Pinnacle Peak - North Scottsdale

Pinnacle Peak is located in North Scottsdale and sharply rises from the desert floor.  The trail does not actually go to the top of Pinnacle Peak, but skirts below and around it.  I imagine the view from the top, which is accessible via rock climbing routes would be fantastic.  This trail is an out and back trail and in all is 3.5 miles in length.  The downfall to this trail is that it is located in a populated area and is very busy, especially on the weekends.  If you are looking for solitude, you won't find it here.  However, you will find a good cardio workout and nice views of the valley.

This a very well marked trail and is maintained by the City of Scottsdale.  You are not allowed to wander off the main trail.  There are a few rock climbing routes in the area and are accessible via well marked spur trails.   The trail begins to climb very near the start of the trail head and levels out for a bit at about the 1/2 mile mark.

At this point if you look to your right you will see a large prominent boulder which is called Y-Crack Boulder, as the large crack up the face of the boulder looks like it's namesake.  There are a few rock climbing routes on the boulder as well.  The trail soon turns south and begins climbing again.  at .65 miles you will come to a good spot to take a drink and check out the view at the Grandview Lookout.  Continue up the trail to its highest point marked by a sign at 2,625 feet.  The crags of Pinnacle Peak are directly above and in front of you.

The trail begins to descend into a small saddle area with another nice look out spot.  You will then begin a small asscent up the side of the adjacent hill and at about 1.25 miles begin to descend down the western side of the hill. 

The trail offically ends at the bottom of this hill and is marked by a sign.  You can continue .3 miles further down the trail on the Jomax Trail. However, I stopped at the boundary and made my way back.  The return up the hill heading this direction gives you a bit more of a workout then your hike in..
This is a good hike if you are looking for something close to the valley, something that is not difficult, but gives you a work out.  However, like I mentioned do not expect to be alone.  It is very busy. 

Length: 3.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 550 feet
Difficulty: Easy (however good cardio workout)
Traffic: Busy
Fee:  No fee
Hours: Check Scottsdale Park website for hours, as they change with the seasons
Water and Restrooms at trailhead
Kid Friendly
Hiking time: 1.5 hours

Silly Mountain- Apache Junction

Silly Mountain, is located on the Eastern edge of Apache Junction.  It is the large hill to the north of US60 right after the freeway ends and goes into the divided highway before Gold Canyon.  It doesn't look like much as in the way of hiking, but I am posting this location as it is a great spot for people of all ages to hike and affords great views from the northern side of the hill of the Superstition Mountains.  This spot actually sees quite a few hikers, as it is so conveniently located right next to the highway.  I thought the trail only consisted of a summit trail to the top.  I was pleasantly surprised I was wrong.  There is a network of trails that the City of Apache Junction has developed within Silly Mountain Park.  The trails are all easy, with some elevation gain to give you a bit of a work out if you choose to trail run, mountain bike or walk at a brisk pace.  

Here is a great map posted at MTBikeAZ.com


View Silly Mountain Park in a larger map 

Here is also a link to the official Apache Junction City Park Page

There are several trails in the Park, which all begin at the Trail Head.
I have not listed each trail, as you can refer to the map for specifics.  The trails link up with one another., with an option of doing a full loop around Silly Mountain.  I am unsure on mileage for the entire loop.  But my best guess would be around 2 miles.

As mentioned previously this is a great hike for kids, beginners and those just looking for a nice easy hike.

Directions: From US 60 East, turn left at the light on South Mountain View Road.  Just after the freeway ends and goes into a divided highway,  Turn right on E 32nd Ave.  Turn right on S. Silly Mountain Road.  You will see the trail head parking on your left.
Fee:  No Fee
Type: Out and back with several loop options
Difficulty:  Easy
Season:  Fall thru Spring
Elevation Gain:  412 ft to summit of Silly Mountain.
Kids:  Kid Friendly

