Lookout Mountain Park Trails

Lookout Mountain Park is accessible from North Phoenix's 16th Street neighborhood, where you'll find a parking lot that often fills by sunrise. There is street parking nearby, but be sure to check the rules for each street. The trailhead is at the entrance, where there's water. Look for the sign for Lookout 150, and be sure to collect water for your trek through the desert environment. In the winter, the temperatures can dip into the 40s, but can also exceed 100 degrees in the summer! 

Lookout Mountain Park hosts 2 trails: Circumference and Summit. As its name would suggest, the Circumfence Trail follows the base of the mountain, forming a loop. The trail is comprised of natural desert materials such as dirt, rock and scrub. Its 2.6 miles is primarily flat, but at an elevation high enough to enjoy views of North Mountain, Shaw Butte, Dreamy Draw and Shadow Mountain. 

The trailhead for the Summit Trail can be found at the end of Circumference Trail. This almost 1-mile out-and-back rises to the summit of Lookout Mountain, 474 feet up. A bit more difficult than the Circumference, ths Summit Trail rises quickly, requiring some rock scrambling. This hike will provide a good cardiovascular workout. The good news is that it's typically not crowded, so it's pawrfect for humans and pups that like solitude. Once the summit is attained, you and your furry bestie can rest and enjoy the furtastic views of Scottsdale to the east, North Phoenix to the south, and the paw-inspiring mountain panorama. The descent on the rocks and loose terrain is more difficult than the ascent, so be sure to watch your footing to avoid a tumble, and keep a firm grip on Fido's leash. There are some vertical drops from this trail, so watch out for those, too.

Considered by some to be a mini mountain climb, you and your adventurous fur-baby will have a puptacular time!