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United States, Arizona, Scottsdale

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Sports Facility · Heath · Reservoir

4.8 (265 ratings)

Located in Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a hiker's paradise, offering 33,839.5 acres of natural beauty to explore. With an extensive network of trails catering to all levels of ...

Located in Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a hiker's paradise, offering 33,839.5 acres of natural beauty to explore. With an extensive network of trails catering to all levels of experience, this preserve is the ideal destination for walkers and hikers seeking adventure and tranquility. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas make it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while engaging in physical activity, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an active outdoor experience. For more information about the park's routes and trails, users can download Pacer Pedometer for comprehensive details and route info. As one of the largest urban preserves in the United States, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve boasts an impressive variety of routes to suit every walker and hiker's preferences. Whether you're drawn to the scenic views of the Black Hill trail or the unique landscape of the Whiskey Bottle trail, there are options for everyone to enjoy. The preserve offers an extensive selection of trails, with varying lengths and difficulty levels, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect route to match their activity level and time constraints. With its well-marked paths and informative trailheads, the preserve makes it easy for walkers and hikers to navigate and explore the natural wonders that await them. In addition to its remarkable trails, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides an unparalleled opportunity for walkers and hikers to connect with nature and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activity. The park's commitment to conservation and preservation ensures that visitors can experience the unspoiled beauty of the desert landscape while engaging in their favorite outdoor pursuits. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll through the desert flora or a challenging ascent to panoramic viewpoints, the preserve offers an enriching and invigorating experience for all. For those looking to explore the park's routes and plan their hiking adventures, the Pacer Pedometer app is a valuable resource, providing detailed information and insights to enhance your visit to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

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Routes
Reviews (58)
Photos (32)
Walking and Hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve

McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, United States is a paradise for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its extensive network of trails and stunning natural beauty, the preserve offers a diverse range of experiences for walkers and hikers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has ...

McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, United States is a paradise for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its extensive network of trails and stunning natural beauty, the preserve offers a diverse range of experiences for walkers and hikers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone. The park provides essential amenities such as parking lots and restrooms, ensuring convenience for visitors. Additionally, the wheelchair-friendly trails make the preserve accessible to a wide range of individuals. For those interested in exploring, the park offers breathtaking viewpoints including Lookout, The Amphitheater, Scenic View, Inspiration Viewpoint, and Windgate Pass. With its well-maintained trails and captivating landscapes, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the ideal destination for a fulfilling walking and hiking adventure.

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Other Information
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve
Essential Amenities
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot
Sport Facilities
Tennis court
Bike path
Swimming pool
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly
Things to See
Viewpoint

Lookout

Viewpoint

The Amphitheater

Viewpoint

Scenic View

Viewpoint

Inspiration Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Windgate Pass

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Best Walking Routes in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
#1 - Gateway Loop (Moderate)
(21 reviews)
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h59m
#2 - Lost Dog (Moderate) - Sunrise(Moderate)
(6 reviews)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 37m
#3 - Horseshoe Ridge - Gateway Loop (Moderate)
(5 reviews)
Length: 4.8 milesEst. Time: 1h10m
See All Routes
Reviews of McDowell Sonoran Preserve
4.8/5
265 ratings
Mark2021/09/03
5

Clean with nice signage about plants, animals and rocks. Next time I’ll bring a trail map. Lots of forks on trail. Not crowded 100F, 35C

Karl 🇺🇸 🏌️🤘2023/03/09
5

Great hike. Wear appropriate footwear. Very rocky. I suggest going counterclockwise.

