Trailblazers hiking the Lost Dog Breezeway trail.

Anna R, Billie H, Neil D, Michael H, Robbi F, Bill F Back: Barry A, Bob C, Geno B.

Ten hikers set out from the Lost Dog Breezeway at a warm 98 degrees, rather than bushwhacking through several miles of unmaintained trail in the more secluded and unhospitable end of Spur Cross Ranch. The Lost Dog Wash trail stays hidden from the surrounding neighborhoods but is still very accessible and inviting.
The trailhead has ample parking and an area for group education complete with restroom facilities. The trail is well marked with mileage to connecting trails in the Preserve. We saw hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers.

6am Sunrise in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

The path is a mix of firm sand and rocks as it crisscrosses the wash and climbs slowly to the overlook. We were surrounded by all the typical Sonoran desert flora, but the real beauty was the forests of teddy bear cholla along the way. We also saw Gambel’s Quail, House finches, a Flicker (although I’m not sure which one) and a Cactus Wren’s nest.
This trail is a connector more than a destination unless the goal is a view of Camelback and the Phoenix mountains at Taliesin overlook. It is 0.4 miles more to the trail end.