McDowell Sonoran Preserve is dedicated to providing global conservation efforts through science and study and the Sonoran desert surrounding it. The total land area is 30,580 acres. The total length of the trail is 14.5 miles. The elevation gain of the trail is 3861 feet. The trail is loop type. The time taken to complete the total trial is 8 hours and 13 minutes. The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a large, permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Preserve encompasses some 30,500 acres contiguously and is the largest urban park in the United States. They empower a select volunteer stewards group with the tools and framework to explore, know, and eventually teach. The park has over 700 Steward volunteers who give their time and expertise to help residents and tourists explore, appreciate, and learn from the Sonoran Desert. The park has a range of fantastic desert trails and award-winning services. The park is exceptional geologically and home to spectacular scenery, lush forests of cactus and wildlife, and 200 miles of McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails in Scottsdale. The conservation area offers scenic views and various trails for all skill levels.
Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale
Handpicked Top 3 Hiking Trails in Scottsdale, Arizona. All of our hiking trails actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.
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MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE REVIEWS
Wonderful loop trail. Plenty of parking available even though we did have to scout for a bit to find an open slot. It was free and open to the public. The trail was 4.5 miles total with a slight incline on half of the trail. Be aware that there are loose rocks as well. Thought it was a lovely hike. Bathrooms we're well maintained and had water fountains to fill up your bottle
This trail is beautiful ???? and very well maintained. Anyone visiting this trail should note that they close at 6:15pm(winter), the entry gate closes but it automatically opens if you drive closer to the gate.
Great hike! Does get rocky ish the higher you go. And steep. Always have plenty of water. Can be a good 4 mile round trip or 6 mile round trip if you reach inspiration point and back. Favorite hike!
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Tom's Thumb Trailhead is a 4-mile traffic-driven trail near Scottsdale. The park has a beautiful view and atmosphere. The elevation gain of the trail is 1217 feet. The trail is out and back type. The time taken to complete the total trial is 2 hours and 26 minutes. Tom's Thumb on the north side of the McDowell Mountains was the first of their trailheads. The park has a must-see view of desert wonders in Arizona. The trail's surface is smooth, so you can spend your time looking at the picture instead of taking the next move. Tom's Thumb is the gateway to discovering many more spectacular wonders, rare mushroom rock formations, and breathtaking city views. Visitors can also enjoy that, and mountain biking is available in the area. The trail is very well maintained and offers some great views for the effort. There are also trail markers giving a little education. Tom's Thumb Trail consists of loose gravel terrain with very steep climbs, dramatic rock formations, and an elevation.
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TOM'S THUMB TRAILHEAD REVIEWS
This is a great, challenging hike that makes you feel so inspired afterwards. Easy to follow trails and helpful people on the trail. Welcoming staff at beginning to remind you to stay hydrated and hang out information on the trail.
Truly amazing and the view is like no other. I'd say plan for at least 1 ½ / 2 hours for the hike. Bring water as there is no station for it. Bathrooms at base of trailhead were nice (and clean)
Great selection of trails for all day hikers. Ample parking and modern facility. We came upon a couple rattlers hiking in March. Worth a visit.
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Pinnacle Peak Park is one of the most popular trails, and you can easily access popular trails. The total length of the trail is 3.8 miles. The elevation gain of the trail is 1023 feet. The trail is out and back type. The trail route is generally considered an easy to moderately challenging trail route. The park has many options to explore and get outdoors. The park features some rock climbing spots and places to stop along the way. Pinnacle Peak Park is a moderate out-and-back trail that winds through the gorgeous Sonoran Desert. The peak's tallest mountain is 2,889 meters. It's a 90-space with four motorcycle spots as a paved parking lot. Guided tours are also available at the pinnacle peak trail, with outstanding workers. There are four picnic tables open and a ramada shade. The trails are suitable for all ages, with 360-degree views of the Scottsdale area. A trail allows visitors to hike to the top of Pinnacle Peak, and those with experience may rock climb. The park offers free entry. Pinnacle Peak Park features a moderate out-and-back trail through the pristine Sonoran Desert environment. Hours vary seasonally.
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PINNACLE PEAK PARK REVIEWS
Beautiful hike! The trail is very walkable. About four miles, but most of it isn’t very steep. The views are stunning and you feel like you’re in the desert. If you don’t want to see other people I’d recommend going early.
One of the best parks in the area relatively not that far from desert ridge, located by the end of the neighborhood. When weather is okay, visibility is endless and can observe the far ends of the Valley of the Sun. I would recommend to come equipped with 2-3 litres per person, and the rest will follow.
What a beautiful hike! We got to the trail head around 6:30. It took us about an hour and a half to do the hike. The part going went really well for me but man did coming back take its toll on me! Lol I'm not a hiker so I struggled a bit but I made it and would do it again!
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