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Watershed Trail - MSPN, AZ

Guide 52 Triplogs  0 Topics
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Statistics
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Difficulty 1 of 5
Route Finding 1 of 5
Distance One Way 0.78 miles
Trailhead Elevation 2,779 feet
Elevation Gain 63 feet
Accumulated Gain 63 feet
Avg Time One Way 25 minutes
Kokopelli Seeds 0.99
 Backpack Possible - Not Popular
unreported if dogs are allowed
editedit > ops > dogs to adjust
Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
Inaugural Calculation on Button Tap!
8  2025-11-04
Cholla Mountain Loop from Brown's Ranch TH
pseudalpine
4  2025-10-26
Pima Dynamite MTB Loop
Nightstalker
12  2025-08-09
Whiskey Bottle Trail - MSPN
DarthStiller
22  2025-06-14
Upper Ranch Trail - MSPN
DarthStiller
3  2024-01-11
McDowell Sonoran Preserve North
trekkin_gecko
6  2024-01-11
McDowell Sonoran Preserve North
johnlp
10  2023-01-21
Brown's Ranch Road Trail - MSPN
DarthStiller
7  2022-11-27
Cholla & Fraesfield
trekkin_gecko
Page 1,  2,  3,  4,  5
Author
author avatar Guides 70
Routes 1,165
Photos 1,423
Trips 1,510 map ( 10,514 miles )
Age Male Gender
Location Arizona
Associated Areas
list map done
Phoenix Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
Radar Map
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Preferred Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov → 7 AM
Seasons   Autumn to Spring
Sun  7:16am - 5:18pm
Official Route & 1 Rt
 
22 Alternative
 


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Follow a Drip Through the Water Cycle
by pseudalpine

Expand MapOverview
This mainly north-south orientated connector trail is located in the south-central part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve North (MSPN). The north side junctions into the Cholla Mountain Loop and the southern end transects the Powerline Road #2 Trail at a four-way intersection at the northern terminus of the Whiskey Bottle Trail.


Synopsis
As compared to the closely associated Vaquero Trail, less winding, but also gently rolling with minimal sand that would seem to be a fun mountain bike and/or equestrian ride. For rock climbers, this trail is a good approach option for the southern Cholla Mountain crags (e.g. Saguaro Hotel, Mish Mash and The Whale).

2025-11-04 pseudalpine
  • MSPN Brown Insert
    area related
    MSPN Brown Insert
  • MSPN Trail List
    area related
    MSPN Trail List
  • MSPN Gate Schedule
    area related
    MSPN Gate Schedule
  • MSPN 2021 Map
    area related
    MSPN 2021 Map
  • MSPN 2021 Details
    area related
    MSPN 2021 Details


Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.
Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

One-Way Notice
This hike is listed as One-Way.

When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

 Permit $$
None


 Directions
or
 Road
Connector trail - Not Applicable

To Brown's Ranch Trailhead
From the 101 in North Scottsdale, drive North on Pima/Princess drive and go East on Happy Valley Road to the stop sign at the instersection of Happy Valley & Alma School Road. Follow Alma School Road North past Dynamite until it ends at Brown's Ranch Trailhead.

From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 34.0 mi - 44m
From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 135 mi - 2h 4m
From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 139 mi - 2h 15m
page created by joebartels on Nov 04 2025 5:20 pm
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