Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Scottsdale, AZ

There are 10 dog-friendly hiking trails in Scottsdale. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Scottsdale.

Pet Friendly McDowell Sonoran Preserve
McDowell Sonoran Preserve You and Fido are sure to enjoy McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, AZ, which provides plenty of dog-friendly activities. Popular hiking trails include Lost Dog Wash Trailhead and Kovach Family Nature Trail, each one a short half mile walk amongst towering saguaros and barrel cactuses. More adventurous hikers can explore Sunrise Trail East, a steep, rocky trail from which you can enjoy expansive views of Sunrise Peak. Please clean up after your dog and keep them on a leash at all times. See Details
Pet Friendly Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Tom's Thumb Trailhead Take a hike with your dog to Tom’s Thumb in Scottsdale, AZ. There are a variety of pet-friendly trails for different skill levels, but the hardest of the trails is moderate to difficult. While hiking, you may see all sorts of wildlife, but watch out for rattlesnakes! To avoid the crowds and extreme desert heat, try to get there in the early morning. The trailhead has parking and restrooms, but no water, so make sure to pack plenty of water for both you and Fido. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Gateway Trailhead The Gateway Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ, has a lot of different options for hiking and education. It is pet-friendly and family-friendly. Children can receive a passport at the trailhead and get stamps at other trails in the area to win a prize at the end. There are many different trails to choose from for all skill levels, starting with a kid-friendly 0.5 mile nature trail with educational games and signs along the way. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead, as well as restrooms and water fountains. Make sure you pack plenty of water for yourself as well as for Fido. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Sunrise Trail The Sunrise Peak Trail in Scottsdale, AZ is a great trek for more experienced hikers. This pet-friendly totals four miles in length, with a 1,100 foot elevation change. The trail is steep and rocky, and uphill almost the entire way, but when you reach the top, you can see incredible views of the McDowell Mountains and the granite formations in the area. This trail is less crowded than other nearby trails due to the difficulty. There is free parking and a water fountain at the trailhead, but no restrooms. Make sure to pack plenty of water for both yourself and for Fido. All dogs must be leashed. See Details
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Lost Dog Wash Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ, is a great choice for families, beginners, or more experienced hikers. This pet-friendly spot offers many different trails for all different skill and fitness levels, so that you can pick the hike that works best for you and your dog. At the longest, the trail is just under five miles long with only a 350-foot elevation change. This hike has plenty of options that are easy enough for children, including several short educational nature trails. Trails are clearly marked and the trailhead has plenty of parking, as well as restrooms and water fountains. Make sure to bring plenty of water both for yourself and for Fido. There is no shade, so it gets very hot. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Marcus Landslide Trail Take your dog to Marcus Landslide Trail to enjoy sweeping views of the Sonoran Valley in Scottsdale, AZ. This pet-friendly trail was created by the second largest landslide in Arizona, and as a result, there are incredible rock formations, many of which are marked by educational signs explaining their geological significance. The trail is just under four miles long, including an optional .7-mile loop, with only a 300-foot elevation gain. Come in spring to see the wildflowers bloom. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and for Fido, as there is no shade and no water at the trailhead. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Arizona Canal Path Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans along the Arizona Canal Path in Scottsdale, AZ. This pet-friendly trail is paved and spans almost 70 miles. Some of the businesses along the path from Scottsdale to Peoria also welcome dogs. See Details
Scottsdale Ranch Park and Tennis Center Scottsdale Ranch Park and Tennis Center is a pet-friendly attraction in Scottsdale, AZ. In addition to its tennis courts, you can take Fido for a walk around beautiful The Desert Garden. The garden was designed to enhance the understanding of the Sonoran Desert, of botanical processes, and of the geology and soil materials indigenous to the nearby McDowell Mountains. There are also several picnic ramadas you can reserve, or you can just stop by if one is free for a bite to eat. Dogs must be leashed at all times and they are not allowed on the tennis courts. See Details
