• Top Dog Parks in Scottsdale,Arizona: Best Spots for Your Furry Friend,Pamela Torgrimson

    Top Dog Parks in Scottsdale,Arizona: Best Spots for Your Furry Friend

    Discover the best dog parks in Scottsdale, Arizona, where your furry friend can run, play, and socialize in safe, beautiful environments.   Are you looking for dog-friendly places in Scottsdale to spend the day soaking up some sunshine with your four-legged friend? Parks are a great place to get a little fresh air and exercise with your pet, and fortunately, there are several dog parks in Scottsdale for you both to enjoy together!   In the list below, you will find three parks where your pup can appreciate some off-leash fun, as well as four parks that do not have an enclosed area for dogs to roam freely but do welcome leashed pets to enjoy their paved paths and grassy grounds.   CHAPARRAL DOG PARK   Chapparal Dog Park is one of Scottsdale’s largest and most popular dog parks with three separate off-leash lawn enclosures (four acres in total) for both active and passive dogs of any size to run around and play. The 100-acre park itself is well-maintained and features water fountains for dogs and humans to stay hydrated, restrooms, benches to sit and relax, and a nice walking path for you and your pooch to enjoy, which is well-lit at night.   Address: 5401 N Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85250 Daily Hours: November 1st – April 30th, 6am – 10pm | May 1st – October 31st, 5:30am – 10pm Closed for Maintenance: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 am – 12 pm   HORIZON DOG PARK   Horizon Dog Park is a smaller off-leash dog area located in a retention basin in Horizon Park, with 2/3 of an acre of property and several fenced-in areas to explore. There is a large shaded structure to sit under, well-shaded bench areas, a restroom, and water fountains on-site. Do keep in mind that the red dirt surfaces can become rather dusty, and the area is also prone to flooding, so the park may close for a few days after a rainstorm.   Address: 15444 N. 100th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Daily Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (No lighting) Closed for Maintenance: Thursdays, 9 am – 12 pm   VISTA DEL CAMINO DOG PARK   Vista del Camino is one of the smaller off-leash dog parks in Scottsdale, with one 1/2 acre fenced play area for canine friends to romp around in. If you have a larger dog that likes more room to run around, this park may not be the best option for dog-friendly places in Scottsdale. But, leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a stroll through the surrounding 71-acre Vista del Camino community park that features beautiful lakeside views, covered picnic areas, restrooms, lots of paved paths, and many other amenities.   Address: 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Scottsdale, AZ 85257 Daily Hours: 5:30 am – 10 pm   SONORAN HILLS PARK   Sonoran Hills is a large 10-acre park that does not offer a designated or enclosed off-leash area for dogs, but you can let your well-behaved dogs off of their leash to run around and enjoy the open grounds. There are covered picnic areas, tennis courts, a playground, a restroom, and a large open turf area available as well, making it one of the best dog-friendly activity parks in Scottsdale. This is one of my favorite dog parks in Scottsdale!   Address: 7625 E. Williams Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Daily Hours: Sunrise – 10:30 pm   ELDORADO PARK   Eldorado is a fun neighborhood park spanning over 60 acres of green space with a multi-use path surrounding a lake, with separate lanes for biking and walking/running. This is an excellent spot for dog owners to spend some time walking, relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying countless amenities with their leashed pets. You won’t find a better relaxing environment for these dog parks in Scottsdale.   Address: 2311 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale AZ 85257 Daily Hours: Sunrise – 10:30 pm   MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK   Mountain View is a fun 30-acre community park in Scottsdale with lots of grassy areas and open spaces for leashed pups to enjoy. The park offers many other dog-friendly activities, and amenities, including tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, shaded picnic table areas, a restroom, playground, and it’s also conveniently located next to Indian Bend Wash Path.   Address: 8625 E. Mountain View Road Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Daily Hours: Sunrise – 10:30 pm   SCOTTSDALE SPORTS COMPLEX   Scottsdale Sports Complex is a 71-acre sports field complex and public recreation spot with gorgeous mountain views. This beautiful, well-maintained park is a great dog-friendly place to walk your dog on a leash. along any of the many paved multi-use paths where waste bags and pet water fountains are also available.   Address: 8081 E. Princess Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Daily Hours: Sunrise – 10:30 pm   Dog parks in Scottsdale are a great place to meet other fellow dog lovers in your community and some new four-legged friends for your canine companion. I hope that you and your pup(s) enjoy this list of Scottsdale dog parks together!   Note: Since park rules may change, it’s best to confirm that any information you have is up-to-date to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your dog. I hope that you enjoy these dog parks in Scottsdale!  