Spillway Trail to Blevins Loop- Usery Mountain Park- Mountain Biking

If you need a good place to ride untechnical (beginner) single track then Usery Mountain Park in Mesa is a great spot to go.    There are so many options to ride this trail system with most of the trails joining up to allow for more miles and ride time.  I choose to start my ride on the Spillway trail which I accessed off of Signal Butte Road. Directions at the end of this post.  Or see my trail map created in Every Trail below.  This eliminated the need to pay an entrance fee into Usery Mountain Park. The first mile of the trail is on the Spillway trail.  It connects to the Blevins Loop trail which I rode in a counter clockwise direction.  You can travel the loop trail in either direction as it is relatively flat, besides the several arroyo crossings which add a little bit to the trail in regards to shifting and few spots to catch a little bit of air.  The route I took made for a 6 mile ride. 

This really is a pretty trail with all the cactus and especially saguaros that line the trail.  Obviously you have to be careful not to end up in one of those cactus, especially the cholla- OUCH!  This would also make a great trail to run or hike in the evening or cool mornings.

Start at the access gate into Usery Mountain Park on Signal Butte and E. Jensen Road.  The Spillway trail will head east toward the Superstitions Mountains for about 200 yards.  You will then come to a "T".  Turn north (left).  Follow to a canal.  When you are on top of the canal take the trail that heads across the dry canal to the northeast.  Follow this for about 1/4 mile and you will come to another intersection with the Ruidoso Trail.  Turn left staying on the Spillway trail which continues to head north.  Another 1/4 mile you will come to the intersection with the Meridian Trail. Turn left and follow for about 200 yards where you will come to a fork in the trail which is the Blevins Loop.  I turned right, riding the trail counterclockwise.  About 2 miles into the Blevins Loop either direction you will come to a trail called the Moon Rock Trail.  I took this trail which added an extra 1.4 miles to the route.  It links back up with the Blevins trail.  Continue on the Blevins Trail until you are back at the Merdian Trail where you will retrace your ride back to your car.  Enjoy!

Below is a link to the route I took on my ride.
Spillway and Blevins Loop

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Mesa, Arizona

Like I said prior, there are so many different options you could add to this trail. Click HERE for a link to the Usery Mountain Park Map which shows all the trails in the area.

Length:  6 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Beginner
Elevation Gain: unknown but minimal
Trail Type: Single Track- Loop with 1 mile trail to access loop.
Directions:  Exit on Signal Butte from US60.  Head North.  Continue heading North through Brown approximately 1 more mile you will see E Jensen Road on your left. Look to your right and you will find a pull out and access gate to the Spillway Trail.

Tom's Thumb - McDowell Sonoran Preserve



View from trailhead



This is a fantastic hike!  I very much enjoyed every aspect of this trail.  The trail leads to a 140 foot granite rock spire that sits high up on the McDowell Mountains.  This rock spire, known as Tom's Thumb, after a local climber, is visible from the 101 freeway in North Scottsdale.  The trailhead is located on the North side of the McDowell Mountains in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Click here for a trail map to the area.  The trail is in exceptional condition and is very easy to follow. The trail is 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1363 feet.   In other words, it gives you nice workout with a rewarding view from on top.  There is nothing difficult about this hike other than the elevation gain and that the trail is composed of loose gravel from the eroded granite.  Be careful on your way down as it is easy to loose traction and slip.  I would recommend hiking shoes for this trail for that reason.

Click here or below  for a detailed map of the trail with photos.

Tom's Thumb Trail



Approaching the saddle area at 2 miles

 The trail starts at the very Scottsdale looking trailhead and starts out flat for the first 1/4 mile.  You can see Tom's Thumb on the ridge high above you from the trailhead.  The trail then begins to climb steeply.  There are many side trails leading off to rock climbing areas and other trail networks. The entire trail is well signed so just follow the arrow for Tom's Thumb on the signs.  You will climb steeply for the next mile.  Around mile 2, you will come to the top of the main ascent to a saddle. Follow the trail down a hill to the saddle area, at which the trail forks with the East End Trail.  Take a look to the east and you can see Fountain Hills below and if you time it right you will see the fountain in Fountain Hills shooting over 100 feet into the air. 

