Sunrise Trailhead
Sunrise Trailhead
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
101 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
23
Average
1
Poor
0
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0
Deana B
28 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Moderate difficulty but very reasonable hike until the last 0.2 miles, where you need boots and it,s a bit of a scramble. Easy to find and trail is well-marked. Great views at the overlook if you aren’t up to the steeper part but worth it if you are. Right now there is a lot of construction at the base on one side so choose another hike if that bothers you but there are enough awesome views that it won’t bother most people.
Written April 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susanne T
Toronto, Canada29 contributions
Sep 2021
I am not an experienced hiker, and this was challenging for me, but I enjoyed it very much. It was a good workout and the views at the top are totally worth it. My friend who hikes regularly slowed down for me, and it was a well traveled, but I would definitely recommend.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan R
Pagosa Springs, CO111 contributions
Jan 2020
This trail is approximately 4 miles round trip if you go all the way to the top. It is really rocky and you have to watch every step. You will just love the beautiful desert and the views from the top. Note: this trail tends to also be very windy.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tarahan
North Miami Beach, FL28 contributions
Jan 2020
This was my first time in Phoenix and the purpose of my trip was because I was emotionally, physically and mentally not in a balanced or good place. Even though, I am pretty agile, there were moments of fright because of the jagged rocks and did not wear proper footgear which should have had grips. Barring that, its a MUST DO. The weather was spectacular and the views are unbelievable. My advice is to take a journal and to stay away from your phone unless its solely for pictures.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tscheblo
Indianapolis, IN151 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Go early for a good parking space. I am a novice hiker but took my time and made it to the peak. Good shoes with traction is a must. Hikers were friendly and courteous. Take breaks and enjoy the views. The wildflowers are in full glory so there were many photo opportunities. I did fall on the trail when heading down so take your time.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chayale k
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
This hike was perfect. Gorgeous views, well marked. Saw plenty of solo hikers too. It is a bit Rocky but it added the perfect amount of challenge.
Now, I know I shouldn't have considered a trip to Arizona had I known there are warnings about rattlesnakes and scorpians everywhere as I'm terrified of both but I did lol. The first part of this hike didn't have any warnings, the second part did. I couldnt get past that and we turned around and went back down, which was a shame bc I really enjoyed the hike. I'm assuming ppl don't get bitten often bc I haven't seen any reviews on anyone being bitten on any of the trails but I was afraid nonetheless.
For anyone reading and is just as afraid, I didn't encounter a single snake or scorpion the, although I did see skin shedding of a snake by the sunset overlook. Could be they come out more in the summer.
Now, I know I shouldn't have considered a trip to Arizona had I known there are warnings about rattlesnakes and scorpians everywhere as I'm terrified of both but I did lol. The first part of this hike didn't have any warnings, the second part did. I couldnt get past that and we turned around and went back down, which was a shame bc I really enjoyed the hike. I'm assuming ppl don't get bitten often bc I haven't seen any reviews on anyone being bitten on any of the trails but I was afraid nonetheless.
For anyone reading and is just as afraid, I didn't encounter a single snake or scorpion the, although I did see skin shedding of a snake by the sunset overlook. Could be they come out more in the summer.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irielisa
Salisbury, MD95 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I had a little trouble finding this trailhead with my GPS. Once I got there I missed a turn and walked through a dry-ish streambed. Sensing a theme? Oh yeah lol. Once on the trail it was a nice hike, seemed fine to do solo (on a Sunday afternoon there was plenty of company). View up top is worth it - quite the vista!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
Marshalltown, IA361 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Be ready for a climb if you are used to flat trails. A little over 2 miles to the peak and back. You can tie it into other trails if you would like.
The views are very good in both directions. This trail is less populated than Camelback which I enjoy. I also believe the peak is higher than Camelback.
Having done both at this point, I would chose this one if I only had time for one in the future.
A really nice alternate to some of the other climbs in the area.
The views are very good in both directions. This trail is less populated than Camelback which I enjoy. I also believe the peak is higher than Camelback.
Having done both at this point, I would chose this one if I only had time for one in the future.
A really nice alternate to some of the other climbs in the area.
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hamham730
Scottsdale, AZ304 contributions
I like to hike here a lot as this is probably the closest yet still gives me the workout I need.
It is 2 miles one way to the peak, and sign is there to tell you when you are at 1.2 miles and 0.2 miles to the peak.
Trails are mostly sand and gravel, make it easy hike. My daughter was four when she first made the hike to the peak without being carried.
I like to get there shortly before sunrise to enjoy the view of rising sun. I stop to look back to enjoy the sunrise.
360 degree of panoramic view from the peak is so beautiful. Enjoy the Scottsdale and Fountain Hills area view. the Fountain goes up every hour on the o'clock, so I like to time myself to be at the peak when the fountain goes up at the Fountain Park in the town of the Fountain Hills. The Year-around tallest fountain doesn't go up if wind is too strong.
Easy hike for me as I hike almost every week, but like any other desert outing, I always bring plenty of water with me. Wearing good pair of shoes help as it is easy to slip on gravel when descending.
