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Kid-friendly hikes in Scottsdale, Arizona
15
items These trails offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels, ensuring that families with kids of all ages can enjoy the beautiful desert landscape of Scottsdale, Arizona.
More Tips for Hiking with Kids:
Plan Breaks, Schedule regular breaks to re...
Map
A moderate 4.5-mile loop located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It offers scenic desert views and is suitable for older kids who can handle a longer hike. The trailhead features restrooms and information kiosks.
Gateway Loop Trail, Arizona
A starting point for several easy to moderate trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Trails like Brown's Ranch Road and Jane Rau Trail are shorter and flatter, perfect for younger kids and families.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
This trailhead offers several options, including the Lost Dog Wash Trail, which is a gentle 4.4-mile out-and-back hike. It provides beautiful desert views and opportunities to see local wildlife.
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
A 3.5-mile round-trip hike with a well-maintained trail offering stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. While the trail has some elevation gain, it's manageable for kids with some hiking experience.
Pinnacle Peak Park
For families with older kids, the Tom's Thumb Trail is a more challenging option. The 4.2-mile round-trip hike features impressive rock formations and panoramic views, making the effort worthwhile.
Tom's Thumb Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
A relatively easy 4-mile round-trip trail with interesting geological formations and educational signs about the area's history. It's a great hike for curious kids interested in learning more about the desert environment.
Marcus Landslide Trail
Mesa (near Scottsdale)
Various trails, with the Wind Cave Trail being 3.2 miles round trip, Easy to moderate, Scenic views, a small cave at the end of the Wind Cave Trail, and picnic areas. The park offers a variety of trails suitable for different a...
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Phoenix (near Scottsdale)
Various trails, with the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail being about 0.3 miles, Easy, Unique rock formations, views of the city skyline, and proximity to attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. The Hole-in-t...
Papago Park | Discover Hiking
0.5 miles loop, Easy,
This short and flat trail is designed specifically for families and those looking for an educational experience. It has interpretive signs that educate hikers about the local desert ecosystem.
Bajada Nature Trail
4.4 miles round trip, Moderate,
Offers beautiful sunrise views, a moderate incline, and a variety of desert plant life. The trail is well-maintained, making it a good option for older kids.
Sunrise - McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Cave Creek (north of Scottsdale)1.2 miles loop, Easy trail with scenic views, a seasonal creek, and historic metate grinding holes used by Native Americans. Great for families looking to combine a hike with a bit of history.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation
Phoenix (near Scottsdale) 3.4 miles round trip, Moderate, Rock tunnels, natural stone bridges, and boulder formations make this trail interesting and fun for kids. The Hidden Valley area offers unique rock features and a bit of adventure.
Mormon Trailhead
Tempe (near Scottsdale)Up to 7.5 miles round trip, Paved pathways along the lake, beautiful water views, bridges, and parks. This is a perfect spot for families looking for a leisurely walk rather than a traditional hike.
Tempe Town Lake
Scottsdale, Various short trails within the park, Easy, While not traditional hiking, this park offers paved walking paths, a historic railroad museum, train rides, and playgrounds. It's an excellent choice for younger children.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Phoenix (near Scottsdale)Various trails, generally short and easy, Well-maintained paths, diverse plant life, educational exhibits, and family-friendly events. This is more of a walking experience than a hike, but it offers an excellent introduction ...
Desert Botanical Garden