Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona is the focal point in Pinnacle Peak Park. From afar the summit of the peak looks far more challenging than it does up close but you do need to be a rock climber to get to the top of it. Hikers must be content with a 3.5 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1300 feet. Hiking Pinnacle Peak on the trail can be done in 75 minutes if you’re booting it.
John and I set out hiking Pinnacle Peak in late December. The peak and the park are located in northeast Scottsdale, east of North Pima Road, and south of Dynamite Boulevard. It was a busy time but nothing compared to our Christmas Day Camelback Mountain hike.
A gain of 1300 feet when hiking Pinnacle Peak
Although there is a gain of 1,300 feet, none of it happens at once so it’s actually quite an easy hike. The trails are wide and the views out to the valley are excellent. It’s an interpretive trail so you might learn a few cool facts about the area on the hike.
The granite rock is reminiscent of Bedrock – home to Wilma and Fred Flintstone, and the rock seen in Joshua Tree National Park.
We only saw birds on our hike – hummingbirds and cactus wrens. Other animals that call the park home include Gila monsters, bobcats, javelinas, mule deer, grey foxes and the western diamondback rattlesnake.
The trail is open from 6:45 AM until 6 PM. It’s well worth doing if you visit Scottsdale – and catching a sunrise or sunset up would be magnificent.
Hiking Pinnacle Peak looks like this
Have you ever done the Pinnacle Peak hike? or do you have another favourite in Scottsdale?
For more information on Pinnacle Peak Park visit the City of Scottsdale website.
Further reading on hikes and adventures in Arizona
- 4 Off-the-Beaten-Path Arizona Adventures
- A Day Hike in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains
- Why you’ll want to do the Hike to Havasu Falls
- The Aravaipa Canyon Hike in Arizona
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