Brown's Ranch Trailhead For over 176 miles of mapped, identified, and maintained trails, stop at the Brown's Ranch Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ. This pet-friendly spot offers trails for any skill level and access destinations such as Granite Mountain, Cholla Mountain, Brown's Mountain, and Cathedral Rock. At the trailhead, there is a large parking lot with bathrooms and water, as well as interactive exhibits about the history of the Preserve. While you’re hiking, keep an eye out for local wildlife, as well as mountain bikers and horseback riders. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and for Fido. See Details
Horizon Park Horizon Park is a pet-friendly spot in Scottsdale, AZ. Bring Fido out for an afternoon in the 24-acre space! Along with grassy lawns and paved paths, there is also an on-site dog park on the far west end. Fido can even accompany you while you watch softball, basketball, volleyball and pickleball games, or while your kids play on one of the two playgrounds. See Details
Thunderbird Conservation Park Thunderbird Conservation Park, a 1,185-acre park in the Hedgpeth Hills, is a conservation area dedicated to preserving the desert environment in Glendale, AZ. It is pet-friendly and park activities include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging and bird watching. About 15 miles of multi-use, dog-friendly trails have been constructed, thanks to the efforts of many volunteer groups. See Details
Papago Park Dogs are welcome to join you on the trails at the pet-friendly Papago Park in Phoenix. AZ. Enjoy the Sonoran Desert habitat and the sandstone buttes that set this park apart from the other natural attractions in the area. The trails are generally known to be easy treks with little elevation gain, making it the perfect place for families or beginner hikers. Pets must be leashed at all times. See Details
Tempe Beach Park Leashed dogs are welcome at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, AZ. The pet-friendly park borders Tempe Town Lake and features five miles of jogging, biking, and walking trails, picnic tables, grills, ramadas, and restrooms. See Details
Blue Wash Trail to Camp Creek Falls Leashed dogs and their owners can explore the pet-friendly Blue Wash Trail to Camp Creek Falls at Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, AZ. This 2.8-mile out-and-back path features sandy walkways and a gentle incline, leading adventurers into a beautiful waterfall. Owners are encouraged to ensure Fido is comfortable with hikers and fellow four-legged companions, as this trail is highly trafficked by outdoor enthusiasts and horseback riders. See Details
South Mountain Park and Preserve South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix, AZ, has over 51 miles of dog-friendly trails for you and your pup to explore. Not a hiker? Take the Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout for amazing valley views or to Gila Lookout for a view of the Gila River Valley. Once a month, Silent Sunday is observed, a day in which the park's main access roads are reserved for non-motorized uses, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the roads. Phoenix leash laws apply to all hiking trails, and pets must be leashed at all times. See Details
Shaw Butte Hikers are welcome to take their leashed dogs on hikes up the pet-friendly Shaw Butte in Phoenix, AZ. Shaw Butte is a member of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves and lies directly north of North Mountain. A hike up this preserve offers great views of North Mountain, Piestewa Peak and Lookout Mountain as well as beautiful views of downtown Phoenix. Hikers can choose from a variety of trail difficulties. Phoenix leash laws apply on all hiking trails, and pets must be leashed at all times. See Details
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans at the pet-friendly Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area in Phoenix, AZ as long as they remain on the asphalt trails. Enjoy the views of the river channel, ponds, rocks, flowers, and wildlife, but take away nothing but photos. Phoenix leash laws apply throughout the habitat restoration area. See Details
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park For a fun day trip only ten minutes from downtown Phoenix, AZ, take a hike on the pet-friendly Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park. The hike to the rock is an easy one, suitable for dogs and families, and ends at a fantastic place for a photo opportunity. When you're finished, enjoy a picnic for the whole family by the park’s fishing lagoon. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area Bring your canine friend to experience the diverse desert landscapes at the pet-friendly Dreamy Draw Recreation Area in Phoenix, AZ, offering everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. Leashed dogs are permitted on some of the trails within the park, including the pet-friendly Dreamy Draw Nature Trail, but are not permitted at Piestewa Peak. See Details
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is pet-friendly. Bring your leashed pooch along to this natural space for a hike on one of the winding loop trails. The pathways give you the opportunity to witness animals in their natural habitat. Keep dogs on a maximum of a six foot leash at all times to ensure they don't approach wildlife. Don't forget to clean up any mess left behind to preserve the cleanliness of the area. See Details
Scottsdale, AZ, US