Scottsdale residents know how to take advantage of year-round weather. If they aren’t golfing at one of the more than 200 nearby courses, they’re enjoying the award-winning Main Street or shopping in high-end shops, boutiques, and galleries. But with more than 400 miles of local trails, you can bet a high percentage of residents are maximizing their outdoor adventures and enjoying the city’s scenic beauty.

If you’re planning on hiking in Scottsdale, whether you’re a novice on a leisurely stroll taking in the sights and sounds of the Sonoran desert, or your an an avid mountaineer seeking the most challenging terrain on an all-day quest, there are several neighborhoods in Scottsdale with great hiking trails.

Windgate Ranch

Tom's Thumb Trail

The residents of Windgate Ranch have access to one of the region’s most challenging trails. Tom’s Thumb Trail, within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, offers a workout for outdoor enthusiasts. Gaining 2,500 feet in elevation, the trail is favored for exceptional views of dramatic rock formations in the McDowell Mountain range and provides opportunities for solitude during seldom-used sections of the hiking trails. Once you’ve scaled to the top, you can view Tom’s Thumb, a gargantuan granite rock formation, as well as a variety of wildflowers, rare plants, and wildlife. However, this hiking trail is not for the inexperienced so make sure you’re prepared for this challenging 11.1-mile trek. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Ancala East

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Residents of Ancala East not only have luxurious amenities at the community’s Ancala Country Club, they also have access to

Lost Dog Wash, one of the major access points for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as well as one of the most popular trailheads in the city. This trailhead provides somewhat shorter and easier trails that meander through a natural desert wash, perfect for beginners and avid hikers. The area is full of wildlife that’s perfect for kids to observe along the trail’s edge, while the adults enjoy scenic landmarks like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, Pinnacle Peak, and Camelback.

DC Ranch

Gateway Loop Trail photo courtesy of Eric Nyquist

DC Ranch residents can take advantage of having the Gateway Loop Trail just a few steps from their doorstep. The Gateway Loop Trail provides a quiet hiking trail with unmatched scenery. The four-and-a-half-mile trail winds up to a low saddle before heading back to the Gateway Trailhead. The length and grade changes make this a moderately difficult hike, but it only gains 650 feet in elevation, which is very doable for most hikers as well as kids with hiking experience. Many hikers go at their own pace and enjoy views of the wildflowers and wildlife found along the trails.

Estancia

Pinnacle Peak 

Nestled on 640 acres on the northern slope of the notable landmark of Pinnacle Peak, this private community features a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf course as well as luxurious amenities at its clubhouse. Estancia residents have plenty of opportunities to stay active outdoors thanks to the local trailhead Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail. This smooth trail leads you on a trek to the summit and features a moderate out-and-back trail through the Sonoran Desert, for a round-trip distance total of three-and-a-half miles at an elevation of 1,300 feet. The area also offers experienced rock climbers access to three areas of the park for climbing. 

Troon North

McDowell Sonoran Preserve sign posted at Brown’s Ranch public park photo by Shutterstock

Troon North is a sprawling, resort-style community surrounded by nature preserves and golf courses, and it’s close to the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This scenic nature trail allows residents to enjoy a quick stroll within this tranquil desert area and also provides access to other destinations like Granite Mountain, Cholla Mountain, Balanced Rock, and Cathedral Rock. The three-mile hike only gains about 100 feet in elevation, and it’s wonderful for hikers of all levels, including children.

Scottsdale House

Cholla Trailhead photo courtesy of Dru Bloomfield

Scottsdale House is a well-established community that continues to attract homebuyers looking in the Scottsdale area. Residents have access to a pool and the community's private clubhouse, but it’s proximity to Cholla Trailhead will have hikers in this neighborhood eager to hit the trails. Gaining about 1,250 feet over 1.42 miles, the trail offers a variety of hiking levels with some of the most amazing views of the city. Note: The most intense portion of the hike is toward the very end. The estimated time for the hike is approximately two to three hours, but that time could be longer depending on how many times you stop to take in the beautiful scenery.