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Pinnacle Peak Trail is one of Scottsdale’s most popular hikes. It’s located within the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak Park. For a map of the park, click here.
The peak rises to an elevation of 3,169 feet (966 m). Rock climbing skills are needed to reach the summit, so we simply stuck to the main trail!
As with any desert hike, make sure you bring plenty of water.
Unlike some of the other hikes we did in Scottsdale which offered many different trail options, Pinnacle Peak offers only one path and it’s one-way, so hikers must return the way they came, making for a fairly busy trail.
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, which fills up rather quickly, forcing many hikers to park out on the street.
The beginning and the end of the trail are the most difficult, with some substantial elevation changes.
About a mile from the trailhead, you will reach Grand View which offers a beautiful vista of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
The trail is 1.75 miles each way, making for a 3.5 round-trip loop.
Because the trail makes many twists and turns and shifts elevation quite frequently, the view is constantly changing!
The highest point on the trail is 2,889 feet, the lowest point is 2,366 feet, and the elevation at the trailhead is 2,570 feet, making for an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet.
We stopped frequently to take pictures, but also to catch our breath!
The trail encompasses two main hills, which again is why the beginning and end of the trail are the most challenging!
There are a few stopping points along the trail, including Owl’s Rest.
You will also find helpful mileage and informational signs along the path.
Keep in mind that this is a moderately strenuous hike, so make sure you are in decent shape before making the ascent!
Pinnacle Peak is home to a diverse variety of wildlife. We felt very fortunate to see a roadrunner on our hike!
Other animals you may spot along the trail include: bobcats, gila monsters, and western diamondback rattlesnakes. Woodrats, mountain lions, coyotes, grey foxes, mule deer, rock squirrels, javelina, and desert cottontail could also make an appearance during your time at Pinnacle Peak!
To get to the Pinnacle Peak Trailhead put the following address in your GPS:
26802 N. 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Ample Parking and Restrooms Available
Download our Scottsdale/Phoenix Destination Guide for quick reference to help with planning your own Arizona getaway.