ronvpeel2023/03/13
5

Great easy hike go early on Sunday as was busy when we left at

See All Reviews (58)
See All Reviews (58)
Nearby Parks
George "Doc" Cavalliere Park
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Pinnacle Peak Park
Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park
Sonoran Hills Park
Gateway Trailhead
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Thompson Peak Park
DC Ranch Park
FAQs about McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Where is the best place to walk in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The best place to walk in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is subjective and depends on your preferences. However, popular routes include Black Hill and Whiskey Bottle. Black Hill is a 1.9-mile trail with a rating of 4.0 based on 1 review and an estimated time of 32 minutes. Whiskey Bottle is a 1.5-mile trail with a rating of 4.0 based on 1 review and an estimated time of 25 minutes. For more routes and reviews, you can check out the Pacer community for additional insights.
How many routes are in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers multiple routes for walkers and hikers to explore. Currently, there are two popular routes, including Black Hill and Whiskey Bottle. For more route options, you can refer to the Pacer community for a comprehensive list of trails, ratings, and reviews.
Which is the longest route in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The longest route in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the Black Hill trail, which spans 1.9 miles. This trail is rated 4.0 based on 1 review and has an estimated time of 32 minutes. For more details on routes and trail lengths, the Pacer community can provide additional insights and recommendations.
Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
Yes, McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers several amenities for walkers and hikers, including parking lots and restrooms at various locations throughout the park to ensure convenience and accessibility.
How accessible is McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The park is wheelchair friendly, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
What kind of sports can I do in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
In addition to walking and hiking, visitors to McDowell Sonoran Preserve can also enjoy biking along the designated bike paths available within the park.
What is the best season to walk in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The best season for walking or hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is typically from late fall to early spring when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
In McDowell Sonoran Preserve, visitors should be prepared for hot and dry conditions, especially during the summer months. It's important to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and dress in light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
What kind of wildlife might you encounter in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including desert species such as coyotes, javelinas, bobcats, and various species of birds. Visitors should also be mindful of snakes, such as rattlesnakes, and take precautions to avoid disturbing the natural habitat of these animals.
Best Walking Routes in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
#1 - Gateway Loop (Moderate)
4.5 (21 reviews)
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h59m
#2 - Lost Dog (Moderate) - Sunrise(Moderate)
4.5 (6 reviews)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 37m
#3 - Horseshoe Ridge - Gateway Loop (Moderate)
4.5 (5 reviews)
Length: 4.8 milesEst. Time: 1h10m
See All Routes
Nearby Parks
George "Doc" Cavalliere Park
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Pinnacle Peak Park
Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park
Sonoran Hills Park
Gateway Trailhead
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Thompson Peak Park
DC Ranch Park
Latest Check-in
Date Activity Type
7/5
FrankJuly 5, 2024
walk
10/31
PacerPalOctober 31, 2022
walk
10/29
Alex TaneyhillOctober 29, 2022
walk
10/16
HeatherOctober 16, 2022
hike
10/14
smjwordenOctober 14, 2022
walk
9/7
wguenther2007September 7, 2022
walk
8/24
cmiddendorf94August 24, 2022
cycling
7/23
KurtJuly 23, 2022
walk
5/27
HerbMay 27, 2022
walk
5/17
GwenMay 17, 2022
hike
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Check-in Leaderboard
RankingCheck-ins
jpm9690
40
Heather
35
erichjwagner
27
4PacerGal_1974
15
5Jamie
15
6Gwen
9
7bpcal34
6
8PacerPal
4
9kyle
4
10Tasha
4
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
#1- Gateway Loop (Moderate)
(21 reviews)
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h59m
#2- Lost Dog (Moderate) - Sunrise(Moderate)
(6 reviews)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 37m
#3- Horseshoe Ridge - Gateway Loop (Moderate)
(5 reviews)
Length: 4.8 milesEst. Time: 1h10m
#4- Gateway Loop Trail
(4 reviews)
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m
#5- Gateway Trailhead
(2 reviews)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#6- Lost Dog (Moderate) - Ringtail (Moderate)
(2 reviews)
Length: 4.1 milesEst. Time: 1h16m
#7- Tom's Thumb Trail - Tom's Thumb
(18 reviews)
Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 35m
#8- Ringtail Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 36m
#9- Tom's Thumb
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
#10- Redbird Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m
#11- Bell Pass Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.3 milesEst. Time: 56m
#12- Desert Park Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.1 milesEst. Time: 53m
#13- Sven Towers Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#14- Old Jeep Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 23m
#15- Gateway Loop (Moderate) - Windgate Pass (Difficult)
(1 review)
Length: 9.1 milesEst. Time: 2h21m
#16- Tom's Thumb Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h49m
#17- Hawknest Connector
(1 review)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#18- North 130th Street
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m
#19- Anasazi Spur
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#20- Windgate Pass Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.9 milesEst. Time: 50m
#21- Black Hill
(1 review)
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 32m
#22- Taliesin Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 39m
#23- Paradise Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m
#24- Saguaro Nest Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 29m
#25- Crossover Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#26- Whiskey Bottle
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 25m
#27- 104th Street Spur
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m
#28- Gateway Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m
#29- Prospector (Moderate)
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 22m
#30- East End Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 22m
#31- Levee trail
(1 review)
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m
#32- Lookout Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 7m
#33- Thompson Peak Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m
#34- Service Road #3
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m
#35- Saguaro Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m
Reviews of McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Mark2021/09/03
5

Clean with nice signage about plants, animals and rocks. Next time I’ll bring a trail map. Lots of forks on trail. Not crowded 100F, 35C

Karl 🇺🇸 🏌️🤘2023/03/09
5

Great hike. Wear appropriate footwear. Very rocky. I suggest going counterclockwise.

ronvpeel2023/03/13
5

Great easy hike go early on Sunday as was busy when we left at

Nicholas2024/06/06
5
Luke2024/06/03
5
kelli_bushman2024/05/06
5
PacerGuy_19742024/04/18
5
ronvpeel2023/04/04
5
Jeffrey2023/03/29
4
PacerPal2023/03/07
5
kevinbonthius2023/03/04
5
PacerGuy_19982023/01/01
5
DELETED2022/12/28
5
junior2022/12/27
5
Robin2022/11/28
5
cliff 2022/11/24
3
rick999_441362022/11/16
4
PacerPal2022/10/17
5
smjworden2022/10/15
5
Michael2022/10/12
5
Kurt2022/07/23
5
PacerPal2022/05/19
5
tgentchev2022/03/21
5
jami ☀️🌵🥾💚🦋;2022/03/18
3
jami ☀️🌵🥾💚🦋;2022/03/17
3
rcohn06122022/03/05
5
Kathleen2022/03/04
5
tgentchev2022/02/17
5
kyle2022/02/14
5
julie2022/02/14
5
Kathleen2022/01/17
5
JZ2022/01/17
5
ande 2022/01/09
5
PacerPal2022/01/08
4
PacerPal2021/12/27
5
Rich2021/12/21
4
cara.zeidler2021/11/29
5
julie2021/10/18
5
melissa.arias102021/09/25
5
Edward2021/09/12
5
bpcal342021/04/21
5
PacerPal2021/04/13
5
Evan2021/03/01
5
jpm96902021/02/27
5
bpcal342021/01/02
5
margotrodriguez22020/12/24
4
Heather2020/12/21
5
tabaahadine802020/12/17
5
erichjwagner2020/12/01
4
Christi2020/11/29
5
PacerPal2020/11/26
5
vseindo2020/11/09
4
CHRISTOPHER2020/11/02
5
erichjwagner2020/09/25
5
erichjwagner2020/09/21
5
df_meow2020/07/20
5
Kiana2020/06/07
5
durangowolf2020/05/13
5
4.8/5
265 ratings