| Pinnacle Peak | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 3,171 ft (967 m) [1] |
| Prominence | 600 ft (183 m) [2] |
| Location | |
| Location | Scottsdale, Arizona |
Pinnacle Peak is a granite summit located in Scottsdale, Arizona.[2] The peak rises 600 feet from the valley floor,[2] coming to an elevation of feet.[1] It is located within the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak Park,[3] operated by the City of Scottsdale Park District. Part of the Sonoran Desert, the park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including saguaro cacti and gila monsters.[4] Hikers utilize a 1.75 mile trail to explore the area,[1] though rock climbing is needed to reach the summit.[4]
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The area around Pinnacle Peak was used by the Hohokam for hunting and food gathering. Later, settlers began to use the area for ranching and mining, with homes gradually being built within sight of Pinnacle Peak.[2]
Pinnacle Peak and its surrounding area were became a part of the Arizona State Trust Land. In the 1980s, the area was annexed into Scottsdale and was established as a 185-acre park. In 1994, 35 acres were sold to a housing developer in exchange for the funding and construction of the park's main trail.[5] After being closed for six years due to the development, the park reopened on April 20, 2002.[1][6]
A 1.75 mile trail leads visitors around the peak.[1] As it is not a loop trail, hikers need to return the way they came, making for a 3.5 mile round trip hike.[4] The park has provided benches along the trail along with mileage and informational signs.[1] The trail utilizes many switchbacks; the elevation at the trailhead is 2,570 feet, with the lowest point at 2,366 feet, and the highest point measuring 2,889 feet.[3] Half a mile from the trail head, the trail opens up to a scenic look-out called "Grandview."[4]
Pinnacle Peak is home to a diverse variety of wildlife. According to the Scottsdale Park District, the 150 acre park "is an ideal habitat for a variety of native plants such as saguaros, cholla cactus, creosote plants, and for creatures such as bobcats, gila monsters and western diamondback rattlesnakes."[2]
Mammals spotted on Pinnacle Peak include woodrats, mountain lions, coyotes, grey foxes, mule deer, rock squirrels, javelina, and desert cottontail.[2] Reptiles recorded on the peak include gila monsters, desert tortoise, chuckwalla, desert spiny lizards, and a variety of snakes, including western diamondback rattlesnakes, black-tailed rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, common kingsnakes, coral snakes, and coachwhips.[2]