This 4.1 mile lasso loop in the northern section of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a gentle meander around the circumference of a small cone-shaped mountain. This description starts from the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead which offers bathrooms, water, and a nice educational board with timeline of human history in the McDowell mountains. Mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers will enjoy the firmly packed wide trail with minimal elevation change.
From the trailhead go 0.1 miles and take Upper Ranch Trail 0.7 miles to the intersection with Cone Mountain Trail (at sign marker #UR4). These trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are extremely well-signed, and it would be difficult to get lost in this area. At the intersection between Upper Ranch Trail and Cone Mountain Trail you can proceed either direction depending on time of day and sun exposure or your desire to connect with other trails in the area. I chose clockwise to keep sun at my back in the early morning. Brittle bush and saguaro are the predominant flora, and there are scattered granite boulder formations to catch your eye. Brown’s Mountain is in view for much of the hike to the northeast with a peak of 3,253 feet. Cone Mountain trail continues for 2 miles with slight elevation change and easy, wide turns. Finally you dead end into Upper Ranch trail and continue back southeast 1.3 miles to trailhead.
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
Road
Paved - Car Okay
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
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