The Scottsdale area has some wonderful hikes for people looking to enjoy the outdoors and some fresh air. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and experience just a small part of all that it has to offer. It has everything from a lovely, educational, paved trail that forms a loop called Bajada all the way to very difficult hikes, such as the one to Tom’s Thumb. There are 28 marked trails in the trail guide.
There are many different trailheads you can use to access the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The one we used to enter was the Gateway Trailhead, which is located between DC Ranch and Mc Dowell Mountain Ranch on Thompson Peak Parkway. Here, you can enter the trail system on foot, by bike or on horseback. Dogs are welcome as well if they are leashed. There is plenty of free parking for guests.
At the entrance is a large structure that has information about the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, restrooms, water and an amphitheater area for events. From there, you enter the trail system via a series of clearly marked paths.
We started with the Bajada Nature Trail loop. It was more or less level, paved and it had 15 educational stops along the way. The educational stops have information and facts about the various flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert and there are a few interactive stations as well. In addition, the Bajada Nature Trail loop is ADA accessible.
While we did not venture much further that day, we plan to do a lot more exploring the next time. As mentioned previously, experienced hikers can make their way up to Tom’s Thumb, a five mile hike and 1,363 foot change in elevation. The Preserve is so vast, there are trails that go all of the way to Fountain Hills.
In addition to all of the great trails, there are ongoing events and series for nature enthusiasts, athletes and families.
If you are looking for a way to enjoy Scottsdale’s amazing weather, be sure to plan some time to visit the Mc Dowell Sonoran Preserve.
More Information:
Gateway Trailhead Entrance to McDowell Sonoran Preserve
18333 N Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
– East of DC Ranch/Silverleaf, West of McDowell Mountain Ranch
5 Other Trailhead Entrances:
– Lost Dog Wash – 12601 N 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ
– Quartz – 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ
– Ringtail – 12300 block of North 128th Street, Scottsdale, AZ
– Sunrise – 12101 North 145th Way, Scottsdale, AZ
– WestWorld – 15939 North 98th Street, Scottsdale, AZ
[…] Residents enjoy living in 85255 due to its proximity to a large number of dining, shopping and entertainment options. It is very easy to get to from a transportation standpoint and there are many options for outdoor exercise, including hiking Pinnacle Peak or the McDowell Mountain Preserve. […]