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McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Brown's Ranch
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Fraesfield
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Gateway
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Granite Mountain
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Lost Dog Wash
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Pima Dynamite
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Quartz
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Ringtail
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Sunrise
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Tom's Thumb
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
WestWorld
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
104th and Bell
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
136th St.
Fountain Hills
Golden Eagle
FH McDowell Mountain Preserve
Adero Canyon
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Competitive Track
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Four Peaks Staging Area
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Trailhead Staging Area
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About
This site will help you plan and share your hiking, biking, and horseback riding routes in and around the McDowell Mountains.
The map features trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve, and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Please note that this site is not affiliated with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills, the City of Scottsdale, the Town of Fountain Hills, or Maricopa County. Be sure to visit the Resources page for official city and county maps and information.
How to Use the Site
On the main screen, select a trailhead or zoom in and select any map marker.
Select highlighted markers to create a route.
Select the current marker at any time to undo.
Select the View Info and Actions button to view and share your route plan or reset the map.
Tips
Zoom in to more easily select crowded markers.
Select the location icon on the map to temporarily display your current location.
If you have only selected one marker and you have moved the map, select the marker details in the info panel to re-center the map on the marker.
Technical Notes
Trail segments were created with Google Earth.
Some crowded markers have been slightly shifted for clarity and usability.
Trailhead marker locations and elevations represent Google Earth data and may differ from the locations and elevations listed on the trailhead map labels.
Trail segment elevation gains are approximate. Determining accurate elevation gain is difficult and imprecise for several reasons. Visit this page to read more about calculating elevation gain.
Attributions, Credits, and Thanks
Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation
Social Media
Visit McDowell Sonoran Trails on Instagram and Facebook!
About Me
I'm a UI/UX designer and website developer. I'm also an avid hiker, mountain biker, and landscape photographer. My wife Jessica and I spend a lot of time outdoors here in North Scottsdale, and I created this site for the benefit of everyone who enjoys our area trails.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at mcdowellsonorantrails@gmail.com.
Nick
Suggested Routes
Jane Rau Trail Loop
Brown's Ranch Trailhead
Hiking – 0.64 Miles – 48' Elev Gain
A short walk from Brown's Ranch Trailhead, the Jane Rau Trail is an easy, beautiful hike through the Sonoran Desert.
Fraesfield Interpretive Trail Loop
Fraesfield Trailhead
Hiking – 0.96 Miles – 47' Elev Gain
This easy loop on a hard-packed surface features beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains. It's great for a mile-long walk with the pups.
Axle Grease / Via Dona / Hawknest Loop
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Hiking – 1.61 Miles – 92' Elev Gain
This short, beautiful loop travels north along Axle Grease trail, then east along Via Dona, then back to the trailhead along Hawknest.
Pima Dynamite Scenic Out and Back
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Hiking – 2.18 Miles – 186' Elev Gain
This out and back hike leads to a rare crested saguaro and continues up a short climb to Sidewinder Overlook.
Tom's Thumb Trailhead Short Loop
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Hiking – 1.06 Miles – 131' Elev Gain
This easy hike begins along Tom's Thumb Trail then circles counterclockwise along Mesquite Canyon, Feldspar, and Marcus Landslide trails before returning to the trailhead.
Bajada Nature Trail Loop
Gateway Trailhead
Hiking – 0.7 Miles – 55' Elev Gain
This is a nice and easy desert walk near Gateway Trailhead.
Hilltop Trail Loop
Trailhead Staging Area
Hiking – 0.6 Miles – 66' Elev Gain
This short climb from the trailhead provides a great view of McDowell Mountain Park.
Overlook / Easy Access Out and Back
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Hiking – 0.7 Miles – 87' Elev Gain
This easy three-quarter mile out-and-back hike features a fantastic view of Fountain Hills.
Brown's Mountain Summit
Brown's Ranch Trailhead
Hiking – 3 Miles – 563' Elev Gain
This moderate-to-difficult route features an incredible 360-degree view of the entire Valley. The final leg up the short spur beyond the saddle is a fairly strenuous climb.
Whiskey Bottle Loop
Fraesfield Trailhead
Hiking – 3.03 Miles – 164' Elev Gain
This route begins on Whiskey Bottle Trail - nestled along Fraesfield Mountain with fantastic views northward of Brown's Ranch - then continues with an easy flat path along Dixileta Trail before a gradual descent back to the trailhead.
