Scottsdale is famous for its rugged desert trails, where steep climbs and rocky switchbacks challenge even seasoned hikers. But tucked between the jagged peaks and vast desert forests of saguaro and cholla are plenty of options for families. From short, flat loops to scenic climbs with big payoffs, Scottsdale has no shortage of kid-friendly hikes that make the outdoors accessible for every age and experience level. Here are some of the best hikes for kids in Scottsdale. And when your crew is ready to take things up a notch, check out our list some of the best hiking trails in Scottsdale.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trails
Spanning over 30,000 acres, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in the United States. Unsurprisingly, it’s home to several of the best hikes for kids in Scottsdale. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy also hosts family events such as guided hikes and Sonoran Sundays (September–April), offering opportunities to interact with local plants and wildlife.
- Bajada Nature Trail, Gateway Trailhead: This short, accessible trail is perfect for toddlers, beginners, and those with limited mobility. The figure-8 loop offers a few options: walk around the entire thing, including the connector (0.8 miles), walk around just the perimeter (0.7 miles), or take one short loop (0.25 miles). Desert plants with identifying signage dot the trail.
- Horseshoe Loop, Gateway Trailhead: A bit longer at 1.7 miles but nearly flat, this kid-friendly hike offers mountain views and a perfect introduction to the desert landscape. Keep your eyes out for birds, as many different species including roadrunners, quail, and woodpeckers, tend to hang around the trail.
- Bootlegger-Granite Mountain Loop: This three-mile loop, often called “Granite Mountain Scenic Hike,” adds a touch of adventure with huge boulders and other rock formations lining the trail. Not only is this one of Scottsdale’s best family friendly hikes, but it’s also popular with mountain bikers and trail runners. Keep your eyes and ears open and always yield to cyclists (and teach your children to do the same!)
- Ringtail Trail, Lost Dog Wash Trailhead: Ringtail is best known for its spring wildflowers and stunning year-round desert sunsets, but the 2.4-mile loop also holds a centuries-old secret. It was once a Native American tool-making site! Look for shiny rock flakes, some of the only remaining evidence of the ancient tools.
- Brown’s Ranch, Brown’s Ranch Trailhead: Enjoy wide-open views of Four Peaks, Tom’s Thumb, and Pinnacle Peak while exploring remnants of ranching the way it used to be, with long-abandoned troughs and water drums dotting the landscape. It’s a built-in scavenger hunt of sorts, making the trail extra engaging for kids.
- Marcus Landslide, Tom’s Thumb Trailhead: Although most folks hike Marcus Landslide for the namesake geological feature—”recent,” from 500,000 years ago—it’s the unusual rock formations that steal the show. Walk by mushroom-shaped rocks and underneath Submarine Rock, an almost perfectly cylindrical stunner. After your adventure, stop by The Thumb, a gas station hiding excellent artisan coffee drinks and baked goods, as well as acclaimed BBQ that was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.”
Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail
Located in North Scottsdale, the Pinnacle Peak summit trail is just under four miles round-trip with a 1,300-foot elevation gain. It’s a challenging hike, best suited for active families with older kids, but the panoramic summit views are a worthy reward.
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park
Papago Park is worth the short drive west from Old Town. Its iconic red rock buttes are accessible via a 0.3-mile hike up to impressive (and aptly named) Hole-in-the-Rock. Parking is easy, and the views stretch over the park’s fishing lagoons all the way to downtown Phoenix and Tempe. It’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes in the valley, and dog-friendly, as well. Pair it with a visit to the Phoenix Zoo or the Desert Botanical Garden for a full-day outing.
Tips for Enjoying Family Friendly Hikes in Scottsdale
- Turn it into a scavenger hunt to see who can spot rocks shaped like animals or objects, colorful flowers, or wildlife like quail, cactus wrens, geckos and more.
- Let (i.e.; make) kids carry their own backpacks with water, snacks and sunscreen.
- Teach kids about safe hiking practices, including staying on the trail at all times to avoid hazards like prickly cacti, snakes and unstable terrain.