Parking is limited. But they do have overflow parking just down the street.
It is 2 miles one way to the peak, and sign is there to tell you when you are at 1.2 miles and 0.2 miles to the peak.
Trails are mostly sand and gravel, make it easy hike. My daughter was four when she first made the hike to the peak without being carried.
I like to get there shortly before sunrise to enjoy the view of rising sun. I stop to look back to enjoy the sunrise.
360 degree of panoramic view from the peak is so beautiful. Enjoy the Scottsdale and Fountain Hills area view. the Fountain goes up every hour on the o'clock, so I like to time myself to be at the peak when the fountain goes up at the Fountain Park in the town of the Fountain Hills. The Year-around tallest fountain doesn't go up if wind is too strong.
Easy hike for me as I hike almost every week, but like any other desert outing, I always bring plenty of water with me. Wearing good pair of shoes help as it is easy to slip on gravel when descending.
Parking is limited. But they do have overflow parking just down the street.
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiMart81
Vernon, Canada61 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Arriving at the parking lot at 9:30, the lot was already full, so we parked at the overflow lot, which was also full after we took the last spot. Good to note is the availability of water via multiple water fountains at the trailhead.
We brought our 4, 6 and 9 year old on this hike, who are no strangers to hiking. The first half of the hike was a relatively gentle incline, going downhill at one point. It then went into a more moderate switchback to the first viewpoint. At that point, the 1.2 mile mark, you can choose to turn back, or continue the 0.8 miles to the Sunrise Peak. We chose to continue, which was the continued moderate incline. At the junction point for the peak and to the Lost Dog Trail, it becomes a steeper incline. Our boys did it, knowing that the summit was near. Up top, we had our lunch and took in the breathtaking views. We could see the fountain from Fountain Hills spraying, which was an awe-inspiring reference point for the kids, since we stay right across the street from it, and they know how high it shoots, but it looked so tiny where we were.
Once we were finished lunch, packing out what we brought in, we headed down. It was much, much quicker. It was also getting quite hot and we were very low on water, so we wanted to get back down to the water fountains quickly.
I would strongly suggest packing 1L per person for this hike. Make sure you have good, grippy shoes as some parts can be slippery with loose gravel, especially on steeper faces. Be sure to apply sunscreen as it is a very exposed hike. Springtime hiking was amazing because the hillside was covered in flowers. With little kids, including the multiple stops for water and pep talks on the way up, it took about 90 minutes up and 45 minutes down.
We brought our 4, 6 and 9 year old on this hike, who are no strangers to hiking. The first half of the hike was a relatively gentle incline, going downhill at one point. It then went into a more moderate switchback to the first viewpoint. At that point, the 1.2 mile mark, you can choose to turn back, or continue the 0.8 miles to the Sunrise Peak. We chose to continue, which was the continued moderate incline. At the junction point for the peak and to the Lost Dog Trail, it becomes a steeper incline. Our boys did it, knowing that the summit was near. Up top, we had our lunch and took in the breathtaking views. We could see the fountain from Fountain Hills spraying, which was an awe-inspiring reference point for the kids, since we stay right across the street from it, and they know how high it shoots, but it looked so tiny where we were.
Once we were finished lunch, packing out what we brought in, we headed down. It was much, much quicker. It was also getting quite hot and we were very low on water, so we wanted to get back down to the water fountains quickly.
I would strongly suggest packing 1L per person for this hike. Make sure you have good, grippy shoes as some parts can be slippery with loose gravel, especially on steeper faces. Be sure to apply sunscreen as it is a very exposed hike. Springtime hiking was amazing because the hillside was covered in flowers. With little kids, including the multiple stops for water and pep talks on the way up, it took about 90 minutes up and 45 minutes down.
Written March 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine A
Boston, MA153 contributions
Since I cannot figure out how to edit my review I am adding here that the trail to Lost Dog is about 10 miles not 110 :)
Janine A
Sherryscheller
Phoenix, AZ
Can I bring a small dog
Julie D
5 contributions
If they are used to hiking, yes. I bring my 2 8pounder small pups and they can make it to the saddle (about 30 up) . Not the peak, as it’s too full of larger boulders.
Sunrise Trailhead (Scottsdale) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunrise Trailhead
- Hotels near Sunrise Trailhead:
- (0.08 mi) Luxe Scottsdale Home with Patio + Mountain Views!
- (0.46 mi) Desert Retreat - 4BR/3BA Heated Pool & Spa - (Renovated 2015)
- (2.56 mi) ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection
- (0.64 mi) Luxury Home with Spectacular Resort Living
- (5.31 mi) Holiday Inn & Suites Scottsdale North - Airpark, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near Sunrise Trailhead:
- (1.80 mi) Dos Familias Local Mexican
- (1.06 mi) Casa Mia
- (5.96 mi) Butters Pancakes & Cafe
- (6.01 mi) Grassroots Kitchen and Tap
- (6.81 mi) Butterfield's Pancake House
Sunrise Trailhead Information
Excellent Reviews | 76 |
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Very Good Reviews | 23 |
Sunrise Trailhead Photos | 53 |