Pinnacle Peak Park
Hike to the summit of Pinnacle Peak for breathtaking 360° desert vistas. A well-maintained trail offers a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & best light
Pinnacle Peak Park
Best Time
Cooler temps & best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the summit of Pinnacle Peak for breathtaking 360° desert vistas. A well-maintained trail offers a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery.
"Great hike for easy to moderate hike with 360° views."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert heat is no joke! Bring more water than you think you'll need. Refills available at visitor center.
👟 Sneakers are Okay
While hiking boots are great, well-fitting sneakers are sufficient for this well-maintained trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Pinnacle Peak Summit
360-degree vistas of Scottsdale, the McDowell Mountains, and the Sonoran Desert. A true reward!
Well-Maintained Trails
Pinnacle Peak Loop Trail
Enjoy a 3-mile loop with steps, benches, and clear signage. Easy to moderate difficulty.
Desert Flora and Fauna
Throughout the park
Spot iconic saguaros and other desert plants. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key
Timing Your Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert heat is no joke! Bring more water than you think you'll need. Refills available at visitor center.
👟 Sneakers are Okay
While hiking boots are great, well-fitting sneakers are sufficient for this well-maintained trail.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. There's very little shade on the trail.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert heat is no joke! Bring more water than you think you'll need. Refills available at visitor center.
👟 Sneakers are Okay
While hiking boots are great, well-fitting sneakers are sufficient for this well-maintained trail.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. There's very little shade on the trail.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🚶♀️ Moderate, Not Easy
The trail has significant inclines and declines. It's moderate, not entirely easy.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360-degree views are stunning! Don't forget your camera or phone for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning 360-degree views and well-maintained trails at Pinnacle Peak Park, making it a moderate yet rewarding hike. While some found it harder than expected due to significant inclines, the scenic beauty and free access are major draws. The lack of shade and potential for limited parking are minor drawbacks.
"Great hike for easy to moderate hike with 360⁰ views. While there is a fair amount of elevation change, the 2 mile trail is very well maintained with steps, benches, and signage. It's a 4 mile out and back or can be through-hiked. The park facility is very good. I'm not a super fast hiker but did the out and back in about 2 hours."
Mike Gazzerro
"Open at 5:45 am
Has lot of parking
Has restroom
Scenic points
Shady
Can go with family and friends
2 miles one way
Moderate and easy
Carry liter water"
Vishal Mhatre
"We had an amazing hiking experience here today. Along our way a volunteer, Gary, told us some impressive facts about the plants, trail, and tips to see the best views. He then proceeded to continue the hike as our guide. He made our whole experience better than we could have imagined. Lots of laughs and plenty of sweat was had haha"
Josephine Uhila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pinnacle Peak Park is located north of Scottsdale, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car. The park has a large parking lot at the trailhead.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available at the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Arriving early is recommended.
Pinnacle Peak Park typically opens early, around 5:45 AM, and closes in the evening. It's best to check the official park website for the most current hours.
No, there is no fee for parking or for hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park. It's a free public park.
Yes, ride-sharing services can drop you off at the park. However, be aware that pick-up might be more challenging, especially during busy times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to enter Pinnacle Peak Park. The park is free to access for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
The park generally opens around 5:45 AM and closes in the evening. It's advisable to confirm the exact closing time on the official park website before your visit.
Yes, Pinnacle Peak Park is open year-round, but it's most enjoyable during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring. Summer can be extremely hot.
While there are no specific ticket restrictions, visitors should be prepared for the desert environment. Ensure you have adequate water and sun protection.
Typically, dogs are allowed in Pinnacle Peak Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check the latest park regulations for any updates.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Pinnacle Peak Trail is generally considered moderate. It involves significant inclines and declines, with well-maintained steps and some rocky sections.
The main trail is approximately 4 miles out and back, or it can be through-hiked. Some sources mention a 3-mile loop option as well. 
You'll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale cityscape, and the McDowell Mountains.
There is very little natural shade on the Pinnacle Peak Trail. It's crucial to wear sun protection and carry plenty of water.
Yes, the visitor center at the trailhead offers clean restrooms and a place to refill your water bottles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food concessions within Pinnacle Peak Park itself. You'll need to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your hike in Scottsdale.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the park. Be sure to pack out all your trash.
Scottsdale offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Explore the Kierland Commons or Old Town Scottsdale areas for diverse culinary experiences.
It's a good idea to bring some energy-boosting snacks, especially if you plan on doing the full 4-mile hike. Trail mix, energy bars, or fruit are good choices.
You'll find various cafes and coffee shops in the surrounding Scottsdale area, perfect for a pre-hike caffeine boost or a post-hike treat.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the desert landscape.
You can capture stunning panoramic desert vistas, unique saguaro cactus formations, and the expansive Scottsdale skyline.
Yes, the summit provides unobstructed 360-degree views, making it an ideal spot for breathtaking landscape photography.
The summit itself offers the most expansive views. Along the trail, various overlooks provide excellent opportunities to photograph the desert flora and distant scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize the importance of hydration and sun protection for kids. Bring plenty of water and snacks. The views from the top are a fantastic reward for little legs, and spotting desert plants and wildlife can be an exciting part of the adventure. Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and ensuring a more relaxed experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Your main expenses will be transportation to the park and any food or drinks you bring. Packing your own water and snacks is highly recommended to save money and ensure you have what you need for the hike. This makes it a perfect destination for a free and active day out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Capture the expansive panoramic views from the summit, or focus on the intricate details of desert flora and fauna along the trail. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots. Remember to protect your gear from the sun and dust.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Pinnacle Peak Trail
Many visitors opt for the 4-mile out-and-back hike, which can take around 2 hours to complete at a moderate pace. There's also a 3-mile loop option that offers a slightly different perspective of the park. Volunteers are sometimes present on the trail, offering fascinating insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology, which can greatly enhance the experience.
Remember that there is very little shade along the trail. This means that sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) and ample hydration are absolutely critical, even on cooler days. The visitor center at the trailhead provides water refill stations, which are a lifesaver.
Best Times to Visit Pinnacle Peak Park
+1Early mornings are particularly popular with locals for a reason: cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Arriving shortly after the park opens at 5:45 AM can give you a more serene experience on the trails. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful atmosphere for your hike.
While the park is open year-round, the ideal seasons are fall, winter, and spring when temperatures are more moderate. If you visit during the summer, be extra diligent with your hydration and sun protection, and consider shorter hikes or focusing on the early morning or late evening hours.
What to Pack for Your Hike
While hiking boots are an option, comfortable and sturdy sneakers are perfectly adequate for the well-maintained trails. Wear moisture-wicking clothing to stay comfortable. Consider bringing a small backpack to carry your essentials, including snacks, a first-aid kit, and your phone.
For those who enjoy capturing the stunning scenery, don't forget your camera or smartphone. A portable charger can also be a good idea if you plan on taking many photos or videos. Some visitors also recommend bringing a small towel to wipe away sweat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit