Awesome place. Traveling through and this looked good…read more Our lovely server took such good care of our family. Very reasonable prices and food was excellent with great kids meals (adult size burger very good). Every single employee we encountered was juts so nice, upbeat and fun. We will be back when we come out for spring training.

Returned here after previously having a great experience having lunch with friends. Enjoyed the…read morepatio and expected the same for an evening experience. Live music was nearing the end on the patio and the night temp was comfortable so we sat outside. There was a medium size group by the couches and we sat at a nearby table. Initially the waitress was attentive, she gave us waters and silverware. Soon she became distracted talking to the group about traveling destinations and her upcoming trip to Hawaii. This was not a big deal until we waited 30 minutes to place our order and she still never came back to our table or even acknowledged we were there. We watched this waitress engage in a lively conversation even kneeling down by a customer and looking at pictures on his phone. What??? Are you working or socializing? We left without placing an order. Being ignored for that long even in plain sight of the server is unacceptable. This was a very disappointing experience and we won't be back.

Passed through here on the way to Wickenburg Ghost Town. The roads into the saddle mountain area…read morewere pretty open with very few other drivers. The hiking areas were marked. It was a very peaceful area. The Arizona desert scape, but more mountain like. A good place for those who are into hiking.

Saddle Mountain is only 60 miles from Downtown Phoenix and is a great getaway. The landscape is…read morebeautiful and there is plenty of space to primitive camp. It's my new favorite mountain to camp! I highly suggest this area.

This incredibly beautiful trail is one that shouldn't be missed if you're around Scottsdale. It…read moreshould be noted that this full hike (approx 2.2 miles one way or 4.4 round trip) isn't a beginner trail by any means, but it's doable. All of the cutbacks, significant incline in elevation, minimal shade & loose gravel in areas should be factored in when considering the time of year you want to go. However, if you want to do it (and I strongly suggest doing it) you'll experience views, terrains & serenity that's unlike anything else. Not only is there a main trail that'll take you directly to Tom's Thumb, there are a good handful of side trails that'll lead you to other awesome areas. I can't remember the specific one I stopped at but it led to an overlook of a massive valley where I saw some rock climbers on a the face of a huge mountain. Basically anywhere you stopped there was a 360 degree view of mountains, gigantic cacti, the surrounding cities & all of the beautiful dessert you're fully immersed in. It was my 1st time visiting AZ & wanted to get the full outdoor experience so I'd say this hike let me accomplish that. There were times I was focused on just making it through the trail but every time I stopped to take it all in, I was truly blown away. I can't suggest it enough to check it out, it's well worth a trip out of your way to make it happen. Just be sure to bring lots of water & take rest when you get to shaded areas. Have fun & safe hiking!

This is my go to Saturday morning breakfast spot. Michelle at the counter there is amazing general…read moremanager, Joe rocks. Can't beat this place for some barbecue.

We arrived after hours which was fine. The front office left clear instructions at the office…read morewindow. We wrote a check, filled out the requested envelope info and dropped it in the secure slot indicating we were Passport America holders. Less than 30 day customers are directed to the specified space area. We stayed 3 nights and were 100% satisfied. The park landscape and design is perfectly in line with the desert. No grass but very nicely adorned with rock gravel and desert tolerating plants. We appreciated how clean the grounds were with zero trash or debris. There were no picnic tables but that was also ok since we bring suitable tables. This will be our spot whenever we visit our friends in nearby Goodyear. Thank you Saddle Mountain RV Park for such a relaxing stay!

We pulled into Saddle Mountain RV Park after seeing their road signs advertising "camping," only to…read morefind out they don't allow tent camping or utility trailers at all. We have a rooftop tent setup -- which is a very common form of camping now -- but were told it's not allowed. Their rules clearly haven't kept up with how people camp today. It was midnight, our kids were exhausted, and this was the only place around, yet no one was available to help despite signs saying "24-hour check-in." Everything is self-serve with a wall full of rules, and no real support for travelers passing through. If you're road-tripping, overlanding, or camping with a rooftop tent or small trailer, beware -- this park is RVs only and not traveler-friendly.

Another Phoenix classic! Also short and steep like Piestewa, just about a 1mile to the summit, so 2…read moreround trip. And about 1,000ft elevation gain. Good 360 views of the city from the top. Parking is tough, especially on weekend mornings and when it's nicer (aka cooler) out. If you want a good workout with scenery, this is worth checking out. Stay hydrated and wear appropriate shoes. @azfitfoodfun

This was a really cool experience to do while I was here in Scottsdale for a conference. THIS IS…read moreNOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. I went up the opposite side of the parking lot and wish there was a sign on the other side that gave a warning but this was a rock climb versus a regular hike. The trails are marked , clean, most trash is picked up. Hikers are friendly and the views are priceless. Once you get to the top it's a great achievement with a prize of a 360 degree view of Phoenix . Bring water and go slow !