Tom's Thumb

Follow the Tom's Thumb trail sign to your right.  You will come into a nice area full of granite boulders. 

Continue to follow the trail up a small hill where you will come to another fork in the trail, follow the Tom's Thumb trail to your right.  It is just a few hundred yards further and the large rock spire will come into view. 

Boulder area at the top, near Tom's Thumb

You have a nice view looking North, and South towards Phoenix and also of Pinnacle Peak to the west.  If you enjoy scrambling on rocks then take some time to explore the boulders in this area.  Many of them have cracks to squeeze through, which is always a fun adventure. 

Head back down the trail the way you came. 

Length:  5 miles - out and back

Elevation Gain: 1,363 feet
Difficulty:  Moderate- not technical, I give this rating due to steep incline

Recommend:  All hiking levels, but remember it will give your cardio a workout

Season: Fall thru Spring
Hiking Time:  2 hours
Info:  No water at trailhead.  Bring ample for your hike.

Northern view from Tom's Thumb

Directions:   North Scottsdale: Take 101 freeway to Pima/Princess Exit, head north on Pima Road. Turn right on Happy Valley Road. From 4-way stop (intersection with Alma School Rd), stay straight another 2.3 miles then turn right onto Ranch Gate Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn right onto 128th Street which dead ends at the new Tom's Thumb Trailhead.

Southern view with Scottsdale below from Tom's Thumb

Exploring the rocks

Camelback Mountain- Cholla Trail



Panorama from the summit of Camelback Mountain



I have lived in Phoenix for nearly ten years and this is only the second time I have hiked Camelback and the first time via the Cholla Trail.  The reason being Camelback is the most popular hike in the Valley of the Sun.  I believe it is a right of passage for most visitors to attempt to hike Camelback for better or worse.  This trail should be named the Camelback Express, as it is pretty much a solid line of people up and down the trail, especially on the weekends, which is the only time I find to hike.  That being said, if you can avoid the busy weekends with the throngs of people, this is actually a fun hike. 



Route of Cholla Trail to Summit of Camelback Mountain



There are two trails up to the summit of Camelback Mountain.  Echo Canyon trail on the Northwest side of the mountain and Cholla Trail on the East side of the mountain.  You can find the hike details for Echo Canyon here, which is steeper and requires more scrambling.  The Cholla trail does not ascend as steeply as Echo Canyon, or require as much scrambling until the last 1/4th of a mile near the summit.  Make no mistake though this hike will get your blood pumping and give you a great workout.

Parking is the first challenge you will find when setting out to hike Cholla Trail, especially on the weekends in the winter.  Click here for a map showing the location to park for the Cholla Trail.  The first quarter mile of this trail is spent walking from your car through a neighborhood before you reach the trailhead at the base of the mountain.  Make sure you park in the signed designated parking location to avoid any tickets. 




On the saddle

From the trailhead the summit is 1.6 miles.  However, plan on about 4 miles round trip with the walk to and from your car.  The trail ascends immediately from the trailhead, although the steeper sections come at the end.  You will gain 1,300 feet in elevation in just over one mile on this hike.  Plan accordingly with your fitness level and water.  The views are fantastic from this side of the mountain over looking the East Valley.  As you wind along the trail and up the north side of the mountain at approximately 1.3 miles you will come to a saddle, where you can peer over the southside of the mountain at Phoenix sprawling below.  Beyond this point, the trail requires scrambling in order to reach the summit.  Keep your eye out for the dots painted on the rock, reflectors and signs to guide you along the right path.  This is the part of the trail that is fun and at a few points quite narrow with steep drop offs on either side. 

Once you reach the summit you will have a 360 degree view of the valley below.  Take time to enjoy the view and the squirrels that come to beg food off of you.  

Head back down the way you came, or if you have a shuttle to pick you up, you can always hike down the Echo Canyon Trail (west side of  the mountain) which is 1.2 miles in length.   

Make sure you are prepared for this hike.   A lot of people head out on this trail because "it is the thing to do" in Phoenix, but they are unaware of the scrambling involved at the top of the trail.  There are rescues off of camelback, weekly in the peak hiking season. 

