Pinnacle Peak Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
kid friendly
birding
hiking
rock climbing
trail running
walking
views
wild flowers
wildlife
no dogs
Pinnacle Peak Park Trail is somewhat of a misnomer. On approach, your mouth almost waters imagining yourself on top of the quirky, turnip-shaped rock seemingly balanced on the 3171 pyramid-shaped mountain in front of you. But unfortunately the trail skirts the peak, and the squat stone turnip. The highest point of the trail reaches only 2889. This is not truly a peak hike. That said, the Scottsdale trail does offer spectacular views of the surrounding area. A little past the 1/2 mile marker, Grandview rest stop presents a panorama of the valley and McDowell Mountain only 2.5 miles away. From Owls Rest, one mile up the trail, you can make out Camelback Mountain in the distance. The Pinnacle Peak Trail is not a loop trail, but meanders for 1.75 miles before ending. You must return over the same trail. This 3.5-mile round-trip, moderate hike has no facilities along the trail, so fill your water bottles at the drinking fountains located near the clean restrooms at the trailhead. Beware of trail runners and joggers when the trail is crowded. Although runners are supposed to yield to other trail users, those heading downhill did not give much berth to those bunched up behind slow hikers. Weekends are crowded. Hiking during early morning hours or on week days is recommended for those who enjoy quiet. Weekend trekking is fun for socializing and you may meet young families that hike Pinnacle Peak Park. Pinnacle every week throughout most of the year. Although they tend to avoid hot day hiking in summer months. An access trail for rock climbers leads to the summit, but hikers are not allowed on this part of the mountain. Note to climbers: park staff does not create or maintain fixed anchors on any climbing route, but new routes requiring fixed anchors are not allowed. Fixed anchor locations are limited to those already established.
pretty easy hike. Very enjoyable.
Beautiful and serene with expansive views. Moderately difficult, but nothing the average hiker couldn’t tackle. Can get a little slippery at parts so wear proper footwear. Vey well maintained trail that doesn’t take to long to complete. Gets a little strenuous towards the midway to ending of the trail which will be marked, so watch of out the descent and accent back up as it’s not a loop trial. Overall one of the more beautiful hikes you will take in the valley.
beautiful trail. towards the halfway point is a steep downhill portion of the trail that you will need to hike back up. bring water and enjoy the view.
Great trail!
Great trail with fantastic views !!! Does not take long so if you are just wanting to get out for a quick hike .... this is perfect
Super good interval trail. Quick turn around time - under 1.5 hours round trip.
Great trail, but a ton of people.
great cardio workout and great views of North Scottsdale and the city.
Loved it! Nice and challenging after making the turn to head back. Very crowded, get there early.
great views! lots of people, but, friendly. could use more parking.
One of our favorite hikes! Well maintained trail, nice workout!
This was my second overall hike and the easiest of the three. The other two were Toms Thumb and Sunrise Peak. It was a moderate hike and the highest point was only 20 minutes in. Really nice views. Very expensive homes and a nice golf course. Near the end it said strenuous ahead. Going down wasn’t bad but coming back was hard. Lots of steps had my quads burning. Fun hike.
Very fun trail run. For someone coming from Colorado, you get to go up and down steep hills at lower altitude and the up and down sections run fast for how steep they look. If you go to the end, you'll be dumped out in a neighborhood and have to climb back up and over to return.
This was my first time hiking, overall good hike for a novice hiker. It's pretty up and down so you get breaks to catch your breath. The hardest part is at the very end, there is a sign that says "strenuous ahead" and if you go beyond that point it's tough but if you don't it's pretty easy!
Perfect length
Challenging up and down hike, not technical but good balance ( loose rock, steep steps and narrow mountain trail) cardio fitness required
Great views and workout !
Good workout!
nice treck
So beautiful! Good workout!
Great views - good morning walk
Great family hiking trail!!! We saw two Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Spiny Dessert Lizard, Quails, Rabbits, and amazing views!! Highly recommend this hike. It was a little busy but people were very friendly. Our 8 year old kept up with no problems. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. Enjoy!!
Nice trail, good workout. The way back is definitely more difficult, especially with the sun beating down. Made it to about the 70 mark, then turned around due to knowing I'd have to go back up a decent incline and it wasn't getting any cooler. stunning views, the people were, meh...not the friendliest but that didn't stop me from saying hello. recommend, probably during the week.
This is a nice trail. with a lot if cardio involved. good 2.5h hike. Nice overlook of the Valley. a must
Very peaceful with stunning view at the end point.
I did this trail March 12, it was around 78 degrees and no wind. It’s a strange trail because you go up to a high point and down to a housing development. Then you turn around and go back up and down to your car. The climbers path to the summit tower is a steep direct path.
The views are great, just a little too crowded. Overall a decent workout with some viewing of wildlife along the trail.
Ron
My husband and I climbed Pinnacle this morning. It is a gorgeous scenic hike!!!! A must do for anyone!!!
Like others have said, this is a classic Arizona trail and is popular among locals and tourists- there are even resorts nearby that offer tours to their guests. The trail is well maintained and clearly marked. It gives you a decent workout, but isn't overly strenuous; my dad and great uncle are both in their 60s and did just fine. It's really popular for running, so be aware that this will be crowded most of the time.
This is a great beginner hike to get in shape.
Classic Arizona hike that all should do at least once. Well marked, great valley views and a good workout. We completed in less than 2 hours and that’s including breaks to admire the view. Go in the morning, when at least part of the trails are still in some morning shade.
Great views! Nicely groomed trail. Saw lots of lizards.