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McDowell Sonoran Preserve
February 4, 2017
by Quy Nguyen
 Six intrepid Trailblazers at Sunrise Trailhead. |
| Vickie, Quy, Louis, Deborah, Darrell, Michael. |
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Actually this is called a lollipop loop, because it’s a long hike of Sunrise and Andrews-Kinsey trails to get to the loop. After finishing the loop we hike back the way we came. Sunrise trail is one of moderate hikes in the Preserve. The first two miles climb from the Sunrise Trailhead to a saddle, with many steep sections and over 1100' of elevation gain. The views at first are of homes in the area, but in a few minutes of short hiking up we are surrounding of Sonoran desert plants as saguaro, ocotillo, palo verde. |
 Sunrise, sunrise. |
 Sunrise Peak is in the distance. |
 A Scenic View. |
 Capture it, Deborah! |
 Let’s take a break and enjoy the view. |
 The trail climbs ever higher. |
 It doesn’t look like we’re so close to civilization. |
 Just a few more steps to Sunrise Saddle. |
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Opened in 2014, Andrews-Kinsey trail is a connector between two Preserves: Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. This trail has 2.2 miles of ups and downs, not much elevation gain, with extended views of the Four Peaks and Weavers Needle, jagged rock outcrops, and a narrow section about two feet wide looking down into a canyon. |
 What a view! |
 Eagle flies around and up. |
 Hikers are on Andrews-Kinsey trail. |
 Narrow section with no room for error. |
 Four Peaks dominate the landscape. |
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The Western Loop trail is 1.2 miles with elevation gain of 600 feet in addition to the Promenade trail. This rocky trail is rated at moderate to difficult with many switchbacks. At West View Outlook we enjoy unending views from every direction. |
 Western Loop is rocky with many switchbacks. |
 Hmmm — Helipad Rescue in the park? |
 At Western View Outlook: Quy, Louis, Vickie, Darrell, Deborah, Michael. |
 Western View Outlook. |
 Hiking down on the Western Loop Trail. |
 Cholla sticks to Thorn cactus’ arm. |
 Jojoba is blooming. |
 Fountain Hills, Weaver’s Needle, and the Flatiron. |
 Monk Rock watches over hikers on Western Loop. |
 Nice bench at Adero canyon. |
 Hiking down the Sunrise Trail back to the trailhead. |
 Sonoran Desert Paradise. |
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After finishing the Western Loop, we hike Andrews-Kinsey and Sunrise trails back to Sunrise Trailhead. This is a great trail for anyone who is looking for expansive views of the valley, and a excellent workout. Thanks to all for coming to join my hike. Happy Trails! |
 Still smiling after 11 miles? |
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Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona
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updated February 6, 2017