Field guide
Running and hiking near Scottsdale for visitors
Find official information for hiking near Scottsdale. Details on McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park, and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt path.
Visitors looking for places to run or hike can choose between a large desert preserve system and a paved urban path. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers an extensive network of natural surface trails, while the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt provides a long, continuous route through the city.
For a specific trail challenge, Pinnacle Peak Park has a moderate over-and-back trail with significant elevation gain. The Gateway Trailhead is a primary access point with amenities for the larger McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail system.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDowell Sonoran Preserve | over 230 miles | Everyday, sunrise to sunset; Closes at Noon on July 4 | Not listed |
| Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt | 11 miles; 11-mile | Not listed | Not listed |
| Gateway Trailhead | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Pinnacle Peak Park | 2 miles (one way); 4 miles over and back | Not listed | Naturally decomposed granite from Pinnacle Peak Mountain |
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This is a large urban desert preserve with more than 30,500 acres and over 230 miles of trails suitable for running and hiking. Entry is free of charge, and the preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with a closure at noon on July 4.
Many trails are multi-use, so runners and hikers share the space with bikers. Dogs are permitted on a handheld leash of six feet or less, but a heat safety rule prohibits them when the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric bikes are not allowed.
- Type of place
- One of the largest permanently protected urban desert preserves in the world
- Location context
- Urban desert preserve in Scottsdale
- Total trail length
- over 230 miles
- General opening hours
- Everyday, sunrise to sunset
- Hours July 4
- Closes at Noon on July 4
- Entry fees
- Free of charge
- Dog leash rule
- Must be on handheld leash, no longer than six (6) feet at all times
- Dog heat safety rule
- Do not bring dog if temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Sources: McDowell Sonoran Preserve (scottsdaleaz.gov), Preserve Hours (scottsdaleaz.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt
The greenbelt features an 11-mile multiuse path that runs through the center of Scottsdale. It connects a series of parks, lakes, and sports fields. With more than 24 grade-separated crossings, the path allows for continuous travel without many road interruptions.
This paved route is suitable for long runs. Users should keep to the right lane to allow for two-way traffic and passing by others.
- Type of place
- oasis of parks, lakes, paths and golf courses
- Recognition
- nationally recognized
- Path type
- multiuse path
- General location
- through the heart of Scottsdale
- Greenbelt length
- 11 miles
- Multiuse path length
- 11-mile
- Multiuse path traffic rules
- Path users should travel in the right lane and keep the left lane open for two-way traffic and passing.
- Crossings type and number
- more than 24 grade-separated crossings
Sources: Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt (scottsdaleaz.gov), Indian Bend Wash Master Plan (scottsdaleaz.gov), Paths & Trails (scottsdaleaz.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Gateway Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail system. It has parking, restrooms, and drinking water available. From here, you can access multiple trails, including the accessible Bajada Nature Trail.
Entry is free. The rules for the preserve apply here: dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and their waste must be picked up. Electric bikes are not allowed on the trails.
- Type of place
- Trailhead
- Address
- 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- GPS Coordinates
- 33° 38' 56.23"N, 111° 51' 32.96"W
- Entry fees
- Free of charge
- Parking availability
- Parking, horse-trailer parking
- Restrooms availability
- Yes
- Drinking water availability
- Yes (water, water trough)
- Dog rules (leash)
- Must be on handheld leash, no longer than six (6) feet at all times.
Source: McDowell Sonoran Preserve (scottsdaleaz.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Gateway Trailhead hours, parking, and facilities
Pinnacle Peak Park
This park contains a single, 4-mile over-and-back trail with a moderate difficulty rating. The trail has a cumulative elevation gain of 1,300 feet and a surface of decomposed granite.
Dogs and bikes are not permitted on the trail. There are no restrooms available on the trail beyond the trailhead area.
- Type of place
- Park
- Park address
- 26802 N. 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262
- Trail length (one way)
- 2 miles (one way)
- Trail length (round trip)
- 4 miles over and back
- Approximate cumulative elevation gain
- 1,300 feet
- Highest point on trail
- 2,889 feet
- Trailhead elevation
- 2,570 feet
- Trail surface composition
- Naturally decomposed granite from Pinnacle Peak Mountain
Sources: Pinnacle Peak Park (scottsdaleaz.gov), Pinnacle Peak FAQ (scottsdaleaz.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Pinnacle Peak Park hours and trail guide for Scottsdale
Before you go
- Most parks and preserves are open from sunrise to sunset, but check for specific holiday closures like the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's noon closing on July 4.
- From May to September, temperatures can be extremely high. A strict rule prohibits dogs on preserve trails if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dogs are not allowed on the Pinnacle Peak Park trail. In other areas, they must always be on a handheld leash no longer than six feet.
- Some trailheads provide restrooms and drinking water, but trails themselves, like the one at Pinnacle Peak Park, do not.
- On multiuse paths, stay to the right to allow for two-way traffic and passing.
- Entry to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Gateway Trailhead, and Pinnacle Peak Park is free of charge.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.