Pinnacle Peak
86Views of Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale Arizona
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.
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.
Visiting Pinnacle Peak
- Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park
The official site of "The Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park" who assist in maintaining the character of the Park and to support improvements and educational activities through fund raising. - Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA)
The GPPA was founded in 1977 in the Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale, and is a nonprofit group dedicated to desert preservation, wildlife conservation, and the protection of quality of life in the north Scottsdale and Desert Foothills Sonoran Desert. - Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse
Still wear a necktie? Wear it here and it will end up tacked to the wall! Pass this landmark restaurant on the way in and the way out. One of the few retaurants in the Scotsdale area with an old west feel. The foods ok.
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Comments
Yes, it is a great landmark, with a great trail. The best part is that it is so accessible!
I've been to the grand canyon, but I think I would enjoy places like pinnacle peak a lot more. Spider rock looks fun also. Can rusty has-been rock climbers like me get up pinnacle peak without too much risk?
The peak itself requires rock climbing skills and equipment. The trail that ambles around the mountain is a great, moderate hike.
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Misha says:
2 years ago
Wow! Great views! Putting this into the list of places to visit before I die :)