Scenic Loop Drives

Orientation Pima loop Pinnacle Peak loop How to get there

Orientation

It is very easy to extend your trip to the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive to include other scenic roads in north Scottsdale. The drives described here can be combined with the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive for a trip that will take less than one hour of driving time. We suggest you take more time, enjoy a meal and visit one or more of the attractions along the way.

Pima Road scenic loop

If you enjoy the pristine Sonoran Desert, mountain vistas, and the "open road", then your will enjoy this drive.

Almost all of the land on the east side of Pima Road between Dynamite Road and the Carefree border is property that Scottsdale hopes to acquire for an open space preserve. From your automobile you will see all of the types of plants (without identifying signs) that are identified along the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive.

From Pima Road and Lone Mountain and Black Mountain are clearly visible to the west. North of Black Mountain, Cave Creek and Carefree you will see the mountains of the Tonto National Forest. Pinnacle Peak is easily recognizable to the east.

Legend Trails, a master planned community and the home of the Legends Golf Course, is located on the east side of Pima Road north of Lone Mountain Road. Other developments along the route are Sinquadados and Bellaserra.

Pinnacle Peak scenic loop

If you meet someone who has been to Scottsdale, the odds are good that they've paid a visit to the Pinnacle Peak and will recall their visit with a smile. The scenery is spectacular and Pinnacle Peak is the home of Scottsdale's oldest and most famous western eateries: Pinnacle Peak Patio and Reata Pass Steakhouse. You will also find Greasewood Flat, a popular watering hole and until recently an intentionally well-kept secret.

Pinnacle Peak dominates the views along this drive. Once a the centerpiece of an expanse of open desert, the Pinnacle Peak area is now home to many of Scottsdale's residents. Some have referred to the area as Scottsdale's "Beverly Hills".

Happy Valley Road provides excellent views of Scottsdale and the Valley of the Sun. If you want to see a spectacular sunset or night lights, then the drive down Happy Valley Road from Pinnacle Peak is the place for you. The McDowell Mountains dominate views to the south.

From Dynamite Road there are views of an area targeted for Scottsdale's preserve area, Carefree and Tonto National Forest to the north. The world famous Troon North Golf Course is located here.

How to get there

Here you will find directions to the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive and the Pinnacle Peak and Pima Road scenic loops.

Before you go

If you would like to learn how to identify Sonoran plants, information found in this Web site can help you achieve your goal. Before you visit the Scenic Drive print the information (you have our permission) found in the Plant Guide and Plant Exhibits and take the information with you. It will make you trip even more interesting.