Pinnacle Peak, hiking a Scottsdale mountain

Pinnacle Peak is one of several highly visible mountain landmarks in the Valley of the Sun. Located in Scottsdale it is one of the distinctive mountains along with Camelback, Four Peaks and Piestewa Peak that frame the Phoenix metropolitan area.

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.

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 trail itself is one of the best built and maintained mountain trails I've ever seen. You know you're in Scottsdale, where they like their rugged west to be clean, pretty and sophisticated, if you know what I mean! The trail makers have managed to scrape a wide and relatively smooth walking trail and allowed it to blend into the mountain side. There are numerous marking signs and resting places. Mortals need those resting places to catch their breath and watch the amazons that run up and down the mountain like a stroll in the park.

Hydration is important in any hiking, and even more so in desert climates. A large water bottle is a must, and consider investing in a hydration pack for sipping convenience. Speaking of hiking gear, a hiking or walking stick is especially welcome on up and down hill trails.

The interpretive hiking trail 3.5 miles round trip of a mixture of easy and moderate up and down hiking. Round trip in this case means go all the way to the end and turn around and retrace your steps to get back to the park.

The current park is 150 acres and was opened in April of 2002. In it's past was a long period as State Trust Land. It was then part of a tedious period of negotiations, squabbles, broken promises and resident revolts - you know, the kind of things that happen when land is coveted by developers, individuals, governments and the public. The end result is a lot of beautiful scenery mixed in with great overviews into some pretty fancy back yards. This time everybody got a piece and the public came out ok, if not great.

Essential gear I take on every hike: sunglasses, hat, gloves, hydration system for longer hikes, large water bottle in belt holster for shorter hikes, hiking shoes, and for better balance, my trusty sidekick, the hiking stick.

Safety and gear tips for Solo Hiking by HikeGuy.

Hiking and camping gear by Jonsky.

Walking (Hiking) sticks (poles) by eaglegordon.

Hiking and hydration backpacks by charanjeet kaur

The philosophy of water (in hiking) by JimmyTH