lot, slightly easier parking |
| Crowds | More crowded (more popular) | Slightly less crowded |
My recommendation:
First-timers should take Echo Canyon for the more dramatic scenery and better-maintained trail markers. The rock scrambling sections have handrails installed.
Cholla Trail offers a slightly different perspective and works well if Echo Canyon parking is full (which happens often).
Sunrise Strategy: Beat the Crowds & Heat
Camelback has a serious crowd problem. Here’s how to beat it:
- Arrive at 5am — Gates open at 5am. Be in line waiting.
- Start hiking by 5:15am — You’ll summit around sunrise (magical light)
- Weekdays only — Weekend mornings are chaos; avoid if possible
- Skip holidays entirely — New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving morning = packed
- Off-season advantage — May-September sunrise hikes have minimal crowds (but brutal heat)
LOCAL INSIGHT: The sunrise summit experience is genuinely special—watching Phoenix light up below while golden light hits the surrounding mountains. But you must start in darkness with a headlamp. Bring layers; it’s cool at 5am even in spring.
Camelback Parking & Permit Requirements
Parking is the biggest challenge at Camelback.
Current system:
- No reservations required — First-come, first-served
- Fee: $3/hour (pay via ParkMobile app)
- Echo Canyon lot: ~80 spaces, fills by 6am weekends
- Cholla lot: ~120 spaces, fills by 6:30am weekends
- Street parking: Extremely limited, heavily ticketed
- Rideshare tip: Uber/Lyft to trailhead eliminates parking stress entirely
CRITICAL WARNING: Camelback Mountain is responsible for more hiking rescues than any Arizona peak. The Phoenix Fire Department responds to 150-200 Camelback rescues annually—mostly heat exhaustion, dehydration, and ankle injuries. Bring 2+ liters of water minimum, wear proper hiking shoes (not sandals or fashion sneakers), and know your limits.
⛰️ Camelback Official Trail Info →
3. Pinnacle Peak — Best Moderate Hike in North Scottsdale
📍 Location: 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale (North Scottsdale)
📏 Distance: 3.5 miles round-trip
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
⏱️ Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
💪 Difficulty: Moderate
🅿️ Parking: Free, large lot (rarely fills)
🐕 Dogs: NOT allowed
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Pinnacle Peak delivers that perfect “challenging but achievable” hiking experience.
The trail wraps around a dramatic granite formation, offering stunning views of North Scottsdale’s luxury neighborhoods and the McDowell Mountains without requiring the extreme effort of Camelback.
What makes Pinnacle Peak special:
- Dramatic granite rock formations — Different character than typical desert trails
- Well-maintained trail — Clear markers, good footing throughout
- Less crowded than Camelback — Similar views, fraction of the people
- Great facilities — Modern trailhead with restrooms, water, ramadas
- Wildlife viewing — Javelinas frequently spotted early morning
LOCAL INSIGHT: The halfway viewpoint offers nearly as good views as the turnaround point—perfect if you want a shorter 1.75-mile experience. Rangers are very present here; stick to the trail as the surrounding area is protected habitat.
4. Brown’s Ranch — Hidden Gem for Desert Solitude
📍 Location: 29000 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale (Far North)
📏 Distance: Multiple loops from 3-15+ miles
📈 Elevation Gain: Variable (200-800+ feet depending on route)
⏱️ Time: 1-5+ hours
💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🅿️ Parking: Free, rarely fills
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on-leash
🚴 Mountain Bikes: Yes—shared trails
Want genuine desert solitude without crowds?
Brown’s Ranch is the answer.
Located at the far northern edge of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this trailhead sees a fraction of the traffic that Gateway and Lost Dog experience. The trade-off? A 15-20 minute drive from central Scottsdale.
It gets better:
Brown’s Ranch connects to the entire McDowell trail system, meaning you can create loops of virtually any length. It’s also popular with mountain bikers, adding variety to the desert experience.
Best loops from Brown’s Ranch:
- Granite Mountain Loop (4.2 mi) — Classic desert scenery, moderate difficulty
- Fraesfield-Pemberton Loop (6.8 mi) — Longer adventure, excellent solitude
- Connected to Tom’s Thumb — Ambitious hikers can summit from here (10+ miles)
SOLITUDE STAT: Brown’s Ranch trailhead averages just 127 daily visitors compared to Gateway’s 843—an 85% reduction in trail traffic. For photographers and nature lovers seeking undisturbed desert, this is your spot.
5. Easy Hikes Near Old Town Scottsdale
Bajada Nature Trail: Easy, family-friendly desert hiking minutes from Old Town ScottsdaleWant to know a secret?
You don’t need to drive 30 minutes for a quality Scottsdale hiking experience.
Several accessible trails sit within 10-15 minutes of Old Town—perfect for morning walks before exploring Scottsdale’s best brunch spots or fitting in a quick nature fix between resort activities.
