Pinnacle Peak (Arizona) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pinnacle Peak
Highest point
Elevation	3,169 ft (966 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	567 ft (173 m)
Geography
Pinnacle Peak Location in Arizona
Location	Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Topo map	USGS, Chico Shunie

Pinnacle Peak is a tall, rocky hill made of granite in Scottsdale, Arizona. It stands 3,169 feet (966 m) high. This peak is part of the 150-acre (61 ha) Pinnacle Peak Park. The City of Scottsdale Park District takes care of this park.

The park is located in the Sonoran Desert. It is home to many different desert plants and animals. People love to hike on the 1.75-mile trail here. But to reach the very top of the peak, you need special rock climbing skills.

History of Pinnacle Peak

The land around Pinnacle Peak has a long history. Long ago, the Hohokam people used this area. They came here to hunt and gather food.

Later, new settlers arrived. They started ranching and mining in the area. Over time, homes were built close to Pinnacle Peak.

Pinnacle Peak and its surroundings became part of the Arizona State Trust Land. In the 1980s, the area joined Scottsdale. It was then set aside as a 185-acre (75 ha) park. In 1994, 35 acres (14 ha) of the park land was sold. A company that builds houses bought it. In return, they helped pay for and build the park's main hiking trail. The park was closed for six years because of this building. It finally reopened on April 20, 2002.

Exploring the Pinnacle Peak Trail

A 1.75-mile trail lets visitors walk around the peak. This trail is not a loop. This means hikers must walk back the same way they came. So, a full trip is 3.5 miles long.

The park has added benches along the trail. There are also signs that show how far you have walked. These signs also share interesting facts about the area. The trail has many switchbacks. These are sharp turns that help you climb up or down hills.

The trail starts at 2,570 feet (783 m) high. The lowest part of the trail is 2,366 feet (721 m). The highest point you will reach on the trail is 2,889 feet (881 m). About half a mile from the start, you will find a beautiful viewpoint. It is called "Grandview."

Wildlife at Pinnacle Peak

Pinnacle Peak is a home for many different kinds of wildlife. The Scottsdale Park District says the 150-acre (61 ha) park is a perfect place to live for many native plants. These include tall saguaros, spiky cholla cactus, and green creosote plants.

Many animals also live here. You might see bobcats, gila monsters, and western diamondback rattlesnakes.

Other mammals seen at Pinnacle Peak include woodrats, mountain lions, coyotes, grey foxes, mule deer, rock squirrels, javelina, and desert cottontail rabbits.

Reptiles found on the peak include gila monsters, desert tortoises, chuckwallas, desert spiny lizards, and many types of snakes. Some snakes you might find are western diamondback rattlesnakes, black-tailed rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, common kingsnakes, coral snakes, and coachwhips.

Images for kids

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  Backside Of Pinnacle Peak In Scottsdale, AZ

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  Hikers On Pinnacle Peak Hiking Trail