Scottsdale Outdoor Adventures: Trails, Views & Easy Wins

Sunrise summits (experienced hikers)

• Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon/Cholla
  Steep, hands-on scrambling. Start before sunrise; bring 2–3L water. Avoid midday heat.
• Tom’s Thumb (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)
  Switchbacks to a granite spire; dramatic desert views with fewer crowds.

Moderate & family-friendly

• Pinnacle Peak Park – Out-and-back ridge trail, guardrails, and bathrooms.
• Gateway Loop – Classic Sonoran loop with interpretive signs and wide trails.
• Lost Dog Wash – Sunset silhouettes with saguaro; perfect for photos.

Wheels over walking

• Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt – Smooth, shaded multi-use path past lakes and parks.
• Scottsdale Waterfront/Canal Path – Flat, scenic, and connects easily to Old Town.

Don’t want to sweat? Go guided.

• Scottsdale Segway Tours (Old Town) – Training included; glide through Civic Center, Waterfront, and art installations with frequent photo stops.

Pro tips

• October–April is prime; in summer, go sunrise only.
• Pack SPF 30+, hat, closed-toe shoes, and electrolytes.
• Respect wildlife; keep distance from snakes and never step off-trail into fragile crust.