Pinnacle Peak TrailScenic Arizona Hiking Trail Offers Fewer Crowds and Plenty of Views Go to Pinnacle Peak Trail sections: Why You Should Hike The Pinnacle Peak TrailHiking trails might not be the first thing you think of when you hear "Scottsdale."Although it sits smack in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, there is little evidence of the desert in the center of this affluent city. But take a drive north of the resorts and high end shopping centers and you'll find one of the loveliest Arizona day hikes: the Pinnacle Peak Trail. Pinnacle Peak is a prominent north Scottsdale landmark. This part of the Arizona desert is awesome with boulder-strewn mountainsides dotted with towering saguaro cactus and vivid green palo verde trees. Thankfully, part of this scenic area is protected in the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak Park.
The park’s only trail – the 3½-mile roundtrip Pinnacle Peak Trail - gradually winds its way up the mountain, giving you panoramic views of the surrounding desert and upscale homes. We like this trail because it offers a scenic mountain hike that's not really strenuous. Also, it doesn't have the crowds of popular Arizona hikes like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Hike in the spring to see colorful desert wildflowers after winter rains. Year round, you have a good chance of spotting wildlife, especially in the early morning and at dusk. Peak baggers, take note: the Pinnacle Peak Trail does not lead to the summit. However, rock climbers can access the top directly from the trail at the specially designated climber’s technical area. Hiking the Pinnacle Peak TrailWe last hiked the Pinnacle Peak Trail right after an August monsoon thunderstorm.The desert was washed clean and had an almost fluorescent green glow in the cloudy light. The air was fragrant with the resiny scent of creosote bushes.
Water dripped off of every leaf and cactus spine and trickled in rivulets between the gargantuan boulders. After having a snack at the scenic picnic area – where cactus wrens hopped around the tables looking for crumbs – we started up the path. The Pinnacle Peak Trail is well marked and maintained. It starts to climb right away but the ascent feels gradual. Large, weirdly eroded granite boulders make up the mountain. The desert here seems lush with its rich mix of cactus, ocotillos and hardy desert shrubs and trees. As the trail snaked around the east side of Pinnacle Peak, we could look down on the expensive homes and the nearby Four Seasons Troon Resort. About a half mile up the trail is Grandview. This scenic lookout has stone benches which are a good place to catch your breath and enjoy the expansive views.
In the distance, you can see some of central Arizona’s rugged mountain ranges including the Four Peaks and Granite Mountains. You'll reach the high point of the trail at 2,889 feet, not too far past the Grandview point. After this, the trail drops down the west side of the mountain. The Pinnacle Peak Trail then crosses a hill on its southwest side until it reaches the park boundary at the Jomax Trail Connection, roughly 1¾ miles from the trailhead. This section has a number of switchbacks, which can be steep in spots. After reaching the end, turn around and go back the way you came. Pinnacle Peak Trail Nature NotesPinnacle Peak Park is a perfect example of classic Sonoran desert scrub.
Common plants here include bursage, creosote and jojoba bushes and hardy succulents like ocotillos and yuccas. There are several species of cactus such as saguaros, prickly pears, barrels and chollas. Look for wildflowers from about mid-February to mid-April or take one of the park’s guided wildflower walks. Some of the common species include:
Pinnacle Peak is a haven for wildlife. You will most likely see cactus wrens, Harris antelope ground squirrels, and Sonoran whiptail lizards. The lucky few might catch a glimpse of a Gila monster, kit fox or mule deer.
Before you begin your hike, check out the bulletin board at the trailhead information center. The rangers post the dates and times of notable wildlife recently seen. During our last visit the list included a desert tortoise, a roadrunner and a bobcat. Large mammals that live in or travel through the park include coyotes, javelinas and mountain lions. The boulders' many cracks and crevices make excellent homes for animals like white-throated wood rats, rock squirrels and chuckwallas.
Pinnacle Peak Park is also home to several species of snakes including western diamondback and green-tailed rattlesnakes. Be aware as you hike the Pinnacle Peak Trail. Look around you carefully before you put your hands on anything or sit or climb on the boulders. If you see a snake, don’t be alarmed. Leave it alone and give it plenty of room. In time, it will continue on its way. Fast Facts: Pinnacle Peak TrailLocation: Pinnacle Peak is in far north Scottsdale, not far from the city's border with Carefree Arizona.What to See: Landscape of giant boulders and classic Sonoran Desert scenery with cactus; wildflowers in spring, mountain and city views; desert animals such as roadrunners, whiptail lizards and the occasional bobcat or coyote.
Distance: 1.75 miles one way (3½ miles roundtrip). Note: The Pinnacle Peak Trail is an "in & out" hike, not a loop trail. Hiking Time Estimate: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Change: 1,300 feet Season: October through May. Locals hike the trail year round but summer temperatures routinely exceed 100° degrees, so summer hikes are not recommended. Avoid hiking the trail during storms. Use: Moderate. Pinnacle Peak Park is in an area of upscale homes, golf courses and a resort. Locals use the trail but generally rush up and down quickly, leaving the peak to the rest of us. Hours: Dawn to dusk (hours vary depending upon the season). Everyone must exit the park by dusk. Access Fee: Free Closest Town: Scottsdale Address: 26802 N. 102nd Way (1 mile south of Dynamite and Alma School Road), Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location. Directions: From the Loop 101 freeway: exit at Princess Drive (Exit 36) and head east to Pima Road. Take Pima Road north for about 4.5 miles, then turn east on Happy Valley Road, driving for two miles. Turn north on Alma School Road and take it one mile to Pinnacle Peak Parkway. Turn west onto Pinnacle Peak Parkway and follow the road north for about ½ mile north. Turn west at the signed park entrance. Note that Pinnacle Peak Park becomes 102nd Way very near the park entrance.
Management: City of Scottsdale Phone: (480) 312-0990 Visitor Facilities: Water, restrooms, picnic tables, a large group ramada, small information center with maps and plant list. Horseback Riding: Yes but the trail is best left to expert riders. Pets Allowed: No except for service dogs assisting the visually impaired. Restrictions:
Note on Trail Safety:
Safety Note: Trail conditions are constantly changing. Before starting out on your hike, check with the public land agency that manages the area for current conditions or closures. Trail conditions can vary with season, weather and maintenance status. Legal Disclaimer: Each person has their own limits and capabilities. We cannot anticipate every hazard or possibly know your abilities and limitations. When you follow any of the hikes we mention, you assume responsibility for your own safety. It is your responsibility to be aware of traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, wildlife, your abilities and those of any companions as well as other factors. Return to Scottsdale Arizona Vacation Guide from Pinnacle Peak Trail
This information was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the park, agency or facility before making reservations and/or travel plans. Legal Disclaimer: Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
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