Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve — Attraction in Phoenix

As a family of 15 spending thanksgiving in Scottsdale, we wanted to find a family friendly hike as we had wide age group from 8 yrs to 70 yrs. Quartz ridge ended up being the perfect hike for us.

It's only a 10 to 15 min drive from Scottsdale (depending on where you are staying). However, the parking lot is small with no overflow options so you need to plan accordingly. We ended up getting here around 9 AM and luckily the parking lot was empty.

The hike is rocky through out (def wear closed toed shoes) and has a bit of an incline but it's manageable. Some of us had hiking boots on but most others had tennis shoes and were fine. Some of us also weren't very prepared for the hike and didn't carry enough water. Even though we went in November, on a clear day the sun does get hot. Be prepared with at least 1L of water per person, even kids. I would also carry a snack or two as you may need a bit of refreshment once you reach the top.

Note that the hike continues past the peak so if you want to reach the end to turn back around, you def. can but we stopped at the peak as it looked liked a good stopping point. Also, once you reach the peak, there are couple of benches for you to sit. There is also a small dirt path past the benches you can take to climb up a few rocks for a slightly higher view.

Overall, it probably took us 2 hours to do the hike as the grandparents were a bit slower. Also note that there's a small part of the hike (towards the top) where you are walking along the edge of the mountain. It's not difficult at all but it requires you to be a bit more careful and the grandparents were a bit scared so had to...

Quartz

One of my favorite trails in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. I normally park in the 32nd st parking lot. It's a small lot. There's a Starbucks across the street, but they don't like when hikers park there. Signs are posted.

This trail has a GIANT quartz rock beside the trail. And from there you can look and see many other Quartz rocks. Large and small. And if you venture off the main trail (who would do that) you might end up at the top of that one particular area and find yourself surrounded by Quartz rocks, and giant Quartz rock formations (see the photos).

From this trail head you can make your was to the Mohave Trail which is a very nice hike. Or you can continue on and take your choice of a few other trails that take you into other parts of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. There are a LOT of trails in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. Be careful, you might find yourself lost (like someone did a few times, before learning the area. I wont mention any names) But never fear, you're completely surrounded my civilization. So you can never get...

Quartz Ridge is one of those trailheads that just quietly delivers. Decent size parking lot, which is rare enough in Phoenix to feel like a small miracle. No parallel parking gymnastics required, just pull in and get after it.

The trails? Absolute bangers. Well maintained, plenty of options, and enough elevation gain to remind your legs who’s boss. I barely scratched the surface and still knocked out 7 miles with 2,000 feet of gain. It's like the mountain knew I needed to humble myself before breakfast.

Pro tip: stay on the damn trail. I decided to get adventurous and nearly enrolled in a rattlesnake meet-and-greet. Spoiler alert, they don’t want to be your friend. The locals here don’t wave, they rattle.

Best move is hitting it early. Catch the sunrise, avoid the crowds, and knock out your hike before the sun decides to roast you alive. Five stars. One of my go to hiking spots if I want to stick...