Best Dog-Friendly Hiking in Scottsdale for You and Your Dog
Explore the Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Scottsdale AZ
Scottsdale has some of the best dog-friendly hiking in Arizona, with trails ranging from easy desert walks to more advanced climbs with sweeping mountain views. Whether you are looking for a flat trail for a quick walk with your pup or a longer adventure through the Sonoran Desert, there are plenty of Scottsdale hiking trails that welcome dogs on leash.
This guide highlights some of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Scottsdale, including trail difficulty, parking, amenities, and what to expect before you go.
Important Note: All dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and it’s best to hike during cooler months or early mornings to avoid heat-related issues.
Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Areas in Scottsdale
If you are looking for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the best places to start. With multiple trailheads, scenic desert views, and trails for different skill levels, it offers some of the most popular hiking options for Scottsdale dog owners.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the top destinations for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale because it offers a huge variety of trails, multiple trailheads, and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery. With more than 200 miles of trails, it gives hikers and their dogs everything from easy walks to more advanced routes with elevation gain and sweeping views.
Dogs are welcome on leash, and the preserve is well set up for visitors with amenities like restrooms, water fountains, parking, maps, and the Paws in the Preserve program. If you are not sure where to begin, this is a great area to start because you can choose a trail based on your dog’s energy level, your comfort with desert hiking, and how much time you want to spend outside.
There is plenty of parking available at several trailheads throughout the preserve, and many entry points also offer helpful signs, maps, and trail information. Be sure to check trail conditions and bring plenty of water before heading out, especially during warmer months.
Be sure to check out the maps online or pick up one upon arrival).
Each of these trailheads offers a slightly different hiking experience depending on the difficulty level and scenery you prefer. Some are ideal for easy dog walks with wide trails and gentle elevation, while others are better suited for hikers looking for more challenging climbs and panoramic desert views.
Lost Dog Wash is a favorite for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale thanks to its scenic desert views, peaceful trails, and easy access to several popular hiking routes. The trailhead features a botanical garden, clean restrooms, and multiple well-marked trails that make it a great option for both casual walkers and more active hikers exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The ground can be a bit rocky on some sections of trail, so good hiking shoes are recommended for both comfort and stability while exploring the area.
There is plenty of parking available at Lost Dog Wash, along with restrooms, water fountains, and a small botanical garden located near the trailhead entrance. Because of its wide trail options and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery, this trailhead is one of the most popular starting points for dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale.
Address:📍12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Some of the most popular trails accessible from Lost Dog Wash include:
- Kovach Family Nature Trail (.5 miles)
Ringtail Trail (2.4 miles)
Taliesin Overlook (4 miles)
Sunrise Trail East (4 miles)
Old Jeep Trail (4.1 miles)
Gateway Trailhead is one of the most popular starting points for exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Known for its wide, well-maintained paths and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery, this trailhead provides access to several of the most scenic McDowell Sonoran Preserve hiking trails.
From Gateway, hikers can choose routes ranging from short nature walks to longer desert hikes with elevation gain and sweeping valley views. Because the trails connect to multiple routes inside the preserve, it’s a great place for both casual hikers and those looking for a more challenging outdoor adventure in North Scottsdale.
There is plenty of free parking at the Gateway trailhead, along with restrooms, water fountains, and waste bags available for visitors. Its convenient location and variety of trail options make it one of the most visited Scottsdale trailheads for locals and visitors looking to experience the desert landscape.
Some of the most popular routes accessible from Gateway include the Gateway Loop Trail as well as connections to Bell Pass and Windgate Pass.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is one of the most scenic and relaxing places to explore the desert trails of North Scottsdale. Known for its wide paths, open desert views, and peaceful surroundings, this area offers some of the most enjoyable Scottsdale dog-friendly hiking trails.
The trails around Brown’s Ranch are generally flatter than many other desert routes in the area, making them ideal for longer walks and exploring the Sonoran Desert landscape. From this trailhead you can reach routes that lead toward Cathedral Rock, Brown’s Mountain, Granite Mountain, and Cholla Mountain while enjoying expansive desert views, wildflowers in the spring, and native wildlife.
Weekends can get busy at Brown’s Ranch because it is one of the most popular trailheads in North Scottsdale. Fortunately, the large parking lot provides plenty of space along with restrooms, water fountains, trail maps, and volunteers who can help recommend routes based on your experience level.
The trailhead is located about 1.25 miles north of the intersection of Alma School Parkway and Dynamite Boulevard.
Favorite Loops:
Jane Rau Trail (.4 miles)
Brown’s Ranch Trail Loop (3.1 miles)
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is one of the most well-known and challenging hiking areas in Scottsdale. Known for its dramatic rock formations and sweeping desert views, this trail attracts hikers looking for a more advanced outdoor adventure in the Sonoran Desert.
Several trails branch out from this trailhead, offering routes for different skill levels, though the most popular hikes involve steady elevation gain and rocky terrain. The unique granite formations and panoramic views make this one of the most photographed hiking areas in North Scottsdale.
Many hikers say the first mile of the Tom’s Thumb Trail is the most demanding part of the hike. The trail climbs steadily with loose gravel in some sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. The effort is well worth it, as the higher elevations reveal incredible views of the valley, surrounding desert mountains, and the distinctive rock formations that make this area famous.
