
Ultimate Guide to the Best Views in Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, are a hidden haven for anyone seeking stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas. From vibrant cityscapes to the majestic beauty of the Sonoran Desert, these cities offer some of the best desert views you’ll ever experience.
Whether you’re an avid photographer, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good scenic drive and amazing views — we’ve got you covered below with the best views in Phoenix and Scottsdale!
Top Scenic Views in Phoenix
Dobbins Lookout

Perched on the top of South Mountain Preserve, Dobbins Lookout offers some of Arizona’s most beautiful views. As you drive up this winding desert road, the city gradually unfolds below you, creating a breathtaking mix of urban and natural landscapes.
The lookout itself is incredibly accessible by car, with parking available nearby. We recommend heading up around sunrise or sunset to see the Valley of the Sun at its best — bathed in rich orange and pink hues. A large golden compass inlaid into the rock points to specific, nearby destinations like the Superstition Mountains and other Scottsdale hotspots.
In addition, you can find several old Pueblo homes at South Mountain Preserve, including “Scorpio Gulch,” which is still well-intact on the mountainside, adding to this fantastic view.
Camelback Mountain
As the name suggests, Camelback Mountain is well known for resembling nonother than a camel’s hump and is a true icon in the city of Phoenix. It is a favorite desert landscape for photographers and hikers alike. It is often featured in local and national nature magazines for its various desert plants.
Echo Canyon Trail, one of the best hikes in Scottsdale and Phoenix, snakes steeply up Camelback Mountain and boasts stunning 360-degree views. If you’re looking for a nice view and don’t mind a challenging hike, you can see the entire city and desert stretched out before you, bathed in a golden, sun-kissed glow. Remember to bring plenty of water, proper trail shoes, and a hat if you plan to hike — it can get rather hot midday.
Papago Park

Papago Park is a hidden oasis in the heart of Phoenix. It is particularly famous for its unique red rock formations and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock viewpoint.
Families and photographers alike love Papago Park’s unique and sweeping views of the city and desert. The park itself is relatively flat, perfect for a day of leisure, and easily accessible by car. There is plenty of parking nearby, but we recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Papago Park is only twelve minutes from Downtown Phoenix and is near popular family-friendly attractions in Scottsdale and Phoenix, like the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.
Top Scenic Views in Scottsdale
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak Park is a must if you’re looking for the best views in Scottsdale by car. The trailhead is easily accessible by car, and while the hike to the top is moderate to strenuous — the views are worth it! From the top of the summit, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Sonoran Desert, dotted with saguaro cacti and rugged mountains.
We’d recommend viewing the peak either early morning or late afternoon as it offers the most dramatic lighting and the coolest temperatures.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is an incredibly vast space that offers a variety of scenic viewpoints and some of the best outdoor activities in Scottsdale, from hiking to mountain biking.
All the trailheads at McDowell Sonoran Preserve are easily accessible by car, making it a great option to explore multiple trails in one day! We recommend seeing the breathtaking preserve in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. This is one of the best things to do during spring break in Scottsdale!
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is known for its unique rock formations and dramatic, thumb-shaped granite peak, an iconic Scottsdale landmark.
Located in the McDowell Mountains, the trail is accessible by car and leads to a moderately challenging 4.0-mile hike through wildflowers and rock formations. In addition to the thumb-shaped landmark, you’ll also come across the popular “Mushroom Rock.”
Related post: Top 5 Mountains in Scottsdale, AZ (& How to Explore Them)
Scenic Drives for Best Views
Apache Trail (AZ-88)

The Apache Trail offers some of the most spectacular views in Scottsdale. This historic route winds through the Superstition Mountains, providing breathtaking desert and canyon views. You’ll traverse Canyon Lake and Fish Creek Hill and see a remnant of the Old West — Tortilla Flat. This historic town has a population of only six people!
The trail is an age-old route that offers adventurers and sightseers alike an unforgettable experience filled with historic and natural beauty.
Desert Foothills Scenic Drive
This drive boasts a serene escape through the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, showcasing the pristine beauty of Scottsdale’s desert valley floor. The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive highlights a variety of fauna and flora, including saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and (if you’re lucky) some desert wildlife.
There are also informative signs that provide insight into the conservation efforts being made to preserve the gorgeous desert botanical garden.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Views in Scottsdale and Phoenix
- Best Times to Visit — Early mornings and late afternoons boast cooler temperatures than midday, making them the perfect time to soak up the best views in Scottsdale.
- Photography Tips — We recommend bringing a tripod for steady shots, especially during dawn and dusk. You can also use a wide-angle lens or a “panoramic view” on your smartphone to capture the true vastness of each desert landscape.
- Safety Tips — Bring plenty of water, apply sunscreen frequently, and always let someone know where you’ll be if you plan to hike. In addition, bring proper hiking gear, including adequate boots and sun protection.
Soak Up the Desert Views on a Luxurious Getaway with Stay With Style Scottsdale
Phoenix and Scottsdale offer a rich tapestry of scenic views, from panoramic cityscapes and towering mountains to serene desert landscapes. So pack your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the best views in Phoenix and great views of Scottsdale by car and on foot!
Ready to experience these breathtaking vistas firsthand? Book your stay with Stay with Style Scottsdale to make the most of your visit. Our luxurious properties provide the perfect base for your Scottsdale adventure. Explore our Scottsdale properties here, and contact us with questions.
We look forward to hosting you!