Lousley Hill Trail - MMRP, AZ

Lousley Hill Trail is a nice, easy stroll in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This short loop trail offers views of the McDowell Mountains to the west and Rio Verde and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation to the east. Four Peaks looms in the distance to the east and at a couple of locations along the trail Weaver's Needle is visible to the south.


The trail begins at a paved parking area and leads the hiker south into wash. The trail through the wash is lined with rocks to keep you on course. Shortly after entering the wash you will come to a marked fork in the trail. This is where the loop portion of the hike begins. This description will follow the trail counter-clockwise, or up the right fork. The ascent up Lousley Hill is steady and gradual with a few moderately steep sections. A various points along the trail, there are benches for a brief respite to enjoy the views. Close to the summit, the trail skirts just below the top of the ridge. You'll know you've reached the top of Lousley Hill when you spot a small summit cairn. Continuing on from the summit, the trail follows a ridge to the east, gently descending. At one point you will come to a railing to keep you from walking off the edge of a rather long drop. Admire the view and continue on.The trail snakes down the side of the hill and at one point you will have a view of the drop off you described above. Eventually, the trail re-enters the wash and meets up with itself, completing the loop.

2010-12-24 adenium