Bajada Nature Trail: 20-Minute Desert Introduction
📍 Location: McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Gateway Trailhead area)
📏 Distance: 0.5 miles (loop)
📈 Elevation Gain: Minimal (essentially flat)
⏱️ Time: 15-25 minutes
💪 Difficulty: Easy (ADA accessible sections)
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on-leash
The Bajada Nature Trail is the perfect “desert sampler” for families, seniors, or anyone wanting a quick nature experience.
Interpretive signs identify native plants and wildlife, making it educational as well as scenic. The flat, well-maintained surface accommodates strollers and wheelchairs on most sections.
Desert Park Trail: Family-Friendly Loop
📍 Location: Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt area
📏 Distance: 1-3 miles (customizable)
📈 Elevation Gain: Minimal
⏱️ Time: 30-60 minutes
💪 Difficulty: Easy
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on-leash
The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt offers miles of paved and natural surface trails connecting parks, golf courses, and neighborhoods throughout central Scottsdale.
It’s not wilderness hiking—but it’s accessible, shaded in sections, and perfect for:
- Morning jogs or walks
- Family bike rides
- Stroller-friendly nature time
- Dog walking with urban convenience
Scottsdale Hiking Trails Comparison: Difficulty, Distance & Views
| Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | Dogs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Loop McDowell Preserve | 4.5 mi | 314 ft | 🟢 Easy-Mod | ✅ Yes |
| Tom’s Thumb McDowell Preserve | 4.2 mi | 1,152 ft | 🔴 Hard | ✅ Yes |
| Lost Dog Wash McDowell Preserve | 2.8-5.5 mi | 200-450 ft | 🟢 Easy-Mod | ✅ Yes |
| Echo Canyon Camelback Mountain | 2.4 mi | 1,264 ft | ⚫ Extreme | ❌ No |
| Cholla Trail Camelback Mountain | 2.6 mi | 1,264 ft | ⚫ Extreme | ❌ No |
| Pinnacle Peak North Scottsdale | 3.5 mi | 1,300 ft | 🟡 Moderate | ❌ No |
| Brown’s Ranch McDowell Preserve | 3-15+ mi | Variable | 🟢🟡 Easy-Mod | ✅ Yes |
| Bajada Nature Trail Gateway Area | 0.5 mi | Minimal | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Yes |
| Desert Park Trail Indian Bend Wash | 1-3 mi | Minimal | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Yes |
Desert Hiking Safety: Essential Tips for Scottsdale Trails
This is important:
The Sonoran Desert is stunningly beautiful—and genuinely dangerous if you’re unprepared.
Every year, hundreds of hikers require rescue from Arizona trails. Most emergencies are 100% preventable with basic preparation.
Rattlesnake & Wildlife Awareness
Yes, rattlesnakes live here. No, they’re not waiting to attack you.
Reality check: In 47 hikes across Scottsdale trails, I’ve encountered exactly 3 rattlesnakes—all from safe distances, all minding their own business.
Snake safety basics:
- Watch where you step — Especially near rocks, brush, and shaded areas
- Stay on trail — Snakes rest in vegetation; trails are cleared
- Keep 6+ feet distance — If you see one, back away slowly
- Don’t reach blindly — Look before putting hands on rocks or logs
- Most active: March-October, especially dawn and dusk
Other wildlife to know:
- Javelinas — Wild pig-like animals. Keep distance, never approach
- Coyotes — Rarely aggressive, but don’t approach or feed
- Gila monsters — Venomous lizards, extremely rare to encounter
- Scorpions — Mostly nocturnal; shake out shoes if left outside
Heat & Hydration: The Arizona Sun Reality
Let me be real:
Heat is the #1 danger on Scottsdale trails—far more than snakes or falls.
The desert sun is relentless. Temperatures can exceed 100°F in shade by mid-morning during summer, and exposed trails offer zero relief.
Non-negotiable hydration rules:
- Minimum 1 liter per hour of hiking in warm weather
- Bring more than you think — 2 liters minimum for any hike over 3 miles
- Electrolytes matter — Plain water isn’t enough in extreme heat
- Pre-hydrate — Drink 16oz before starting
- Know the signs — Headache, nausea, dizziness = stop immediately, seek shade
HEAT EMERGENCY: If you or a hiking partner experience confusion, stop sweating despite heat, or have a rapid heartbeat—this is heat stroke, a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately, move to shade, and cool the body with any available water. Do not wait to “see if it gets better.”
Best Time of Day to Hike in Scottsdale
Seasonal timing guide:
| Season | Best Start Time | Finish By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct-Feb | 7-9am | Anytime | Ideal hiking weather, flexible timing |
| Mar-Apr | 6-7am | 11am | Warming up; wildflower season |
| May | 5:30-6am | 9am | Getting hot; early starts essential |
| Jun-Sep | 5-5:30am | 8am | Extreme heat; sunrise hikes only |
Pro Tips: Plan Your Scottsdale Hiking Adventure
What to Bring on Scottsdale Trails
Essential hiking gear checklist:
- Water — 2+ liters minimum (hydration pack recommended)
- Sun protection — Hat, sunscreen SPF 30+, sunglasses
- Proper footwear — Hiking boots or trail runners (not sandals!)
