​November 17 is National Hiking Day, and Lake Pleasant Regional Park and Scorpion Bay are beautiful areas to hike. You’ll enjoy the scenery, the flowers, and the cacti while exploring this unique desert park that offers 18.84 miles of pedestrian trails, ranging in length from .5 miles to 4.4 miles and moderate in difficulty. Check out the MAP.

We asked Dawna Taylor, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Communications Officer, about recommendations for trails in the park and she provided us with the information below. Her favorite trail, the Yavapai Point Trail (see description below), offers a breathtaking view of Lake Pleasant. 

4 Great Trails at Lake Pleasant Regional Park:

1. The Pipeline Canyon Trail, 1.9 miles in length, is the designated hiking trail at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. During the spring, hikers are typically treated to various spring blooms such as Mexican Gold Poppies, Coulter’s Lupine, Desert Hyacinth, and Scorpion Weed. As spring turns to summer and the blooms begin to disappear, park visitors will find that the Saguaro, Strawberry Hedgehog, Buckhorn Cholla, and Prickly Pear blooms on the cacti are just as beautiful as the spring blooms.

2. The Discovery Center Trail is a half-mile, easy trail which connects the Roadrunner Campground to the Discovery Center. This trail has interconnected loops and some interpretive signage, making it an ideal hike for visitors to stroll about while enjoying the desert. Access to the Discovery Center Trail is from the northwest corner of the Discovery Center parking lot. 

Those who visit the park with children are encouraged to visit the playground near the Discovery Center. Here, they can soar on a bald eagle, slide down a giant Gila monster, and swing from the saguaros. The playground area is covered and well-shaded. The area is perfect for a picnic with the kiddos during the cooler months. The Discovery Center is just steps away from the playground and offers an array of displays, critters, and resources to continue learning more about the park and the Sonoran Desert.

3. The Roadrunner Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile trail that overlooks Lake Pleasant and links the Discovery Center with picnic areas A, B, and the 10-lane boat ramp. There are a number of smaller trails that lead to the lake from the Roadrunner Trail. Access to the Roadrunner Trail is from the northeast corner of the Discovery Center parking lot. 

4. Taylor said her favorite trail is the Yavapai Point Trail. This 1.5-mile trail is located in the northern part of the park. As you wind along the mountain, you get to experience how peaceful the Sonoran Desert can be and see several majestic saguaros. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a wild burro or two along the trail or in the area as they explore the park. But the best part is the view of the lake as you approach the summit. The view is breathtaking. There is also a bench at the top where you can sit for a moment to take in the beauty of the lake and snap a photo or two.

Before you begin your hike, always remember to carry plenty of water and let someone know where you are going.​

About Scorpion Bay

Located just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix in Peoria, Arizona on Lake Pleasant, Scorpion Bay offers convenience and world-class marina services for the entire family. With hundreds of covered and uncovered wet slips, world-class food at Scorpion Bay Grill – as well as boat rentals including pontoons, fishing boats, ski-boats, kayaks, floating cabins and private charter boats – you’re sure to find a full day of entertainment on the water. As part of Lake Pleasant Regional Park, visitors can venture out for hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing in the area. Parking is easily accessible, and our no cost electric tram will take guests and their gear from the parking lot to the dock in minutes. Scorpion Bay is managed by Desert Troon Companies https://desert-troon.com/

Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/

Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/