 Quartz Trail |
About 5-miles round trip to and from a quartz outcropping on the western edge of the McDowells. A steady but not steep climb much of the way.
104th St. and McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd.—Take Frank Lloyd Wright to Thompson Peak Pkwy, and turn north. Turn right at McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. , and right again at 104th St. The lot is on the right. |
| Ringtail Loop |
Ringtail Loop—A 2.5 mile hike past a fine array of Sonoran Desert flora and near a Native American tool-making site. Mild inclines only. About 2 hours.
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| Sunrise Second Ridge via 128th Street |
Sunrise Second Ridge from 128th St. Trailhead. A 5.2-mile round trip with about a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Good fitness is required. About 3 hours.
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| Sunrise Hitching Post via 128th Street |
The Sunrise Trail from the west rises about 1,000 feet in 2.3 miles to a ridge with 360-degree desert and mountain views. A good level of fitness is required to complete this hike.
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| Sunrise Peak via 128th Street |
Sunrise Peak via 128th Street—A 5-mile up and back with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Good views of the East Valley from the ridges and peak. A good level of fitness is required. Some steep and slippery portions. About 4 hours.
145th Way Lower Lot—Take Shea to 136th St. and turn north. Turn east at Via Linda. The lot is on the right about a block short of the trailhead lot. |
| Sunrise Saddle via 145th Way |
| Sunrise Saddle via 145th Way—The Sunrise Trail from the east rises about 1,000 feet in about 1.5 miles to a saddle with splendid views in all directions. This 3-mile roundtrip is considerably steeper than the trail’s western portion and requires a higher level of fitness. About 3 hours. |
| Sunrise Trail Traverse via Lost Dog |
| Sunrise Trail Traverse from Lost Dog—About a 4.5-mile hike up and down the Sunrise Trail from the west, ending at the 145th Street trailhead. Another strenuous test with excellent views. About 4 hours. |
| Taliesin Overlook via 104th Street |
Taliesin Overlook via 104th Street—A 5-mile trip to and from the overlook from the west. Gradual inclines only. About 3 hours.
104th Street Lot—Take Thompson Peak Pwky. to McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. and turn east. Turn south at 104th St. Lot is immediately to the right. |
| Taliesin Overlook via Lost Dog Trail |
Taliesin Overlook via Lost Dog Trailhead—A 4.5 mile round trip to a saddle overlooking Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West complex. One sustained but gradual climb with about a 250-foot elevation gain, but otherwise only mild inclines. Total elevation gain is about 400 feet. About 3 hours.
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| Windmill |
Windmill — A 14-mile roundtrip in McDowell Mountain Park to an abandoned windmill used by earlier settlers. Mild inclines only, but a lot of them. Bring snacks and lunch. About 6 hours.
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| Windgate-Bell Loop |
| Windgate-Bell Loop-- About 11 miles through Windgate and Bell passes, with more than 2,000 feet of climbing, some on steep grades. Fine views in all directions. For very hardy hikers. About 5 hours. |
| Windgate Pass |
Windgate Pass-- An 8-mile roundtrip to a scenic saddle with fine interior-mountain views. About a 1,350-foot elevation gain, some of it steep. For hardy hikers. About 4 hours.
104th Street Lot—Take Thompson Peak Pwky. to McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. and turn east. Turn south at 104th St. Lot is immediately to the right. |
