The Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale offers some of Arizona’s most stunning and scenic hiking trails. As the sun rises and bathes the landscape in golden light, the views are absolutely breathtaking, making it the perfect time to hit the trails. If you’re an early riser, a morning hike in Scottsdale is one of the best ways to start your day.
Before jumping into these exquisite hiking areas, we want to remind you that Scottsdale has a reputation of hot weather nearly year-round. When out hiking in the desert, always wear proper sun protection and pack plenty of water and snacks. For a complete list of what to bring for your hike, check out this hiking guide from Visit Arizona.
Now that you’re ready to explore, here are our top 4 favorite Scottsdale hiking spots to catch stunning views while escaping the intense desert heat!
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
With over 225 miles of trails to explore across 30,580 acres of Desert, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve hosts some of the best hikes in Arizona and is the ultimate nature lover’s playground. Open every day from sunrise to sunset, the preserve offers visitors the chance to experience true Sonoran Desert wilderness. Deep canyons and high mountain peaks host an incredible array of desert plant and animal life. In spring, you can discover plenty of trails lit up with vibrant wildflowers that bring wonderful colors to the desert landscape.
First-time visitors to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will love these trails:
- Granite Mountain Loop Trail (Easy/Medium)
- Gateway Loop Trail (Medium)
- Tom’s Thumb Trail (Medium/Hard)
Check out other great McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trails
Pinnacle Peak Park
Although Pinnacle Peak Park only features a single trail within its 150-acre area, the trail is amazing! Creatively labeled as the Pinnacle Peak Trail, this hiking area is located right on the northern outskirts of town. The trail is one of the more popular in Scottsdale for hikers and trail runners, so weekday mornings are certainly the best times to avoid those larger crowds. Plus, mornings along this meandering out-and-back path are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll find the early rise justified five steps out of the parking lot.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
With 29 trails of varying lengths and difficulties to explore, Usery Mountain Regional Park is another great hiking area to check out near Scottsdale. Known for its wide scenic vistas, Usery Mountain Regional Park is ideal for hikers looking to have their jaws dropped on a morning hike. Although there is a vehicle entrance fee to enter the park, it’s well-worth the small cost to experience some of Arizona’s best views.
Check out these popular trails at Usery Mountain Regional Park during your visit:
- Merkle Trail (Easy)
- Wind Cave Trail (Medium)
- Pass Mountain Trail (Medium/Hard)
Check out more great trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park
Lost Dutchman State Park
Named after Jacob Waltz’s (AKA “The Dutchman”) legendary lost gold mine, the Lost Dutchman State Park has much more to offer than just fabled riches. The state park is located smack-dab in the middle of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, and it serves up scenery that more than lives up to the legends. Morning light brings a rosy glow to the landscape that creates the perfect backdrop for an early stroll.
Don’t believe that description? See for yourself at these scenic Lost Dutchman trails:
- Jacob’s Crosscut Trail (Easy)
- Treasure Loop Trail (Easy/Medium)
- Siphon Draw Trail (Medium/Hard)
Check out more Lost Dutchman State Park Trails
And that’s a wrap on our top picks for the best Scottsdale sunrise hikes! Each spot offers its own unique experience, with breathtaking views that will have you reaching for your camera before you even finish the trail. Trust us, your golden hour photos are about to be on fire!
After you’ve conquered the trails, it’s time to kick back and relax in a cozy home base. Lucky for you, our homes are located just minutes from these top spots and more. Book a Scottsdale GoodNight Stay to keep the Arizona adventure going!