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  • Top Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Scottsdale: Explore Nature with Your Furry Friend,Pamela Torgrimson

    Top Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Scottsdale: Explore Nature with Your Furry Friend

    Discover the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Scottsdale where you and your furry companion can enjoy the beauty of nature, fresh air, and scenic desert landscapes together.   Nothing beats hiking through the great outdoors with your adorable four-legged sidekick! Not only is it fantastic exercise for you both, but hiking also gives you the opportunity to explore nature and enjoy some fresh air together. These are the best places for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale.   There are so many great trails to visit in Scottsdale, AZ, with something available for every skill level and preference. Check out the various trails below to see which ones sound like a good fit for you and your pup!   (Note: For your dog’s safety, is it required that they remain on a leash that’s no longer than 6 feet at all times to avoid any encounters with wildlife and cacti, and to only bring them along on days when the temperature is below 90 degrees.)   MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE     The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, with all trailheads opening and closing at specific times throughout the year. It is free to enjoy the preserve and its 200+ miles of trails (be sure to check out the maps online or pick up one upon arrival).   There is plenty of parking available at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, along with bathrooms, water fountains, and even trailside experts who can answer any questions you may have. The Paws in the Preserve program provides suggestions for pet-friendly activities at the preserve, and waste bags are available at most of the trailheads as well.   Address: 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale AZ 85255   There are lots of trail choices available for all skill levels, including the following trailheads:   Lost Dog Wash (easy) Gateway (easy to moderate) Brown’s Ranch (easy to moderate) Tom’s Thumb (moderate to difficult) Sunrise (difficult) Learn more about the trailheads at McDowell Sonoran Preserve and a couple of other trails for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale below.   LOST DOG WASH TRAILHEAD     There is plenty of parking available at Lost Dog Wash, as well as restrooms, water fountains, and a small botanical garden at the entrance. Access this trailhead from Via Linda or Shea Boulevard; head North on 124th Street, which will dead-end at the Lost Dog Wash. The ground can be a bit rocky on these trails, so good hiking shoes are recommended. Bonus points for having dog in the name for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale.   Address: 12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259   Some Hiking Trails Available at Lost Dog Wash:   Kovach Family Nature Trail (0.5 miles) Ringtail Trail (2.4 miles) Taliesin Overlook (4 miles) Sunrise Trail East (4 miles) Old Jeep Trail (4.1 miles) GATEWAY TRAILHEAD     The Gateway Trailhead is a must-visit for any nature lover in Scottsdale. It offers many fairly wide trails to choose from for all skill levels, ranging from a 0.5-mile kid-friendly nature trail, a 3.5-mile loop, and an 8-12-mile hike. This trailhead is an outlet for several other trails, leading to all different levels of difficulty.   There’s plenty of free parking at the Gateway trailhead, along with restrooms, water fountains, and waste bags available for you to pick up after your pup.   Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255   BROWN’S RANCH TRAILHEAD     The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead has endless miles of well-marked and maintained trails for any skill level, with access to destinations such as Cathedral Rock, Brown’s Mountain, Granite Mountain, and Cholla Mountain. You can enjoy an easy 1/2 mile trail, or hike for miles and miles around the park, enjoying amazing views, plants, and wildlife.   Weekends often get crowded at Brown’s Ranch, but there is a large parking lot at the trailhead with bathrooms, water fountains, maps, and volunteers available that can help you select a trail that’s best for you. This trailhead is located about 1.25 miles North of the intersection of Alma School Parkway and Dynamite Boulevard.   Address: 30301 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262   Some Hiking Trails Available at Brown’s Ranch:   Jane Rau Trail (0.4 miles) Brown’s Ranch (3.1 miles) TOM’S THUMB TRAILHEAD     The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is one of the best hikes in Scottsdale because of its smooth trails, stunning rock features, and great signage throughout. There are a variety of trails available for different skill levels, but the hardest of the trails is rather difficult.   