Length: approximately 4 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 1, 331 feet

Difficulty:  Moderate

Recommended: In shape and able to scramble

Season: Fall, Winter, Spring

Hiking Time: 2 Hours

 Directions:  See link to map above.



Hikers on the Summit



Lower Salt River Float

One of the most popular recreations near the Phoenix Metro area is floating the Lower Salt River.  After living in the valley for 7 years I finally took a day and floated down the river.  This is a low stress, kick back and enjoy the day type of float trip.  There are a few "ripples" but for the most part it is pretty smooth all the way down.  There are two ways to do the float.  One you can contact the local company that runs a bus load full of people, with there large inner-tubes, music, and beer.  The company will drop you off and pick you up at the end of your float.  I for one like my way instead.  Get up as early as you can, before "that" crowd gets there and have the river to yourself, along with the abundant wildlife

In order to do this you will need two cars or someone willing to shuttle you and obviously a sturdy raft, or kayak.  There are several outdoor stores  in the valley that will rent you equipment for the day if need be.  Check Sport Chalet or REI.  The portion of the river that I floated started at the rest area before the Stewart Mountain Dam, just below Saguaro Lake.  We floated approximately 9 miles to the Phon D Sutton Recreation Area.  It took us about 4 hours of leisurely making our way down the river.

Along the river you will see plenty of wildlife, especially if you are up early before the crowd.  During our float we saw many bird species including: hawks and herons.  Other birds you may see include:  Bald eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon, egret, and waterfowl  We were also able to see several wild mustangs that roam the area in a large herd.  Other animals you may see in the area are: Bighorn sheep, deer, javelina, coyotes, foxes, and beavers. 

Keep in mind you will need a Tonto Pass, you may purchase a day pass at most convenience stores near the river. To reach the river drive nort on Power Rd from the US60 or 202.  Power Rd will turn into Bush Hwy which follows the course of the river.

Also keep in mind that although this is a very mild river unfortunately many people have lost their lives while on this section of the river.

The river is not always flowing at enough rate to run. Check this site before heading out for up to date water flow rate.  The best rates to float are 1200-1800 cubic feet per second.

Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail

Camelback Mountain is the most well known natural landmark in the city of Phoenix. It is a large mountain jutting up 1300 feet from the valley floor. The mountain is made up of two types of rock, granite and sandstone. The mountain is named because well it looks like a camel. There are two trails leading to the top and I chose to hike Echo Canyon due to the fact that it looked more fun and challenging. I hiked the trail at the first part of May and it was a perfect day. I would highly encourage only hiking this trail during the cooler months and not during the heat of the summer. Many accidents occur on Camelback Mountain due to inexperienced hikers. This trail is extremely popular, if you are hiking on the weekend then plan on arriving early or shoot for a day during the week when most people are stuck in their office. The hike is 2.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,264 feet. It is not a smooth easy path. There are several steep sections and a lot of high steps up boulders. However, the good thing is the trail is not that long. About 0.5 miles into the hike you will come to a rather steep section up a sandstone slab. Remember it is easier to go up then come down, so please make way for those descending. You can use the handrail or make it more challenging and scramble up to the right. After the handrail sections around 0.8 miles the trail heads up the mountain meandering up and over boulders. This part is tough on the legs and lungs. However as I said earlier this trail is not too long so keep that in mind and keep on trekin'. The view from the top of Camelback is impressive. You have a 360 degree view of the the valley below. The top is not very large but will accommodate a good size crowd. We rested at the top for sometime and took in the view. The descent is much easier on the lungs but hard on your knees. Take your time to make your way back down the trail. In fact, it only took us 15 minutes less time to descend than our hike up. I imagine that a lot of ankles are rolled or broken on the descent because the hikers legs are tired. This is a fun hike to do. It gives the hiker great views and can be done in a short amount of time. Plus it is a good workout.

Length: 2.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,264 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult depending on experience
Kids: I hiked this easily with a 9 year old. Just take your time and the kids should be fine.
Hiking Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Fees: Free :)
Guides: 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Phoenix by Charles Liu