Living in North Scottsdale means waking up with the mountains in your backyard and endless desert trails just minutes from your doorstep. Whether you're into hiking, biking, golfing, or just soaking up the sun, outdoor adventure is woven into everyday life here. If you’re looking to get outside, these local activities offer a glimpse into what makes this desert community so exceptional.
1. Explore the Trails of McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the crown jewel of North Scottsdale’s outdoor scene and one of the largest urban preserves in the country. With over 30,000 acres and 225+ miles of trails, it offers everything from gentle nature walks to full-day summits.
Gateway Trailhead is one of the most popular starting points, offering access to scenic loops like the Gateway Loop and Windgate Pass. More seasoned hikers often head to Tom’s Thumb, where the incline is matched only by the payoff: sweeping views across the entire Valley.
Locals know the Preserve isn’t just a weekend destination; it’s where they go to reset before work, get in a morning trail run, or catch sunset from a favorite ridge. It’s North Scottsdale living at its most authentic.
2. Tee Off at Premier Golf Courses
North Scottsdale is synonymous with golf, and not just because of the number of courses. Here, the terrain, the architecture, and the views all elevate the game.
- Troon North remains a favorite for its iconic desert layout, particularly the Pinnacle and Monument courses carved through dramatic boulder formations.
- Grayhawk blends serious golf with a social, laid-back vibe, and is ideal for both casual players and competitive rounds.
- TPC Scottsdale, home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, offers the rare chance to play the same fairways the pros walk each February.
Beyond the courses themselves, the golf lifestyle here is immersive, complete with club dining, fitness centers, and neighborhood connections that go beyond the green.
3. Ride the Desert on Horseback
While North Scottsdale is known for luxury homes, it still honors its ranching roots. Horseback riding is part of the area’s DNA, and you don’t need your own horse to experience it.
MacDonald’s Ranch, located just off Scottsdale Road, offers guided desert rides perfect for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to connect with the landscape at a slower pace. For something more custom, private ranches in the area offer extended rides, group excursions, and even horseback yoga.
In a place where trailheads meet horse trails, it's not uncommon to pass riders on the same desert paths shared by hikers and bikers. It’s another reminder that North Scottsdale’s luxury lifestyle includes a strong connection to the land.
4. Hike Pinnacle Peak Park
For a hike that blends ease of access with jaw-dropping views, Pinnacle Peak Park delivers every time. The 1.75-mile trail (3.5 miles round-trip) winds through pristine Sonoran Desert terrain, framed by granite formations and panoramic vistas of Troon and the McDowell Mountains.
The trail is well-maintained and moderate in difficulty, making it ideal for morning hikes or after-work excursions. Locals love it for its consistency (it’s a workout but not punishing) and the trail's unbeatable sunrise and sunset views.
Whether you're a resident or just spending the weekend, this is a hike that never gets old.
5. Tackle the Trails on Two Wheels
Mountain biking in North Scottsdale has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. With wide-open desert, technical rock gardens, and miles of flowing singletrack, there’s terrain for every skill level.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is a go-to for riders, offering looped routes with manageable elevation and stunning views. Meanwhile, trails like Hawknest and Powerline offer a fun mix of flow and challenge, with wildlife sightings often part of the ride.
Many local bike shops offer rentals and group rides, so even if you're new to the sport, it’s easy to get started. And for serious riders, the preserve’s sheer scale offers days’ worth of trails to explore.
6. Cruise Scenic Desert Roads
If a quiet drive is your ideal way to unwind, North Scottsdale delivers. The area's scenic desert roads offer peaceful escapes and perfect views, whether you're heading out for an early morning drive or cruising at sunset.
Some favorite local routes include:
- Dynamite Boulevard heading east offers uninterrupted desert vistas all the way to Rio Verde.
- Scottsdale Road north toward Carefree and Cave Creek winds through some of the most scenic residential areas in the region.
- Pima Road north offers views of horse ranches, luxury homes, and protected open space, all framed by the McDowell range.
For residents who enjoy quiet beauty and wide-open skies, scenic drives are one of the simplest yet most satisfying things to do in North Scottsdale.
The Year-Round Lifestyle Advantage
What makes North Scottsdale’s outdoor scene so unique is how seamlessly it blends into everyday life. Trails connect directly to neighborhoods, golf carts are a standard mode of transport, and even restaurant patios are designed to take full advantage of the desert light and landscape.
Whether you're here for a season or a lifetime, the area's natural beauty and accessible outdoor amenities are a major reason buyers are drawn to this part of the Valley.
Discover Homes Near Your Favorite Activities
If outdoor living is at the top of your house-hunting list, North Scottsdale offers one of the most well-rounded environments in the Southwest. With endless access to trails, golf, horseback riding, and open desert, every day is a chance to explore.
To find a home that puts you close to your favorite activities, get in touch with the Rider Elite Team. With deep local expertise and a commitment to helping you live the lifestyle you love, their team can guide you toward properties that fit both your needs and your sense of adventure.