Tom's Thumb Summit
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Hiking – 4.36 Miles – 1,306' Elev Gain
This is one of the most popular, but never particularly busy, hikes in the preserve. It's a strenuous hike, with some slippery gravel on the northern switchbacks. Multiple viewpoints offer great scenic rest stops along the way.
Gateway Loop
Gateway Trailhead
Hiking – 4.45 Miles – 716' Elev Gain
One of the most popular routes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this trail leads into the McDowell Mountains and ends with gorgeous views of Scottsdale, Phoenix, and beyond.
Inspiration Viewpoint
Gateway Trailhead
Hiking – 5.78 Miles – 1,128' Elev Gain
This moderate route is one of the most popular out-and-back hikes in the preserve. The peak of this route features an incredible view of the western Valley.
Sunrise Peak
Sunrise Trailhead
Hiking – 3.98 Miles – 1,232' Elev Gain
This is a gorgeous out-and-back climb in the south end of the Preserve. If there's no parking available at the trailhead, try the overflow parking area a short quarter-mile walk from the trailhead.
Scenic Trail Loop
Trailhead Staging Area
Hiking – 4.65 Miles – 361' Elev Gain
Starting with a relatively flat mile-long walk along Pemberton Trail, this hike offers beautiful valley and vista views of McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Rio Verde, and Fountain Hills. After several mild ascents and descents, this route ends with an easy mile-plus hike along Scenic and Pemberton Trails leading back to the trailhead.
Western Trail Loop
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Hiking – 2.27 Miles – 648' Elev Gain
This moderate hike leads up to a fantastic view of Fountain Hills. The route (and views) continue down the northern side of the mountain, then back along the Promenade Trail to the trailhead.
Ridgeline Trail Out and Back
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Hiking – 4.0 Miles – 1,108' Elev Gain
This moderately strenuous hike leads up to a great scenic summit view of Fountain Hills. There are plenty of ups and downs along the way.
Granite Mountain Loop
Granite Mountain Trailhead
Hiking – 5.99 Miles – 417' Elev Gain
This flowing route circles Granite Mountain and features an incredible eastward scenic view of Rio Verde Foothills and the river and mountains beyond.
East End / Windgate / Tom's Thumb Loop
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Hiking – 9.82 Miles – 2,955' Elev Gain
This is a long, strenuous route, perfect training for a Grand Canyon hike. After a big climb up Tom's Thumb Trail, the route descends along East End, then takes a relatively easier path westward along Windgate Pass. The route passes Inspiration Point, a popular destination from Gateway Trail, then ascends north up Tom's Thumb Trail towards Tom's Thumb before descending back down to the trailhead.
Bell Pass Loop
Gateway Trailhead
Hiking – 9.55 Miles – 2,093' Elev Gain
This strenuous hike extends Gateway Loop and leads to Bell Pass, the heart of the McDowell Mountains. The trail continues east to Windgate Pass Trail, then leads west to Windgate Pass and Inspiration Viewpoint before rejoining Gateway Loop Trail back to the trailhead.
Granite Trail Campground Loop
Trailhead Staging Area
Hiking – 6.84 Miles – 442' Elev Gain
This easy-to-moderate hike begins by heading south along Pemberton Trail for just over half a mile, then leads west up a gradual climb along Granite Trail south of the campground to Bluff Trail. The route then rejoins Granite Trail to Wagner Trail on the northside of the campground and continues along Tortoise Trail back to the trailhead.
Sonoran Trails Loop
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Hiking – 5.72 Miles – 937' Elev Gain
This is a beautiful moderate route into the northern area of the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. The route ascends the Promenade Trail and features plenty of ups and downs along the Sonoran and Lower Sonoran trails. Two crossover trails allow hikers to shorten their routes, if desired.
Adero Canyon to Sunrise Peak
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Hiking – 6.34 Miles – 1,215' Elev Gain
This out and back route leads from the Adero Canyon trailhead in Fountain Hills to Sunrise Peak in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area with a strenuous final climb to incredible 360-degree views of the entire valley.
