Located in North Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak is a favorite landmark that locals and visitors enjoy. Not only is it impressive to look at, you can also hike to the top and enjoy unobstructed, breathtaking views of Scottsdale and the Phoenix Valley.
Pinnacle Peak Park consists of 150 acres and is located west of Alma School Road and south of Dynamite Road. The hike is a total of 3.5 miles round trip and the change in elevation is about 1,300 feet. It is not designed as a loop, so the trail you enter on is the same trail you use to exit.
The hike is nice as it is not a pure vertical walk. Instead, there are several ups and downs along the trail which allow you to catch your breath a little bit before the next incline. The hike begins with a pretty vertical section until it starts to level out. It then reaches its highest point (2,889 feet) at almost 3/4 mile in. Although you do not climb to the top of the actual Pinnacle Peak (3,171 feet), the trail winds around it so you can enjoy the view.
If you are looking to learn more about what you are seeing, there are plenty of educational displays that describe the fauna, the history of the area and so on.
The trailhead features parking, restrooms, a water fountain, ramada and a few picnic tables. There are no facilities on the trail once you get started.
Hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing (in designated areas) are all permitted at Pinnacle Peak Park.
Information:
Pinnacle Peak Park
26802 N. 102nd Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Pinnacle Peak Park Website
Pinnacle Peak Trail Map
Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park Website
Hours: 5:30AM - 7:30PM
Pets and bicycles are not allowed.
Local tip: You cannot access Pinnacle Peak off of Pinnacle Peak Road. Instead, you will need to use Happy Valley or Dynamite.
Here are the July 2009 numbers for the Scottsdale AZ luxury home market. For this analysis, luxury homes are defined as single-family resale homes in Scottsdale priced $1,000,000 and above.
Although inventory levels are falling at all price points, there were mixed results between the segments as far as sales and pending sales.
- July 2009 -
Homes Priced Between $1,000,000 - $1,499,999
- Actives: There were 378 homes for sale at this price point, down 4.5% over June. The 12 month average is 505.
- Pendings: Pending sales were up by one over June to 35. This is the second highest the pending number has been over the last year. The 12 month average is 26.
- Sold: Only 18 homes sold in July in this segment, down quite a bit from June's 29. However, it is still ahead of the 12 month average of 16 sales.
- Sales Price to Listed Price: 90.6%. This is pretty typical for this price range.
Homes Priced Between $1,500,000 - $1,999,999
- Actives: 237 homes were for sale in this price range. This figure has been dropping steadily since April of this year, with the 12 month average being 283.
- Pendings: There were 11 pending sales at the end of July. While it is ahead of the 12 month average of 10, this is a lot lower than the 15 and 16's we have seen in the past three months.
- Sold: On a more positive note, 13 homes sold in July. The last time this number was that high was March of 2008. The 12 month average for this price segment is 8.
- Sales Price to Listed Price: 85.9%. This is the lowest this figure has been since January of this year. Typically, it hovers near the high 80%'s and low 90%'s.
Homes Priced Between $2,000,000 - $2,999,999
- Actives: This figure has been decreasing each month since January and at the end of July, there were 237 homes for sale. The 12 month average is 330.
- Pendings: Six homes were pending, which is the same as the 12 month average.
- Sold: Nine homes sold in the month of July for this price segment. That is almost double the 12 month average of 5 sales.
- Sales Price to Listed Price: 85.8%. This figure swings a lot month to month. We saw 91.1% in January and then saw 77.3% in March. 85.8% is a little bit lower than average.
Homes Priced $3,000,000+
- Actives: At the end of July, there were 156 homes for sale for over $3M. This number has decreased every month from a high in November 2008 of 287 to where it is today. The 12 month average is 246.
- Pendings: Only three homes were pending at the end of the month. This is half of the 12 month average of 6.
- Sold: Only two homes sold for more than $3M in July. Again, this is only half of the 12 month average.
- Sales Price to Listed Price: 37.1%. This figure is being distorted because one of the sales has incorrect information loaded into the system. However, the other home sale sold at 55% of asking price so regardless, this figure is uncharacteristically low for July.
