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Hike Arizona: McDowell Mountains
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
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| Hike: |
The 21,000-acre McDowell
Mountain Regional Park is located 15 miles northeast of
Scottsdale on the eastern slope of the McDowells and
impressive group of mountains rising to 4002'. The
separate Paradise Valley from the Verde Valley and are
prominently visible from Phoenix. The park area itself
slopes between the high ranges on the west and the Verde
River to the east from the elevations of 3100' to 1550'.
It is known for its abundant Sonoran desert vegetation.
- Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, Winter,Spring
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 8.11 mile loop
- Elevation Change: 320'
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Weather Conditions
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| Drive: |
The park's main entrance is reached from Phoenix via Shea
Boulevard to the Fountain Hills turn-off, then north 4.2
miles through Fountain Hills to the park entrance on the
left. The alternate approach from the north is via Pinnacle
Peak Road to Rio Verde Drive, 10.3 miles to Forest Road,
where you turn right for 4.5 miles to the entrance on the
right.
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| Remarks: |
This is an 8.11 mile hiker/horse trail, two segments of
which overlap the Pemberton Trail. It leaves the Horse
Staging area and descends washes to a junction with the
Scenic Trail at 1.84 miles. It then joins an old road,
turning southwest to reach the park Drive at 2.25 miles. The
Park Drive is crossed twice, then finally left at 2.82
miles. From here the old road parallels the highway
(McDowell Mountain Road) and then turns north, ascending
gradually to a junction with the Pemberton Trail at 6.121
miles, which it joins past the site of the "Pemberton
Ranch", crossing the Park Drive at 7.85 miles. Return to the
Horse Staging Area.
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Trip Report
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| updated August 28, 2021 |
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