Fraesfield to Granite Mountain Loop
Fraesfield Trailhead
Biking – 5.24 Miles – 181' Elev Gain
This easy-to-moderate route takes bikers downhill from Monument Trail along an easy, wandering path up 136th Express Trail to Granite Mountain Trailhead. After the moderate up and down Turpentine Trail, the route finishes with a fun downhill along Black Hill Trail back to the trailhead.
Axle Grease / West Express / Latigo Loop
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Biking – 8.78 Miles – 487' Elev Gain
Most of the elevation gain on this loop happens along the entire twisty Axle Grease trail. The route then makes a sharp right turn onto the up-and-down West Express and connects to a fast final leg along Latigo back to the trailhead.
Tom's Thumb / Feldspar Loop
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Biking – 1.96 Miles – 281' Elev Gain
This is a quick ride along a trail mostly used by hikers climbing up to Tom's Thumb. After about a half-mile, the route turns left along Feldspar Trail then briefly heads east along Marcus Landslide Trail past Mushroom Rock Scenic Point. Caballo Trail then heads west to a connector trail back to the trailhead.
WestWorld / Quartz Out and Back
WestWorld Trailhead
Biking – 3.66 Miles – 125' Elev Gain
This route is a relatively easy ride along paved paths and trails between two trailheads.
Staging Areas Loop
Four Peaks Staging Area
Biking – 4.25 Miles – 222' Elev Gain
This relatively easy route begins at the Four Peaks Staging Area near the entrance of McDowell Mountain Park and visits the Trailhead Staging Area along Pemberton trail. It's a fairly easy route, starting northwest along Shallmo Wash Trail. The route then continues north for a short distance along Pemberton Trail, then heads east along Scenic Trail to the Cinch and Escondido trails back to the trailhead.
Promenade Out and Back
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Biking – 1.86 Miles – 171' Elev Gain
This moderate route ascends the wide Promenade Trail to a great view of Fountain Hills.
Granite Mountain / Hawknest Loop
Granite Mountain Trailhead
Biking – 12.42 Miles – 512' Elev Gain
This route takes a winding, leisurely path along 136th Express, then heads west uphill on Hawknest Trail. At the peak of the trail, the route turns left along the Divide Trail - the backbone of the northern region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve - then heads east on Branding Iron Trail. The route then connects to Granite Mountain Loop Trail heading south and east, then continues south on Granite Mountain Trail to Powerline Road #2, then back east to the trailhead.
Stagecoach Figure-Eight
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Biking – 20.05 Miles – 940' Elev Gain
Most of this route's elevation gain is earned climbing to the intersection of Stagecoach Trail and Powerline Road #1. From there, it's a fast and fun descent along the remote northwestern part of the trail with connections back to the trailhead.
Gooseneck / Redbird Loop
Fraesfield Trailhead
Biking – 7.03 Miles – 313' Elev Gain
This easy-to-moderate route begins at Fraesfield Trailhead in the northern region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Heading south, Gooseneck Trail leads to Rio Verde Drive at 128th St. After crossing the road, continue along Gooseneck Trail for almost a mile, then head west and then south along Red Bird Trail. The route then continues on an awesome scenic descent along Service Roads #3 and #2 before rejoining Gooseneck Trail north across Rio Verde Drive back to the trailhead.
Lost Dog / WestWorld Trail Loop
Lost Dog Trailhead
Biking – 11.32 Miles – 1,063' Elev Gain
This is a challenging route along trails mostly used by hikers. It begins at Lost Dog Trailhead and follows Lost Dog Wash Trail to Taliesin Trail, then heads west to WestWorld Trail. After almost a mile, the route leads east along Quartz Trail then rejoins Lost Dog Wash Trail back to the trailhead.
Granite / Delsie / Pemberton Loop
Trailhead Staging Area
Biking – 12.23 Miles – 638' Elev Gain
This easy-to-moderate route starts south on Pemberton Trail then gradually ascends Granite and Delsie Trails before turning north onto Pemberton trail for a fast, flowy descent back to the trailhead.
Adero Canyon to Golden Eagle Out and Back
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Biking – 10.10 Miles – 1,484' Elev Gain
This is a challenging route along trails mostly used by hikers. It begins with a climb up the wide Promenade Trail, then continues along the narrow, up and down Lower Sonoran Trail. It then connects to Sonoran Trail and Dixie Mine Trail and continues along a neighborhood path to Golden Eagle Trailhead.
