Whether you’re looking for the best Insta-worthy spots at McDowell Sonoran Preserve or enjoying a day with your family at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, here are the best places to hike in Scottsdale,

Arizona

With rugged mountains, picturesque rock formations, breathtaking desert, and plenty of sunshine,

Scottsdale

is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you want a gentle hike with the kids or a challenging backpacking adventure, there’s something for everyone.

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The best hikes in Scottsdale

When most people think of hiking in Arizona, the Grand Canyon immediately comes to mind. But there are plenty of other breathtaking hiking experiences (without the crowds!), and Scottsdale is a great place to start! In fact, National Geographic named Scottsdale as one of the top 15 hiking destinations in the entire country. Here are the top hikes in Scottsdale.

Best for views: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail type: Out and back

Elevation gain: 1,236 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes

Starting point: 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

If you want the most dramatic views, this is the trail for you. Not only does the trail take you to Tom’s Thumb—a gigantic granite boulder formation at the top of the McDowell Mountains—but it also includes other stunning formations and views like Windgate Overlook and Gardener’s wall.

Add some extra miles to your hike and include both the Marcus Landslide Trail and Windmill Trail, which branch off from Tom’s Thumb Trail.

There are restrooms available and shade ramadas at the beginning of the trailhead, right next to the parking area.

Pro Tip There is no drinking water available at the trailhead, so be sure to pack plenty of your own!

Best for dogs: Granite Mountain Trailhead

Distance: 5.1 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Trail type: Loop

Elevation gain: 400 feet

Parking: Street parking

Dogs: Yes

Starting point: 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

While there are plenty of hikes that allow you to bring your four-legged friend, Granite Mountain Trailhead is by far the most dog-friendly. This easy loop trail is perfect for enjoying a nice walk with your canine companion as you explore the amazing granite rock formations and sweeping Saguaro cactus fields.

Make sure you keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and be sure to clean up anything your dog might leave behind.

Pro Tip Desert heat can affect your dog quickly. Bring plenty of water for your dog, and know the warning signs of heat stress.

MORE: 5 best road trips in Arizona for outdoor adventure

Best for Instagram: Gateway Trailhead—McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Distance: 4.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail type: Loop

Elevation gain: 721 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes

Starting point: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Need some perfect desert shots for your Snapchat streaks? Head out to the Gateway Trailhead! The trailhead is the start of a few different hiking trails including the half-mile Bajada Nature Trail, Gateway Trail (4.5 miles), and the Horsehoe Loop (1.7 miles). The trails are completely barrier-free, meaning you can trek over to any picture-perfect spot you want.

Check out the Gateway Bridge, where a giant Saguaro cactus has grown right up next to the railing—a picture-perfect spot to capture all the beauty of the desert!

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Best for families: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead—City of Scottsdale

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail type: Loop

Elevation gain: 160 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes

Starting point: 0301 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead offers access to several trails, but the Brown’s Ranch trail itself is great for adults and kids alike. The trail is generally pretty smooth with a few rolling hills, and it takes you to great destinations like Cone Mountain, Balanced Rock, and Cathedral Rock.

The trail includes some historic ranching-era artifacts, and you can even download a trail activity guide before your hike to further explore the native wildflowers and rock formations you’ll find on your trip.

MORE:

The best road trip playlist of all time

Best for exercise: Pinnacle Peak Park

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail type: Out and back

Elevation gain: 1,033 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: No

Starting point: 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

If you’re looking for a great area to get some exercise, Pinnacle Peak Park has a great trail to get your body moving. The trail provides a moderate challenge, with just enough hills to get your legs feeling the burn. You’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful Sonoran desert as you work out!

The park also has three designated areas for rock climbers, so you can still get a workout in even if hiking isn’t your thing.

Pro Tip The trailhead has restrooms and water fountains available, so make sure you stock up on some water before heading out.

Best for a romantic getaway: 104th/Bell Road Levee Trailhead

Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Trail type: Loop

Elevation gain: 131 feet

Parking: Street parking

Dogs: N/A

Starting point: Levee Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

If you’re looking for a more secluded hiking spot to spend some time with your one and only, try the 104th/Bell Road Levee Trailhead. This trail is more quiet and secluded than other Scottsdale hiking destinations, which makes it perfect for couples wanting to get away from it all.

You can enjoy the romantic views, or stop and smell all the wildflowers in bloom. Plus, the easy 1.8-mile loop gives you plenty of chances to spend quality time together without having to huff and puff your way up steep hills or mountains.

Tips for hiking in Scottsdale

Hiking in Scottsdale is a great way to get away from all the hustle and bustle, but there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out:

Water, water, and more water. The Arizona sun is brutal—especially in the summer. Dehydration can happen quickly, so pack plenty of water before going on any trails.

Also, sunscreen! Remember what we just said about the Arizona sun? If you’d rather not fry crispier than a chicken wing, slather on at least SPF 30 before you go out.

Be considerate. Other people want to enjoy their hikes too. Be respectful of other hikers and don’t leave anything behind.

Start early (or late) to beat the heat. In case you forgot, Arizona = hotter than an oven. If you want a cooler hike, set out early in the morning or later in the evening. Plus, you’ll avoid a lot of the crowds this way too!

Watch for wildlife. Sure, most of the desert animals will probably give you a wide berth, but I can assure you the rattlesnakes won’t take kindly to any intrusions. Stick to the trails and give any animals you see a wide distance.

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Need to get rid of a little stress in your life? Hiking is one way to ease your mind, and so is helping your budget by finding cheaper

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