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Scenic Loop-McDowell Mountain Park

Updated
views from the scenic loop hike
Map: Scenic Loop McDowell mt park
Elevation plot: Scenic Loop McDowell mt park
views from the scenic loop hike
views from the scenic loop hike
views from the scenic loop hike
views from the scenic loop hike

Location

How to Get There
This hike is located Phoenix, AZ.

In the Phoenix area, take state HWY-87 towards Payson. Turn left onto Shea Blvd into Fountain Hills. From Shea Blvd turn right onto Fountain Hills Blvd. This will turn into McDowell Mountain Road. Make a left at the signed entrance to McDowell Mountain Park. After paying your $7 (as of March-2023) continue on the main park road (McDowell Mountain Park Drive), following the signs for the Trailhead Staging Area. Turn right at signed Shallmo Drive and park in the trailhead area. There are restrooms and water here.
city
fountain hills
state
az
Region
Phoenix Area and Central Arizona

Hike details

Distance
4.50 [Miles] Total
Hike Distance- Details
About 4.5 miles for the loop.
Time
1.75 [Hours]
Time-details
It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the loop.
Elevation Change
400 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Details
About 400 feet of elevation gain and loss.
Hike Trail Type
Loop
Special Features
Wild Flowers

Season

Best Season
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • October
  • November
  • December
Worst Season
  • July
  • August
Season Details
Especially nice during wildflower season (March)
Date Hike completed
March 05, 2023

Solitude

Solitude
Low
Solitude Details
This is a popular trail for both hikers and mountain bikers.

Difficulty

Difficulty Rating
Easy
difficulty detail
This is an easy hike.

Permits

Be Aware of
$7 fee to enter McDowell Mountain Regional Park (as of Mar-2023)

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.

Map

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