Most hikers that have visited Tom’s Thumb agree that the first mile of the trail is the most challenging since it’s rather steep, and the paths can be a bit slippery at times as well since the trail is loose gravel (hiking shoes are recommended). Though this hike can be more challenging than others, it is worth it for its gorgeous views of the valley, urban Phoenix, and southern McDowell mountains.   Do keep in mind that there is no water available at the trailhead, so be sure to bring plenty for you and your four-legged friend. You can access this hike from the new Tom’s Thumb trailhead off of North 128th Street, where there is plenty of parking available, as well as restrooms and informational kiosks.   Address: 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255   Some Hiking Trails Available at Tom’s Thumb:   Lookout Viewpoint (5.1 miles) Tom’s Thumb/East End Loop (11.1 miles) Marcus Landslide (3.7 miles) SUNRISE TRAILHEAD     The Sunrise Trailhead is a 4-mile long trail that’s great for more experienced hikers. It is less crowded than a lot of the nearby trails due to its difficulty level, featuring steep, narrow, and rocky trails with the majority of this hike being done uphill. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, this hike is perfect for its scenic views of Fountain Hills, Camelback, Superstition Wilderness, the 4 Peaks Wilderness, and the entire McDowell mountain range.   There is free parking at this trailhead, but the parking lot is small and rather limited. Fortunately, there is an overflow parking lot available a couple of blocks down the street. There are also water fountains for you and your pup, but no restrooms at this location.   Address: 12101 N. 145th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85259   Wake up extra early for a beautiful sunrise. Nobody said that dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale had to be early.   MARCUS LANDSLIDE TRAIL     If you’re looking for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale with beautiful views, then this is for you! The Marcus Landslide Trailhead is located in the southern portion of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, leaving from Tom’s Thumb. This trail makes for a reasonably easy hike, except for the final loop, which is more moderate and narrow. The trail is around 4.1 miles long, including the optional .7-mile loop, and has a smooth surface with no loose or jagged rocks.   The Marcus Landslide trailhead is located in the upper left corner of the same parking lot that serves the Tom’s Thumb trailhead (again, keep in mind that there is no water available and you will have to bring enough for you and your dog). This trail is best for hiking between March and October, but be sure to visit in the Spring when all of the beautiful wildflowers are in bloom.   There are also small detour trails along the way throughout this remote area to stop and check out many interesting rock formations, including mushroom rocks, boulders, and a granite landslide.   Address: 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255   THE ARIZONA CANAL TRAIL     The Arizona Canal trail is a very long, multi-use trail with well-maintained paths that seem to go on forever. The trail is paved at times and not at others, but is flat and smooth throughout, making it a perfect spot for an easy walk or even some long-distance running with your dog. There are also long sections of the trail without any traffic lights or roads to cross, which is a plus.   Some parts of the canal tend to get crowded with lots of people walking, running, or riding their bikes, but overall, it’s a great trail. Some of the businesses along the Arizona Canal trail welcome dogs if you’d like to stop have a bite to eat. There are also bathrooms at one of the parks near the Arizona Falls, with water fountains along the way. Parking is available at the Silverado Golf Club at 7605 E. Indian Bend Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250.   Address: 6630 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250   Thanks to my friend, Cheryl for letting me know about this location for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale.   PEMBERTON TRAIL     If you’re interested in taking a challenging hike with your pup, visit the 15.3-mile-long Pemberton Trail to enjoy gorgeous views of the McDowells and the Four Peaks. This well-maintained trail is the longest in McDowell Mountain Park, which has varied terrain with some dips and inclines and a long loop that gets a bit rocky towards the end.   This trail is open from March to October, and you can access it from the McDowell Mountain Regional Park or through the Marcus Landslide Trail starting at Tom Thumb’s trailhead. There is a $7 entrance fee per vehicle to get into the park, which has bathrooms available. Do keep in mind that there are no spots along the trail to refill your water, so be sure to bring an adequate supply for you and your pup to stay well-hydrated.   Address: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85250  

