Outdoors & Recreation

Pinnacle Peak Trail Located in North Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak Trail is a popular hiking spot for locals and visitors alike. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Scottsdale.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Located in Cave Creek, this easy hike offers scenic views of the Sonoran Desert and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and offers options for longer or shorter hikes, making it great for hikers of all skill levels.

Marcus Landslide Trail This short hike in Scottsdale takes you through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. The trail is easy to navigate and is perfect for a quick hike or a morning walk.

Brown's Ranch Trail This easy hike in North Scottsdale is perfect for beginners and families with young children. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the Sonoran Desert.

Lost Dog Wash Trail This easy hike in Scottsdale is perfect for beginners and families with young children. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the Sonoran Desert and the surrounding mountains.

Gateway Loop Trail This easy hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. The trail is well-marked and offers options for longer or shorter hikes, making it great for hikers of all skill levels.

Sunrise Peak Trail This is a 4-mile round trip hike that features beautiful wildflowers in the spring and amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is rated as moderate and is accessible year-round.

Camelback Mountain is one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in the Phoenix area. It rises 2,704 feet above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The hike is approximately 2.5 miles each way and can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trail is steep and rocky, so proper footwear and hydration are essential. It's recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

Tom's Thumb Trail This is a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of the McDowell Mountains and the Sonoran Desert. The trail is rated as moderate and features a steep ascent towards the end.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trailhead This trailhead offers a variety of different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. Some popular trails include the Gateway Loop Trail, the Bell Pass Trail, and the Windgate Pass TraiL.

Camelback Vista This is a 3.5-mile loop trail that features beautiful desert scenery and stunning views of Camelback Mountain. The trail is rated as moderate and is accessible year-round.

Scottsdale, Arizona is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of trails and stunning desert landscapes to explore. From thrilling singletracks to scenic routes, mountain bikers of all skill levels will find abundant opportunities for adventure and excitement.

South Mountain Park and Preserve: Located in northeast Mesa, adjacent to Scottsdale, the Hawes Trail System offers an extensive network of singletrack trails. With diverse terrain and options for various skill levels, riders can enjoy thrilling descents, technical sections, and scenic views.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve: boasts an extensive network of trails that cater to mountain bikers. With varying difficulty levels, riders can enjoy exhilarating rides through the desert terrain. Trails such as Gateway Loop, Tom's Thumb, and Lost Dog Wash offer exciting challenges and breathtaking views.

Brown's Ranch Trailhead: Located within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Brown's Ranch Trailhead provides access to a variety of mountain biking trails. Chuckwagon Trail and Brown's Ranch Trail are popular options that offer a mix of technical sections and scenic vistas.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park: Situated northeast of Scottsdale, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. The park features a network of trails suitable for different skill levels, including the popular Pemberton Loop, which offers a challenging and rewarding experience.



Hawes Trail System: Located in northeast Mesa, adjacent to Scottsdale, the Hawes Trail System offers an extensive network of singletrack trails. With diverse terrain and options for various skill levels, riders can enjoy thrilling descents, technical sections, and scenic views.

Scottsdale, Arizona offers fantastic opportunities for road biking enthusiasts. With its scenic desert landscapes, well-maintained roads, and convenient access to various routes, road cyclists will find plenty of enjoyable rides to explore. Whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, Scottsdale has something to offer for everyone.

Rio Verde Drive: If you're looking for a scenic ride, head northeast of Scottsdale to Rio Verde Drive. This road takes you through breathtaking desert landscapes and offers a serene and enjoyable experience for road cyclists.

Scottsdale Road: Running north-south through the city, Scottsdale Road offers designated bike lanes in certain sections. It provides access to various amenities, making it a versatile route for road biking.

Carefree Highway: Located just north of Scottsdale, Carefree Highway (State Route 74) offers a scenic road biking experience. Enjoy breathtaking desert and mountain views while pedaling on this less crowded route.

Shea Boulevard: is another popular road for road biking in Scottsdale. It features a wide shoulder and connects to different neighborhoods, parks, and golf courses. You can enjoy a mix of desert scenery and residential areas along this route.

Paradise Valley Loop: For a challenging and picturesque ride, consider This route as it combines portions of Tatum Boulevard, Lincoln Drive, and other scenic roads, taking you through the affluent Paradise Valley area.



Loop 101: also known as the Pima Freeway, encircles the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale. With its wide shoulder and smooth surface, it provides a convenient option for longer rides with excellent connectivity to different neighborhoods.

Here are some of the best camping destinations within a 200-mile radius of Phoenix and Scottsdale, listed from the shortest distance to the longest:

Usery Mountain Regional Park - Mesa, AZ (22 miles from Scottsdale)

Lost Dutchman State Park - Apache Junction, AZ (36 miles from Scottsdale)

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - Payson, AZ (85 miles from Scottsdale)

Lynx Lake - Prescott, AZ (92 miles from Scottsdale)

Woods Canyon Lake - Payson, AZ (103 miles from Scottsdale)

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area - Show Low, AZ (137 miles from Scottsdale)

Dead Horse Ranch State Park - Cottonwood, AZ (140 miles from Scottsdale)

Kachina Peaks Wilderness - Flagstaff, AZ (145 miles from Scottsdale)

Lake Pleasant Regional Park - Peoria, AZ (162 miles from Scottsdale)

Grand Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon, AZ (220 miles from Scottsdale)

Here's a list of the best fishing spots within a 200-mile radius of Phoenix and Scottsdale, ordered by distance: