HomeArizonaScottsdale › Sunrise Peak Trailhead

Sunrise Peak Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsdale, Arizona · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Sunrise Peak Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceScenicFlat & fastHillyWaterTrailhead parking

What runners say about Sunrise Peak Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (59 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 14 mentions

“The hike starts off in a wonderful neighborhood (Hidden Hills) and builds gradually through gorgeous landscapes with cacti and other natural desert vegetation.”

Our favorite hike in Scottsdale! The parking lot at the trailhead has limited spaces (about 20 or so) and there is an overflow parking lot not far from the trailhead (on the right side BEFORE arriving the trailhead).

★★★★★ — Y , Oct 2023

One of my absolute favorite hikes. The hike starts off in a wonderful neighborhood (Hidden Hills) and builds gradually through gorgeous landscapes with cacti and other natural desert vegetation. ~4 miles out and back. Great views of Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain from the top

★★★★★ — Michael , May 2024

Nice morning hike. Not too crowded for a Saturday morning at 745am. Small parking lot with a nearby overflow parking lot. 2 miles to the peak. Not too strenuous, but it is up hill. The desert seems very lush and green along this trail, though it is March. Beautiful views

★★★★☆ — Jeff , Mar 2025

I love this trail, morning or night 😊 Will absolutely keep this in rotation as long as I live in AZ

★★★★★ — Nicole , Feb 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 59 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 21 mentions

“The hike starts off in a wonderful neighborhood (Hidden Hills) and builds gradually through gorgeous landscapes with cacti and other natural desert vegetation.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 10 mentions

“Small parking lot with a nearby overflow parking lot.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“The hike starts off in a wonderful neighborhood (Hidden Hills) and builds gradually through gorgeous landscapes with cacti and other natural desert vegetation.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“I would say the difficulty level of this trail is between easy and medium - it depends on how far you’d like to go.”

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🚰 Water fountains 2 mentions

“There is a water fountain at the trailhead and NO restroom.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Sunrise Peak Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websitemcdowellsonoran.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Sunrise Peak Trailhead

12101 N 145th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Get directions

Running trails near Scottsdale

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Sunrise Peak

4.9 ★★★★★ 98 reviews

Scottsdale, AZ

ScenicDog-friendly

Popular peak hike with panoramic vistas of the city and skyline from the summit.

1.3 miles away

Adero Canyon Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 108 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

LoopScenic

Outdoor recreation area featuring mountains, canyons, scenic views and various fitness trails with restrooms and picnic tables.

1.8 miles away

Fountain Hills McDowell Mtn Preserve

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

1.9 miles away

1.9 miles away

Western Loop Trail South

5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

Loop

1.9 miles away

Golden Eagle Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 304 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

Park with sports facilities such as baseball and softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground.

2.3 miles away

All running trails in Scottsdale, AZ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.