NOBATHROOMATTRAIL! PEEBEFOREHAND(or behind a cactus… like I had to…). Awesome switchback trail. And it wasn’t crowded at all. There were maybe 10 people at the top when we arrived, but only ran into 2 – 3 heading up. Since it’s a switchback(zig-zag pattern), the trail is on a consistent gradient making it manageable for any fitness level. Some parts might have you breathing heavy but this trail isnt occupied like Camelback, so you won’t be in anyone’s way if you decide to break. The last .25 miles to the peak is steeper than the rest, but don’t give up, the view is awesome! Lots of loose rocks on trail so wear good hiking shoes.
Cameron R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Ottawa, Canada
Really like this trail, a challenging trail not for the weak of leg. Started our climb at 9am and took us an hour to hike to the peak. Water fountain located at the bottom of the hill as well as dog waste bags. Great views of Phoenix with little areas to rest on the way up. I got quite upset at people walking their dogs in the heat. Dog owners I can’t stress this enough, don’t walk your dogs when it’s above 74 °F it’s cruel for your dog! If you insist on brining your dog up this mountain do it early in the morning when it’s a lot cooler and make sure to bring lots of water. I’d like to see some of these dog owners walk bare foot up this mountain with a fur coat on in 80 degree weather… Sorry for my rant, great hike and I highly recommend. I am from Canada so this was a great way to see Phoenix from high up.
Anne S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tempe, AZ
My favorite trail in the PHX area! The views are amazing, the trail is impeccably maintained and there is plenty of wildlife. There are two designated parking areas and a couple water fountains at the trailhead, including a fountain for your pet. There is also a bike rack. The city of Scottsdale is even considering adding a bathroom, which would be another awesome plus. It doesn’t seem to get very busy here, even on Saturday mornings. I’d rank the trail as a moderately difficult workout. Since it’s not too busy you can go at your own pace, whether that is sprinting up and down or taking breaks every few minutes to admire your surroundings. The peak was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Once we got to the top there were dozens of butterflies, two hummingbirds and a lizard. I’ve never seen anything like it, I felt like I was in a butterfly conservatory.
Steve H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Fountain Hills, AZ
Great hike to get in an AM workout before you start the day. Parking can be challenging as yo get closer to 10−11am, but after that, no much. It has never been over-crowded and a sense of accomplishment when you get to the Peak. Great views, peaceful hike so take it all in while you are hiking it!
Shayne N.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Scottsdale, AZ
Great hike. 2 miles to the trailhead. Easy access to the trailhead with plenty of parking spaces. They have a few water fountains at the trailhead including a dog fountain.
Mike C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tempe, AZ
This is one of my favorite trails to hike, hands down! It’s been a while since I be been up this trail and in mad at myself for letting it escape me for so long. Tucked away and secluded… well groomed and not overcrowded… challenging enough to consider it a workout but still able to be enjoyed by kids and dogs… and not to mention it has some INCREDIBLE views and scenery. Excellent trail to say the very least!
Britt C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Phoenix, AZ
This trailhead is a hidden gem! I almost don’t want to write about it so it wont get too crowded. It’s classified as a moderate hike which I would agree with. Easier than Camelback or Piestewa and way less crowded. The trails are very groomed and are mostly sand, no loose rocks which is great for trail running. Being that this is out of the city, it seems to be a bit greener and a nice change from all the brown hiking trails in Phoenix. You also get some awesome views, if you time it right you can see the fountain in Fountain Hills going off. The hike is about 4 miles round trip with very few switchbacks making for a moderate but good workout.
Sarah W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chandler, AZ
This is a great workout! Definitely not what I expected at all. My friend made it seem like a stroll in the park until you got to the top but I definitely felt the burn once were done from this one hell of an inclined trail from the start. Seems like a longer trail than most trails ive been on in the valley. Definitely have to get here early like before 7 am to miss all the traffic like any other trail but its definitely not as busy as camelback which is definitely nice. So if you are looking for a different view of the valley and a great workout this is definitely a great trail.
Ashton D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Scottsdale, AZ
great hike!
Yuko H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Fountain Hills, AZ
I like to hike here a lot as this is probably the closest yet still gives me the workout I need. It is 2 miles one way to the peak, and sign is there to tell you when you are at 1.2 miles and 0.2 miles to the peak. Trails are mostly sand and gravel, make it easy hike. My daughter was four when she first made the hike to the peak without being carried. I like to get there shortly before sunrise to enjoy the view of rising sun. I stop to look back to enjoy the sunrise. 360 degree of panoramic view from the peak is so beautiful. Enjoy the Scottsdale and Fountain Hills area view. the Fountain goes up every hour on the o’clock, so I like to time myself to be at the peak when the fountain goes up at the Fountain Park in the town of the Fountain Hills. The Year-around tallest fountain doesn’t go up if wind is too strong. Easy hike for me as I hike almost every week, but like any other desert outing, I always bring plenty of water with me. Wearing good pair of shoes help as it is easy to slip on gravel when descending. Parking is limited. But they do have overflow parking just down the street.
