Hike of the Week: Sunrise Peak, Scottsdale, AZ
Savor views of the Sierra Estrella and Mazatzal mountain ranges on this close-to-home leg-burner.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.8 miles (lollipop-loop)
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: 2 out of 5
Summary
Hoof it 1,500 feet into the Scottsdale skyline to an aerie with a wraparound view all the way to the Sierra Estrella range to the west and the high peaks of the Mazatzal Wilderness to the north. Winter and early spring are the best times to tick off this 3.8-mile lollipop-loop to 3,056-foot Sunrise Peak when highs hang in the 70s.
From the trailhead (33.5962, -111.7683), follow a gully up to the subpeak, climbing fairly consistently the whole way. At the top, tackle the short loop for a walking tour of the view. The McDowell Mountains are relatively low, but they open up wide to views of the state’s premier ranges—often dusted in snow in winter.
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