Great boondocking spot outside of Phoenix. Flat areas can be found. Getting in off the road can be…read morea little tricky, just take it easy. Very quiet with lots of room to find solitude. Closest town is Tonopah about 10 miles.

Mountains are to me a cleanse for the soul.This trail was a 1100 gain off of 145 th in Scottsdale…read more We were lucky enough to discover this trail after meeting a Scottsdale local who recommended it. We found parking at the entrance although there is parking down the mountain another 500 feet away from this one if full. Even though it was 56 degrees at the start it can get warm as the trails are a moderate climb in parts but with good trail shoes and balance you most likely would not need hiking poles . The views from different points are worth a view and we were lucky to go early on a Saturday where the trails were not crowded. It was dog friendly and clean.No facilities so definitely need to bring water or drink of choice. Return: definitely for the views

A lovely hike. It has some elevation gain but is not overwhelming. There is also a lovely false…read morepeak a bit over a mile from the top which is a nice rest or place to stay as the rest of your party does the last bit of the hike. Lots of cute desert plants as well!

Beautiful Scenery for hiking and enjoying the outdoors…read more - - - - - - - - February, 2026 Visit We visited Scottsdale / Phoenix and had a very memorable partial- and full-loop hike at McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Before leaving home for Scottsdale, we explored hikes and parks near the hotel and McDowell is one we briefly looked at. Once we arrived, McDowell was on our short list and after a work day we got here just at sunset for a Hoo before it got dark - we enjoyed the short Saguaro hike and also the Interpretive Trail, on a nice night. The next day I did not work, but had a planned day off, so we had more time for the full hike...The Gateway Trail... 4.4 mile loop from the trailhead and another half mile or so to/from the car. This Trail rating is Moderate, and that seems right. There is a wide variety of rock on the trail, from sand to pebbles to rocks and built rocks. There is 650+ feet in elevation gain; the high point is about midway, at or near the Gateway saddle (thatMs just what it looks like!) and it's up one way and down the other; depending on whether you go left or right right. Someone else recommended following the trail clockwise, so we did... it's a bit shorter to the high point... about 2 miles "hiking to the left / to the northern side and about 2.5 miles on the right / southern side. Along the way we saw some birds, which looked like quail, at the 1.0-1.5 mile mark; fauna: the Arizona landscape is different from the California that we are more familiar with... many more types of cacti - tall Saguaro, shorter barrel, and buckhorn cholla and cholla; also, blue polo verde and more Do take a lot of water; even on a mostly cloudy day in the 70s, we drank two 32oz bottles apiece and had the last sips on the walk to the car; a sunny day would have had us likely feeling a bit dry from having finished our water earlier. The elevation change may provide a challenge on your thigh muscles and to your knees. As we we headed down, we met a lady who passed us going up, and then on her return down, some 30 minutes later, and she mentioned having not yet completed the full loop before, and being impressed that we were about to finish it; that was a good motivation for us - thanks!! Thank you all at the Conservancy who created and maintain this wonderful trail.

It's hard to believe this is a park that has free parking and is accessible to all! It looks like…read morethe visitor center and restrooms were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is truly an well-maintained preserve. I was so impressed before we even started our hike. The loop trail we did wasn't too difficult, but I will say as someone who had foot surgery years ago, there are tons of small rocks on every part of the trail. Keep that in mind when choosing footwear! This is such a neat place to visit - tucked in a little suburban neighborhood that you'd miss the turnoff for if you blinked. A must see.

Visited Pinnacle Peak Park while in Scottsdale. The atmosphere is scenic, peaceful, and…read morewell-maintained, making it a go-to spot I've been hiking for 20+ years. The vistas are beautiful, with views overlooking golf courses and, as you start the climb, some stunning homes -- clearly a bit of wealth in the area. It's a great mix of desert landscape and elevated viewpoints that never gets old. Over the years, you never know who you'll run into -- I even crossed paths with Ming Tsai on one of my hikes. There are restrooms at the base, free entry, and a parking lot that can fill up quickly, with many people parking along the road leading in. Overall, a consistently great hike with rewarding views -- a local staple I keep coming back to. Saluti.

If you're looking for a short easy hike, then this may be your place. This hike provides a 4 mile…read moretrail that includes some elevation. You may experience wildlife such as lizards, deer birds, and more. This hike is very popular with the locals who you may see running and walking on a trail. What's great about this trail is the free parking, clean bathroom and a visitor area to learn more. The hike should definitely be on your list for beautiful sunset and wildlife sighting is. Prior to coming in, you should note the hours as you don't want to get your car locked in when they close the gate the hours change with daylight changing.