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Pinnacle Peak Park: A Sonoran Desert Jewel

Hike scenic trails, spot desert wildlife, and marvel at the iconic granite summit at Scottsdale's Pinnacle Peak Park. A Sonoran Desert experience awaits!

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Pinnacle Peak Park, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The park's main feature is the granite Pinnacle Peak, around which a popular hiking trail winds, providing stunning views and encounters with native flora and fauna.

A brief summary to Pinnacle Peak Park

Local tips

  • Hike in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during warmer months, to avoid the desert heat.
  • Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and wear appropriate hiking shoes for the rocky terrain.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as Gila monsters and snakes, and maintain a safe distance.
  • Check the City of Scottsdale's website for current park hours and any advisories.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Pinnacle Peak Park is located at 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. From Scottsdale Road, head east on Pinnacle Peak Road. Turn north onto 102nd Way. The park entrance and parking lot will be on your left. Parking is free and generally available, though it can fill up during peak season or on weekends. Additional parking is available outside the park gates on 102nd Way.

  • Ride-sharing

    If arriving by ride-sharing service, set your destination to Pinnacle Peak Park's address: 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. The driver can drop you off at the entrance of the park. A short ride from the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Pinnacle Peak Road will cost approximately $15-25.

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Discover more about Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak Park is a 150-acre natural preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona, centered around the iconic granite formation of Pinnacle Peak. Rising to an elevation of 3,169 feet (966 m), the peak has been a landmark in the area for millennia. Historically, the area was first inhabited by the Hohokam people, who used the land for hunting and gathering. Later, settlers arrived and began ranching and mining operations. In the 1980s, Scottsdale annexed the area and established the park. The park was temporarily closed for six years to allow for the construction of the main trail, which was funded by selling a portion of the land to a housing developer. It reopened in 2002 and has since become a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park's main trail is a 1.75-mile (3.5 miles round trip) out-and-back trail that provides a moderate hiking experience with a 1,300-foot elevation gain. The trail winds around Pinnacle Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Benches are placed along the trail, providing rest stops and informational signs about the local flora and fauna. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bobcats, Gila monsters, desert tortoises, and various species of snakes and birds. Native plants such as saguaros, cholla cactus, and palo verde trees dot the landscape. For experienced rock climbers, the east side of Pinnacle Peak offers access to summit routes, the most popular being the South Crack.

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