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  • Top 15 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Scottsdale for a Perfect Stay with Your Furry Friend,Pamela Torgrimson

    Top 15 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Scottsdale for a Perfect Stay with Your Furry Friend

    Discover the top 15 pet-friendly hotels in Scottsdale where your furry companions are welcomed with open arms, offering comfort and convenience for both you and your pets during your stay.   As pet parents, it can be tough to leave our four-legged kids at home while we take a trip. On top of that, it can also be quite a challenge to find someone to pet-sit while we’re away.   If we decide to take our canine companions along for our travels, we are then faced with the grueling search for pet-friendly hotels & accommodations. Unfortunately, not so many hotels are pet-friendly, and many that are will charge an additional hefty fee to accommodate pets.   But, if you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale with your pup, you’re in luck! The list below includes 15 pet-friendly hotels in Scottsdale and accommodations, including four options with no additional fee to have your fur baby join you, and even a few options that offer on-site pet services like grooming, walking, and pet-sitting!   HERE IS THE LIST OF 15 PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN SCOTTSDALE 1) LA QUINTA INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE   Two pets of any size are welcome at no additional fee (dogs and cats permitted) There are two grassy outdoor spaces on the property and areas to walk pets around the hotel for pet relief (bag dispensers and several trash cans are available to dispose of waste) Visit the Website   Address: 8888 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480-614-5300   2) HOTEL VALLEY HO   Pets are welcome at no additional fee (dogs and cats permitted) Food and water bowls, treats, “pet in room” door hangers, and clean-up kits will be provided to travelers with pets upon check-in  Green space is available for pet relief on the property Well-behaved pets may be left in guest rooms unattended Visit the Website   Address: 8888 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480-614-5300   3) THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA   Two pets up to 40 pounds are welcome at no additional fee (dogs and cats are permitted) Guests with pets must stay in the designated pet-friendly rooms located on the ground floor There are grassy areas available for pet relief on the property Dog treats, bowls, and beds are available upon request Well-behaved pets may be left in guest rooms unattended (housekeeping will not enter unless pets are accompanied by their owner) Visit the Website   Address: 6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Phone: 480-624-1000   4) THE SAGUARO SCOTTSDALE   Dogs of any size are welcome at no additional fee Dog treats and bowls are available  The property overlooks a 21-acre urban park Address: 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: 480-308-1100   5) BESPOKE INN SCOTTSDALE   Two dogs of any size are welcome per room for an additional $35 fee per pet (one-time fee) A food and water bowl will be provided upon check-in The on-site restaurant’s patio (Virtù) is dog-friendly Visit the Website   Address: 3701 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: 844-861-6715   6) BEST WESTERN PLUS SCOTTSDALE THUNDERBIRD SUITES   Two dogs up to 80 pounds each are welcome per room for an additional fee of $20 per night (up to $100 per pet, per stay)  Guests with dogs are assigned to rooms on the first or second floor There are grassy areas available for pet relief on the property  Well-behaved dogs may be left in guest rooms unattended Contact the hotel to seek approval for other pet types such as cats, birds, etc. Visit the Website   Address: 7515 E Butherus Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480-951-4000   7) HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES SCOTTSDALE OLD TOWN   Two pets of any size are welcome for an additional $25 per pet, per night (dogs and cats are permitted) Guests with pets are typically assigned to rooms on the ground floor There is no grass on-site, but there’s plenty of outdoor space available for pet relief  Well-behaved pets may be left in guest