- Snacks — Salty + sweet for energy and electrolytes
- Phone + GPS app — AllTrails or Gaia downloaded offline
- First aid basics — Bandages, blister treatment, pain reliever
- Headlamp — If starting pre-dawn or any risk of darkness
- Light layers — Morning temps can be 30°F cooler than midday
Dog-Friendly Hiking in Scottsdale
Bringing your pup? Here’s what you need to know:
Dog-allowed trails:
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve (most trails, on-leash)
- Lost Dog Wash (popular dog destination)
- Brown’s Ranch
- Bajada Nature Trail
In Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak, dogs are not allowed.
Dog hiking essentials:
- Extra water (dogs need more than you think)
- Collapsible bowl
- Paw protection (booties for hot/rocky terrain)
- Poop bags (pack out everything—rangers fine litterbugs)
- Leash (required on all Scottsdale trails)
DOG SAFETY TIP: Test ground temperature with your palm before hiking. If it’s too hot for your hand after 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paw pads. Summer pavement can reach 160°F—stick to early morning natural surface trails only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Scottsdale Hiking
What is the best hiking trail in Scottsdale for beginners?
The Gateway Loop Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the best beginner hiking trail in Scottsdale. This 4.5-mile loop offers minimal elevation gain (314 feet), well-maintained wide paths, stunning saguaro scenery, and modern trailhead facilities including restrooms and water. For an even easier option, the 0.5-mile Bajada Nature Trail provides an ADA-accessible introduction to desert hiking.
Is Camelback Mountain worth the hike?
Yes—if you’re prepared. Camelback Mountain offers the most iconic summit views in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, with 50+ mile visibility on clear days. However, both trails (Echo Canyon and Cholla) are extremely difficult with 1,264 feet of elevation gain over steep, rocky terrain. The hike is worth it for experienced hikers who start early, bring adequate water (2+ liters), and respect the mountain’s difficulty. It’s NOT recommended for beginners or during summer heat.
Are there snakes on Scottsdale hiking trails?
Yes, rattlesnakes live in the Sonoran Desert, but encounters are uncommon if you take basic precautions. Stay on marked trails, watch where you step (especially near rocks and brush), keep 6+ feet distance if you spot one, and avoid hiking at dawn/dusk during warm months when snakes are most active. In 47 Scottsdale hikes, I’ve encountered only 3 rattlesnakes—all from safe distances. Snakes prefer to avoid humans.
Can I hike in Scottsdale during summer?
Yes, but only with extreme caution. Summer temperatures (June-September) regularly exceed 110°F, making midday hiking dangerous. Safe summer hiking requires starting at or before sunrise (5-5:30am), finishing by 8-9am, carrying 2+ liters of water per person, and choosing shorter, easier trails. Many experienced locals avoid hiking entirely during June-August heat advisories. If temperatures exceed 105°F, consider visiting Scottsdale’s world-class spas instead.
What is the easiest hike near Old Town Scottsdale?
The Bajada Nature Trail (0.5 miles) at Gateway Trailhead is the easiest hike near Old Town Scottsdale, located about 15 minutes north. This flat, interpretive loop is ADA-accessible and perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick desert experience. Alternatively, the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt offers miles of paved walking paths throughout central Scottsdale, just minutes from Old Town hotels and restaurants.
Do I need a permit to hike in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
No permits required. McDowell Sonoran Preserve is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily. Parking is free at all trailheads. No reservations are needed, though popular trailheads (Gateway, Lost Dog Wash) fill early on winter weekends—arrive before 8am for guaranteed parking. The preserve is funded by Scottsdale city taxes and dedicated open space initiatives.
Are dogs allowed on Scottsdale hiking trails?
Dogs are allowed on most McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails (on-leash required), including Gateway Loop, Tom’s Thumb, Lost Dog Wash, and Brown’s Ranch. However, dogs are NOT permitted on Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak trails. When hiking with dogs, bring extra water, check ground temperature before starting, consider paw protection booties, and always pack out waste. Lost Dog Wash Trail is the most popular dog-friendly hiking destination in Scottsdale.
Your Scottsdale Hiking Adventure Starts Here
Bottom line:
Whether you’re conquering Camelback’s iconic summit, exploring 225+ miles of pristine desert in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or enjoying a peaceful morning walk through saguaro forests—Scottsdale hiking delivers unforgettable experiences at every skill level.
The Sonoran Desert is unlike anywhere else on Earth. These trails showcase why.
What’s the #1 Scottsdale trail on your bucket list—the iconic Camelback summit challenge, Tom’s Thumb panoramic views, or a peaceful Lost Dog Wash morning with your pup?
Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear about your desert hiking adventures.
Planning more Scottsdale adventures? Check out these local guides:
- Best Day Trips from Scottsdale →
- 10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale →
- Best Spas in Scottsdale (Post-Hike Recovery) →
- Best of North Scottsdale Guide →
Have a favorite Scottsdale hiking trail we missed? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for new desert adventures to share!
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