As you can see, the results vary quite a bit between the price segments. The good news is that the number of homes for sale has decreased across the board. We are still seeing good sales and pending sales activity. However, the month of July was a tough one for homes listed for more than $3 million.
To see the original post, please visit Scottsdale Real Estate News & Lifestyle. For the detailed data behind this report, please visit my Scottsdale luxury real estate market reports page and click on the "Scottsdale Market Trends" report. For other information on the Scottsdale real estate market and the surrounding areas, please visit my Real Estate Market Reports page.
Disclaimer: Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 8/1/2009 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family resale homes in Scottsdale over the preceding 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes.
Copyright © 2009 Heather Tawes Nelson
Scottsdale, AZ is home to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, a wonderful park designed around all things railroad. Encompassing 30 acres, the centrally-located park originally opened in 1975.
There are several attractions at the park for children and adults alike to enjoy:
If you have children, they will love playing in the many playground areas as well as riding the train and carousel. If you are looking to relax a bit, the park has plenty of grassy areas well away from the action and attractions. If you have a group of people, there are plenty of ramadas on the grounds available for rent.
Admission to the park is free. Tickets are required for the Railroad and Carousel, but children under three ride free with an adult.
More information:
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
- Corner of Indian Bend Rd. and Scottsdale Rd.
(480) 312-2312
http://www.therailroadpark.com
If you are looking for a professional and thorough carpet cleaner, look no further than Zina Collins of Traditional Carpet Care. Serving Scottsdale and all of the Phoenix Valley as well as parts of Northern Arizona, Zina has over 21 years of experience.
And all of that experience pays off - We refer to her around here as the "Miracle Worker." On top of general cleaning, Zina is able to tackle all kinds of stains. Stains from kids, pets and daily living have proven no match for her carpet cleaning abilities, even when I thought the stain was a lost cause.
Since I am not a fan of lots of chemicals in my home, I really appreciate that Traditional Carpet Care uses green products from Procyon. Not only are there not a lot of chemicals, the products are also kid and pet safe. Using the green products, she is able to clean carpets, furniture and drapery as well as tile, travertine and grout.
Two more advantages: Rates are very reasonable and emergency cleaning services are available.
I highly recommend giving Zina Collins of Traditional Carpet Care in Scottsdale and Valleywide a call the next time you are looking for a carpet, tile or upholstery cleaning.
Traditional Carpet Care
Zina Collins
(602) 395-9921
Email
BLT Steak at the Camelback Inn launched several months ago, bringing another high-profile restaurant to Scottsdale. The BLT stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel and he is bringing his successful concept from New York to the Sonoran Desert.
The dining room is elegant with a whimsical feel. As you enter, you walk by a "bistro-style" chalkboard that takes up an entire wall. It is chock full of information about the food as well as a diagram of a cow and where different cuts of meat are located. BLT Steak also has a large, relaxing patio area out front for cocktails either before or after dinner.
On the two occasions I dined at BLT Steak, the meal started with a warm chicken liver mousse with delicious, crunchy bread. We were then treated to the enormous, fresh-out-of-the-oven popovers that they serve. (Bonus: A take-home recipe for the popovers comes with them.)
Based on the name, meat is heavily represented on the menu. They serve several different cuts as well as four types of Kobe, a veal chop and rack of lamb. However, there are several options for those who prefer seafood and poultry. Entrees are served a la carte and there are several side dishes to choose from for the table to share.
Some of my favorite appetizers include Hamachi Sashimi with avocado and yuzu, Tuna Tartare and the Roasted Beet Salad. The Dover Sole and Spiced Grilled Tuna are two seafood standouts. If you like chicken, the Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is delicious. For sides, the Hash Brown is both fun and tasty. It is a large hash brown with a layer of leeks inside.
The next time you are looking for a dining experience in Scottsdale with great ambience, be sure to visit BLT Steak.
BLT Steak at the Camelback Inn
5402 E Lincoln Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-905-7979
www.BLTSteak.com
Link to the Dinner Menu
Open for Dinner Wednesday through Sunday
Closed Monday and Tuesday
BLT Popovers Flikr photo by thebittenword.com
Representing luxury buyers and sellers in the Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix and Carefree and the Flagstaff golf communities.
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