Brown's Ranch Loop
Brown's Ranch Trailhead
Biking – 15.17 Miles – 990' Elev Gain
This clockwise route includes some of the very first trails completed in the northern region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. A quick jaunt down Latigo Trail is followed by some strenuous segments around the western mountains, followed by flowing trails around Granite Mountain. Near the end of the loop, an exhilarating rollercoaster ride down Maverick Trail leads you back to Brown's Ranch Road to the trailhead.
Pemberton to Central Loop
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Biking – 13.66 Miles – 945' Elev Gain
This moderate route from Tom's Thumb Trailhead enters McDowell Mountain Regional Park, so be sure to purchase a park pass beforehand. The route follows the northwestern part of Pemberton Trail, then heads west back into and around almost the entire central region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Lost Dog to Prospector Loop
Lost Dog Trailhead
Biking – 20.29 Miles – 3,519' Elev Gain
This is a challenging route along trails mostly used by hikers. The route begins at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead and leads northwest up Lost Dog Wash Trail to Quartz Trail, then heads north along Paradise Trail to Gateway Trail and on to Bell Pass Trail. At its northernmost point, the route turns east along Prospector Trail, then south along Dixie Mine Trail, continuing on to Sonoran Trail. Several climbs and descents later along the tight Lower Sonoran Trail, the route joins Promenade Trail to Adero Canyon Trailhead, then heads west and south along the Andrews-Kinsey Trail to Sunrise Trail back to Lost Dog Wash Trailhead.
Pemberton Loop
MMRP Trailhead Staging Area
Biking – 15.38 Miles – 920' Elev Gain
This is one of the most popular biking (and for the very well-heeled, hiking) trails in Arizona. This clockwise loop features a rocky ascent on the trail's southside, but after a quick stop at Jackass Junction (you'll know it when you see it), the route rewards bikers with a fast, flowing descent back to the trailhead.
Adero Canyon to Gateway Loop
Adero Canyon Trailhead
Biking – 19.97 Miles – 3,528' Elev Gain
This is a challenging route along trails mostly used by hikers. The route begins at Adero Canyon Trailhead and heads west and south along the Andrews-Kinsey Trail to Sunrise Trail toward Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. From just outside the trailhead, the route heads northwest up Lost Dog Wash Trail to Quartz Trailhead, then continues north along Paradise Trail to Gateway Trail and on to Bell Pass Trail. At its northernmost point, the route turns east along Prospector Trail, then south along Dixie Mine Trail, continuing on to Sonoran Trail. Several climbs and descents later along the tight Lower Sonoran Trail, the route joins Promenade Trail back to Adero Canyon Trailhead.
Suggestions?
If you would like to contribute a suggested route, please send your shared route link to mcdowellsonorantrails@gmail.com.
Clear your current route?
Resources
Official Trail Maps
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trailhead Addresses
Brown's Ranch
30301 N Alma School Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Fraesfield
13400 E Rio Verde Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Gateway
18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Granite Mountain
31402 N 136th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Lost Dog Wash
12601 N 124th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Pima Dynamite
28777 N Pima Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Quartz
10215 E McDowell Mt Ranch Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Ringtail
12300 block of N 128th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Sunrise
12101 N 145th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tom's Thumb
23015 N 128th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
WestWorld
15939 N 98th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
104th and Bell
10400 block of Bell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
136th St.
12000 block of N 136th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Fountain Hills Trailhead Address
Golden Eagle
14425 E Golden Eagle Blvd
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve Trailhead Address
Adero Canyon
14800 N Eagle Ridge Dr
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Park Entrance
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr
MMRP, AZ 85268
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If you have any questions or comments, please email me at mcdowellsonorantrails@gmail.com.
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By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use presented here. Also, be sure to read the Privacy Policy.
This site was created for the benefit and enjoyment of users who wish to plan and share trail routes throughout the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve, and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
The data contained in this site is accurate to the best of my ability. However, there may be undiscovered errors or issues that could be potentially dangerous during trail use. This site should not be relied upon for realtime navigation and/or emergency purposes, and I have no liability for any loss, damage, or misuse of this site. Please refer to the official city and county maps listed on the Resources page.
If you do not agree to these terms, please do not access or use this site.
Contact
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at mcdowellsonorantrails@gmail.com.