There is no water available along the trail, so it’s important to bring plenty for both you and your dog. The newer Tom’s Thumb trailhead off North 128th Street offers a large parking area, restrooms, and informational kiosks that help visitors choose the best route for their hiking experience.
Some of the most popular routes accessible from Tom’s Thumb include:
Highlighted Trails:
Lookout Viewpoint (5.1 miles)
Tom’s Thumb Loop (11.1 miles)
Marcus Landslide (3.7 miles)
Sunrise Trailhead offers one of the more challenging hiking routes in North Scottsdale, but the payoff is some of the best panoramic views in the area. The Sunrise Trail climbs steadily through rocky desert terrain, making it a favorite for experienced hikers looking for a harder hike with their pup.
As you gain elevation, the views open up across Fountain Hills, Camelback Mountain, the Superstition Mountains, and the surrounding McDowell Mountain range. The higher you climb, the more dramatic the scenery becomes, making Sunrise Trail one of the most rewarding hikes in Scottsdale. Be sure to reward your dog at the top as well!
Parking at the Sunrise Trailhead is free, but the lot is fairly small and can fill up quickly during busy hiking hours. An overflow parking area is located a short distance down the street if the main lot is full.
Water fountains are available at the trailhead for both hikers and their dogs, and restroom facilities are available at this location.
Wake up extra early for a beautiful sunrise. Nobody said that dog-friendly hiking in Scottsdale had to be early.
Marcus Landslide Trail branches off from the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead and offers a quieter hiking route through the beautiful desert terrain of North Scottsdale. While the trail begins fairly easy, the final loop becomes narrower and slightly more moderate as it winds through rocky sections and natural desert landscapes.
The trail is about 4 miles long, with an optional extended loop that brings the total distance to roughly 7 miles. Along the way, hikers will enjoy wide open desert views, unique granite formations, and peaceful stretches of Sonoran Desert scenery.
The Marcus Landslide trail begins near the same parking area that serves the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Because there is no water available along the trail, hikers should be sure to bring plenty for both themselves and their dogs.
Spring is one of the best times to hike this trail, when wildflowers begin to bloom across the desert landscape. The colorful desert plants combined with the dramatic rock formations make this area especially scenic during the spring season.
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.
The Arizona Canal Trail is a long, multi-use path that runs through several areas of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix region. The trail follows the historic canal system and offers miles of flat, well-maintained paths that are perfect for walking, jogging, or enjoying an easy outing with your dog.
Some sections are paved while others are compact gravel, but the trail remains mostly smooth and accessible. Because the terrain is flat, it’s one of the best options for a relaxed dog-friendly walk in Scottsdale or a longer run along the canal.
Certain sections of the Arizona Canal Trail can get busy with walkers, runners, and cyclists, especially during cooler morning hours. However, the long stretches of uninterrupted path make it easy to enjoy peaceful walks along the water.
Several nearby parks provide access points along the canal, and some areas offer restrooms and water fountains along the route. Many restaurants and cafés along the canal are also dog-friendly, making it a great place to stop and relax after your walk.
Parking is available near several access points, including the Silverado Golf Club area along Indian Bend Road at 7605 E. Indian Bend Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250.
Pemberton Trail is one of the longest and most scenic hiking routes in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park area. Stretching roughly 15 miles, this trail loops through wide open desert terrain with incredible views of the McDowell Mountains and the distant Four Peaks Wilderness.
Because of its length and varied terrain, the Pemberton Trail is popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers looking for a longer desert adventure. But keep in mind that is a lot of hiking for your dog. The trail features a mix of flat sections, gentle elevation changes, and a few rockier areas as the loop continues through the desert landscape.
The trail can be accessed through McDowell Mountain Regional Park or by connecting from nearby trails such as the Marcus Landslide Trail near the Tom’s Thumb trailhead area. A small entrance fee is required to enter the regional park, and restroom facilities are available near the main parking areas.
Because there are no reliable water sources along the trail, hikers should be sure to bring plenty of water for both themselves and their dogs. The open desert terrain also means shade is limited, so earlier morning hikes are usually the most comfortable.
Tips for Dog-Friendly Hiking in Scottsdale
Before heading out on the trail, make sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog, especially during warmer months. Dogs should remain on a leash, and early morning hikes are usually the safest and most comfortable option during much of the year. It is also smart to watch for rocky terrain, loose gravel, and hot ground surfaces that can be hard on your dog’s paws.
Not every trail is the right fit for every dog. Some Scottsdale trails are better for relaxed walks, while others are best for active dogs that can handle longer distances and elevation gain. Choosing the right trail based on your dog’s age, energy level, and comfort in desert conditions will make the experience much better for both of you.
Ready to Explore Dog-Friendly Hiking in Scottsdale?
If you are looking for the best places to enjoy the Scottsdale lifestyle with your dog, these trails are a great place to start. From scenic preserve hikes to easier desert paths, Scottsdale offers plenty of outdoor options for dog owners who want more than a simple neighborhood walk.
As a local Scottsdale real estate expert, I love highlighting the lifestyle side of living here, including the trails, parks, and outdoor spaces that make this area so special.
