Menu
Free things to do in Scottsdale
3 genuinely free places in and around Scottsdale, Arizona — each with an honest receipt for what the day really costs once parking and lunch are counted.
Filter by type
Showing 3 of 3 places
Nature reserveVerifiedMcDowell Sonoran Preserve (Gateway Trailhead)
One of the largest urban desert preserves — 30,500+ acres and 230+ miles of multi-use trails.
$0 real costDetails +
McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Gateway Trailhead)
One of the largest urban desert preserves — 30,500+ acres and 230+ miles of multi-use trails.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Gateway Trailhead)
Scottsdale, Arizona
One of the largest urban desert preserves — 30,500+ acres and 230+ miles of multi-use trails. City of Scottsdale: open sunrise to sunset free of charge. Gateway (18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy) has restrooms, water, shade and the accessible Bajada Nature Trail.
Large trailhead lots at Gateway and other access points — no parking fee published on city Preserve page
Parking is a guide (~ typical short visit). Rates change — confirm on arrival or on the map.
ParkVerifiedPinnacle Peak Park
150-acre city park with a ~2-mile one-way summit trail, ~1,300 ft gain and Sonoran views.
$0 real costDetails +
Pinnacle Peak Park
150-acre city park with a ~2-mile one-way summit trail, ~1,300 ft gain and Sonoran views.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Scottsdale, Arizona
150-acre city park with a ~2-mile one-way summit trail, ~1,300 ft gain and Sonoran views. Interpretive signs, restrooms and climbing routes; dogs and bikes not allowed on the trail. Hours vary seasonally — free municipal park entry.
90-space paved trailhead lot (26802 N 102nd Way) — parking only at trailhead; no fee listed on city park page
Parking is a guide (~ typical short visit). Rates change — confirm on arrival or on the map.
WalkVerifiedIndian Bend Wash Greenbelt (Chaparral Park)
Eleven-mile multi-use greenbelt of parks, lakes and grade-separated path through central Scottsdale.
$0 real costDetails +
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt (Chaparral Park)
Eleven-mile multi-use greenbelt of parks, lakes and grade-separated path through central Scottsdale.
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt (Chaparral Park)
Scottsdale, Arizona
Eleven-mile multi-use greenbelt of parks, lakes and grade-separated path through central Scottsdale. Chaparral Park is a major free hub with lake, sports fields, playgrounds and the popular dog park — open public parkland.
Park lots along Hayden Rd / Indian Bend corridor at Chaparral and neighboring greenbelt parks — city park lots; no entrance fee
Parking is a guide (~ typical short visit). Rates change — confirm on arrival or on the map.
Checking free events near Scottsdale…