The singing birds, beautiful bright poppies, and the sparkles reflecting off the pure granite mountain at Pinnacle Peak Park are just a few things that keep luring me back to this hiking trail. Hiking Pinnacle Peak In Scottsdale is the highlight of this weekend road trip.

Spring Wildflowers

We love to come to Arizona on weekend road trips and especially enjoy hiking here. We are hiking this trail for a second time (since our previous visit last year).

This amazing desert landscape scene is bursting in color, plants, and amazing wildlife just in time for the Spring season to encroach upon us.

The Hiking Trail

Hiking Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale is one of the more popular places to explore in the area. With its elevation ranges of approximately 2,889 feet, and 3.5-mile round trip hike on a clean and groomed trail; Pinnacle had me yearning even for more outdoor adventure.

Arizona is a beautiful place to do all kinds of outdoor exploration and today was no different as my family and I planned to go out on a morning hike on Pinnacle Peak Mountain.

Located within the peaceful and serene sonoran desert, the majestic Pinnacle Peak is comprised of granite stone and is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and desert flora.

Making Memories

This hiking trail is considered as a moderate trail and is highly trafficked. At first this concerned me on our weekend visit because our parents are with us and they are both 80 years old now. They had accompanied us on a previous long road trip to Utah from Texas back in 2017 and we had the most wonderful time making new memories together!

We all enjoyed hiking this trail because it made for a perfect experience for us to share together. My in-laws are troopers and they did the hike with no problems. As you might expect, they did make a few stops to rest because they are not spring chickens anymore. However, as a result of their active lifestyle now, they were able to catch up and continue hiking behind us.

This beautiful trail offers a diverse path that includes inclines and declines, switchbacks and steps, and resting areas that are great for photos and viewpoint stops.

There is also an access area for rock climbers only.  The ‘South Crack’ is for climbers where you will find there are three pitches of trad climbing, for the summit climb. Read more: 

Wildlife

The trail also has its share of wildlife, saguaro and cholla cactus! The Arizona desert is so diverse with its plantlife as well as its wildlife. For instance, you may encounter wild animals such as woodrats, mountain lions, coyotes, grey foxes, mule deer, squirrels, desert cottontail, and many others.

There are plenty of the gila monster, chuckwalla, lizards, and snakes. We happen to catch a chuckwalla sneaking a peek at us as we were taking time for a few scenic photos.

Conclusion

This amazing hike made the highlight of our weekend road trip. Although some of our other plans didn’t work out, it was still a spectacular weekend road trip. If you are looking for an outdoor activity that offers beautiful views, a gorgeous landscape, and a little bit of adventure; then Pinnacle Peak is right up your alley! As you enjoy your hike on Pinnacle Peak, take notice of the story along the trail.

DIRECTIONS
Pinnacle Peak Park
26802 N. 102nd Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
P: 480-312-0990

View Map: 

More info on Pinnacle Peak Park.