Inspiration Point
Scottsdale, Arizona
| Address: | ~Desert Parks, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA |
| GPS: |
33°38'58.1"N 111°51'32.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 5.70 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 1079 feet |
Restrooms Rocks Pet Friendly Bicycles
Hike and Mountain Bike
Inspiration Point is a 5.7, moderate hike located on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale, Arizona.
You'll begin your hike at the Gateway area, where you can find a parking lot and bathrooms. Start on the Saguaro trail which leads to the Gateway loop trail, you can go left or right, left will be shorter, right will be longer; this trail connects with the Windgate Pass Trail, Inspiration Point can be found on this trail. It's roughly a 1,000 ft. elevation gain.
The trails are rocky, but well-maintained, and clearly marked. The path winds up to a bench overlooking the city-filled valley and around to another bench that is surrounded by other peaks and valleys filled with nature. Inspiration Point is less traveled than Gateway loop, which is always crowded and is a popular tourist/family hike, thus Inspiration is a more quiet and secluded spot to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.
More Information
Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Scottsdale, Arizona
- Head north on N Scottsdale Rd toward E Indian School Rd (276 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto E Indian School Rd (2.2 mi)
- Turn left to merge onto AZ-101 Loop N (10.5 mi)
- Take exit 36 to merge onto N Pima Rd toward Princess Dr (0.5 mi)
- Turn right to stay on N Pima Rd (0.6 mi)
- Turn right onto Legacy Blvd (1.2 mi)
- Turn right onto N Thompson Peak Pkwy (0.6 mi)
- Slight left toward E McDowell Foothills Dr (328 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto E McDowell Foothills DrDestination will be on the left(0.3 mi)
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