Scottsdale → Four Peaks · ~100 miles round trip

Four Peaks Scenic Drive

Scottsdale's dramatic mountain backdrop — up close. Bush Highway, Saguaro Lake, and the Tonto National Forest wilderness.

The Wilderness Behind Scottsdale's Skyline

Four Peaks is the jagged mountain silhouette visible from almost anywhere in the Scottsdale Valley — four distinct summits rising to 7,657 feet above the desert floor. The drive to the base of the wilderness follows the Bush Highway (AZ-87 / SR-87) north through the Salt River Recreation Area and Tonto National Forest, passing Saguaro Lake along the way.

The Bush Highway is one of the most scenic paved roads in the Phoenix area — a two-lane road that follows the Salt River through desert canyon country, with saguaro-covered hillsides, river crossings, and the Four Peaks rising ahead. The road is smooth and well-maintained throughout.

Note: The Four Peaks Wilderness itself is accessible only by foot or high-clearance 4WD on unpaved forest roads. The Slingshot drive takes you to the base of the wilderness — the views of the peaks from the Bush Highway and Saguaro Lake are exceptional without leaving the pavement.

The Route

Starting point: Old Town Scottsdale (exact pickup address provided after Turo booking)

1. 1

   Scottsdale → Mesa (US-60 or 202 East)

   Head east toward Mesa on the 202 or US-60. About 20 miles, 25 minutes.

2. 2

   Mesa → Bush Highway (AZ-87 North)

   Take AZ-87 (Beeline Highway) north from Mesa. The road climbs out of the Valley and enters the Tonto National Forest. The Salt River Recreation Area begins about 15 miles north of Mesa.

3. 3

   Bush Highway / Salt River Recreation Area

   The Bush Highway follows the Salt River through desert canyon country. Multiple pullouts for river views and photography. Wild horses are occasionally seen in this area.

4. 4

   Saguaro Lake

   Turn right on Bush Highway (the road splits — follow signs to Saguaro Lake). The lake is a 10-mile reservoir surrounded by saguaro-covered cliffs. The marina has a restaurant, boat rentals, and a small store.

5. 5

   Four Peaks Viewpoints

   Continue north on AZ-87 past Saguaro Lake for the best views of Four Peaks. The peaks are most dramatic from the highway between miles 195 and 205. Pull over at any of the scenic viewpoints.

6. 6

   Return to Scottsdale

   Return south on AZ-87 to Mesa and back to Scottsdale. Alternatively, continue north to Payson for a longer adventure.

Best Stops

What You Need to Know

Suggested Full-Day Itinerary

1. 7:30 AM

   Pick up Slingshot in Old Town Scottsdale

2. 7:45 AM

   Head east to Mesa, then north on AZ-87

3. 8:45 AM

   Enter Salt River Recreation Area — watch for wild horses

4. 9:15 AM

   Saguaro Lake — marina stop, lake views

5. 10:30 AM

   Continue north on AZ-87 — Four Peaks viewpoints

6. 11:30 AM

   Butcher Jones Beach or Saguaro Lake Ranch for lunch

7. 1:00 PM

   Begin return south on AZ-87

8. 2:30 PM

   Return Slingshot in Old Town Scottsdale