Hike the Scenic Loop in McDowell Mountain Park near Phoenix, Arizona.
This is an enjoyable and easy loop hike in McDowell Mountain park that provides great views of Four Peaks, Superstitions, and the McDowell Mountain range. From the well signed trailhead, walk about 200 yards to the intersection that starts the loop (JCT_1 on the map). It doesn't matter which way you go, so we arbitrarily went clockwise. There are plenty of healthy Saguaros here, along with all your other favorite Sonoran desert cacti.
After 0.8 miles of hiking, turn right at the signed trail junction for the Scenic Loop (JCT_2R on the map). This trail gently climbs up to a ridgeline where you'll enjoy great views of the Superstition Wilderness and Four Peaks Wilderness to the East, and views of the McDowell Mountain range to the West. The trail stays on this prominent ridgeline for about 2.2 miles.
At the trail junction with the Cinch trail (JCT_3R on the map) stay right and walk the easy 1.2 miles back to the loop start and the trailhead.