rooms unattended Visit the Website   Address: 3131 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: 480-675-7665   8) 3 PALMS   Pets up to 60 pounds are welcome for an additional $25 per pet, per night Pets must be registered in writing at check-in and may not be left unattended in the room El Dorado Park, a lovely greenbelt area, is located across the street from the hotel Visit the Website   Address: 7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 Phone: 800-450-8133   9) DOUBLETREE RESORT BY HILTON SCOTTSDALE   Two pets up to 75 pounds each are welcome for an additional $75 per stay (dogs and cats are permitted) There are grassy areas available for pet relief on the property and waste bags available Rooms on the first floor have a patio that leads directly out to grass and/or gravel Well-behaved pets may be left in guest rooms unattended if a contact number is left at the front desk Visit the Website   Address: 5401 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 Phone: 480-947-5400   10) HILTON SCOTTSDALE RESORT & VILLAS   Pets up to 75 pounds are welcome for an additional $75 per stay (one-time fee) Visit the Website   Address: 6333 NORTH SCOTTSDALE ROAD, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, 85250 Phone: 480-948-7750   11) RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT SCOTTSDALE PARADISE VALLEY   Two pets of any size are welcome for an additional $100 per stay (dogs and cats are permitted) Rocky areas with waste stations are available for pet relief on the property Crated pets may be left in the room unattended Address: 6040 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 Phone: 480-948-8666   12) THE SCOTT RESORT & SPA   One pet up to 50 pounds (or two pets, up to 75 pounds combined) are welcome for an additional $100 per stay Pet bed and food and water bowls can be delivered to room; disposable pick-up bags are available around the property There is a pet exercise area within walking distance of the hotel Pet-sitting, grooming, and walking services can be arranged through the concierge Visit the Website   Address: 4925 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 Phone: 800-528-7867   13) HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE RESORT AND SPA AT GAINEY RANCH   Pets up to 50 pounds are welcome for an additional $150 per stay, up to 6 nights ($150 additional “Deep Cleaning” fee from day 7 to day 30) Visit the Website   Address: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, 85258 Phone: 480-444-1234   14) FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS   Two pets of any size are welcome for an additional $50 per night, plus $150 per stay The hotel’s “Posh Paws” pet program includes plush dog beds, food and water bowls, toys, treats, walking services, and the hotel chefs can even prepare special dog-friendly dishes The grounds have plenty of space for walking and McDowell Mountains are nearby for hiking Pets may not be left in the room unattended Visit the Website   Address: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Phone: 480-585-484   15) THE SCOTTSDALE RESORT AT MCCORMICK RANCH   One dog up to 50 pounds (or two dogs, up to 50 pounds combined) are welcome for an additional $100 per pet, per stay, plus a deposit of $200 ($100 is refundable upon inspection of the guest room) Guests with dogs are assigned to one of the pet-friendly McCormick rooms located on the first floor with specific outdoor access, or non-suite Stillman rooms Visit the Website   Address: 7700 E McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Phone: 480-991-9000   Let’s face it, a vacation without our pets can tend to make us feel like something is missing. Fortunately, these pet-friendly hotels in Scottdale can make it possible to book a getaway that includes every member of the family!?   Note: Hotel policies are subject to change, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm that any of the above locations will accommodate your pet(s). Most hotels do require notice in advance that a pet will be joining a guest for their stay. Also, keep in mind that under the hotel’s discretion, you could be subject to additional fees for any damages or additional cleaning.   I hope that this has helped you find your pet-friendly hotels in Scottsdale for your next trip.        

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