If you live in DC Ranch or Grayhawk, your closest hiking besides the trails in your respective communities is Pinnacle Peak Park. If you’re new to hiking, you’re going to love it. We are lucky enough to have mountains throughout the Phoenix metro area for residents and tourists to be able to hike and exercise just a short drive away. Located in Scottsdale, it is one of the distinctive mountains along with Camelback, Four Peaks and Piestewa Peak that frame the Phoenix metropolitan area. If you’ve never experienced the view of the valley on top one of our mountains, then you truly are missing out. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Pinnacle Peak
DIRECTIONS
26802 N. 102nd Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
From Grayhawk and DC Ranch…..continue North on Pima until you reach Happy Valley Road. Make a right turn (East) onto Happy Valley Road and go about 1.5 miles to Alma School Road. Turn left (North) onto Alma School Road and follow for about 0.7 miles. Turn left on Pinnacle Peak and travel another 0.25 miles to the trailhead and parking. Parking can get crowded on weekends.
Satellite View of Pinnacle Peak Park near DC Ranch and Grayhawk
This trail has a storied history. Back in the 1989, hikers and rock climbers had access to this peak for recreation. This area was “temporarily” closed in 1995 as new homes and a golf course were put up around the peak. The closure was supposed to last one year. When it came time to re-open the access to the peak, the new homeowners decided they didn’t want to share the peak with anyone and refused access. Now, after nearly seven years, access to this trail and it’s excellent climbing routes are once again open to the public (as of April 2002).
The distinctive double-hump profile can be seen for miles and lets you locate North Scottsdale instantly. The peak has an elevation of 3100 feet; that’s ~945 meters for those of you that measure in increments of 10. The peak itself is only accessible to an experienced rock climber. The rest of us stay on the trail.
Pinnacle Peak Park Trail Map
The Pinnacle Peak trail starts at the Visitor’s center and aims for the peak, but then when the slope gets pretty steep, the trail bends around the mountain for several great views of the surrounding valleys.
The Sierra Club rates the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak as a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. The trail has a very smooth tread with a number of ups and downs over the course of the 1.75 mile trail (one way). It is not a loop trail so you come back over the same trail. High point on the trail is 2,889′, the lowest point is 2,366′, and the elevation at the trailhead is 2,570′. Hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing will take you to spectacular views of the valley . Rock climbing, for experienced climbers with appropriate gear, is permitted in three areas of the park with a variety of routes and skill levels.
Amenities are a parking area (trailers are ok), restroom, drinking fountain, ramada, and 4 picnic tables.
Interpretive programs and trail signs describe the flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history of the area.
The park is an ideal habitat for a variety of native plants such as Saguaros, Cholla Cactus, Creosote plants, and for creatures such as Bobcats, Gila Monsters and Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Hiker safety is important to us, so please read Park Rules and Safety Information.
Pinnacle Peak Vicinity Map
Want to volunteer to help the park?
Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park
The friends of Pinnacle Peak Park was founded to ensure that the Park’s character, landscape and ambiance are preserved for its future users.
| The mission of the Friends as adopted by the Board states:The Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park are a group of local residents whose Mission is to assist in maintaining the wonderful character of the Park and to support improvements and educational activities through fund raising activities.
Thus the objectives of the Friends organization are:
The Friends seek to make visits to Pinnacle Peak Park an educational and memorable experience. As a contributor to the Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park you will be the recipient of the newsletter which will feature articles about the flora, fauna, geology and area history. It will, along with the website, identify special events, happenings and sightings on the Park grounds. We offer opportunities to be involved in the Friends organization. |
|
| You can support the Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park Annual Fund Drive by sending your contributions to: | |
|
|
| If you are interested in volunteering with the Friends you may contact us at the above address or contact Morrie Chernis at 480-488-6565. For further information about Pinnacle Peak Park call 480-312-0990. Send email inquiries to: info@pinnaclepeakpark.com. |
