Route Editor
Route Scout
No "S" in this super trail by Crzy4AZ The August 2015 City of Scottsdale map of the Northern Region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve established Hawknest Trail as one of the longer continuous segments in the MSP. Please note this trail has no letter "S" (as in HawkSnest) that might be confused with the Phoenix Preserve trail system. The trail runs almost the outer perimeter of the Preserve and has many lovely little ups and downs along the way with views into the Tonto National Forest to the north and the major mountains (Brown's, Cone, Cholla, Granite) to the south. HW1 first trail marker is at the intersection of 136th Street and Hawknest Road - but there is NO parking here. HW28 final trail marker intersections with Brown's Ranch Road. Parking to access Hawknest Trail could be at Brown's Ranch Trailhead or Granite Mountain Trailhead. Hawknest intersects with several trails for good loops: Buckshot Trail, Broken Spoke Trail, Stachecoach Trail, The Divide Trail, Dove Valley trail, High Desert trail, and 136th Street Express Trail. There are no mile markers on any of the signs in this far north part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve -- be prepared with plenty of water since the only source is at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. This trail is very difficult to access by foot unless you have time for a long day hike, but mountain bikers will be in heaven using this trail to connect with the many other new trails in Area 2C. Scottsdale citizens have taxed themselves since 1994, and now the McDowell Sonoran Preserve encompasses 1/3rd of the land mass of Scottsdale with 160+ miles of trails and 30,000+ total acres. Alternate Access: Could also access Hawknest Trail from Granite Mountain Trailhead (NO water!) 31402 N 136th Street. 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.
Most recent of 17 deeper Triplog Reviews
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
West Express-MSPN
Another new trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Rowdy didn't make this hike as he wasn't feeling well.
I didn't see another hiker after I passed Brown Mountain Summit Trail.
I was a little disappointed as I was hoping to see some deer but that didn't happen
. But I did see a rattlesnake, tarantula and a Cardinal. 
The weather was perfect as it was cool but a little humid with a nice breeze and lots of cloud cover.
I didn't see another hiker after I passed Brown Mountain Summit Trail.
I was a little disappointed as I was hoping to see some deer but that didn't happen
. But I did see a rattlesnake, tarantula and a Cardinal.
The weather was perfect as it was cool but a little humid with a nice breeze and lots of cloud cover.
2017-11-07 RowdyandMe
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Continuing to complete the new trails in the Northern part of McDowell Sonoran Preserve known as the 2C area. Today I completed all the trails I'd not done in the NW corner of the preserve. Parts of Hawknest, Dove Valley and Old Camp. Should be able to complete all needed miles in 2 more hikes.
2016-02-10 Sun_Ray
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Well this hike started off nice and breezy by the time we hit the half way mark the breeze was gone.
And of course I made a mistake in my calculation on my distance. This hike I spliced together using Route Scout. Now it was done as balloon and I for got to double the miles on the stem. So my 10+ mile hike turned into a 15+ mile hike. Its hike like this when I appreciate the fact that I was carrying more water than I need. That being said Rowdy had all the water that he needed and that's all that mattered to me.
The hike its self was very quiet and peaceful only a few bike riders out today. It felt good to finish the High Desert as well as the Hawknest Trail today. Not to much going except for some guy riding his bike up and down the trail looking for his cell phone.
And of course I made a mistake in my calculation on my distance. This hike I spliced together using Route Scout. Now it was done as balloon and I for got to double the miles on the stem. So my 10+ mile hike turned into a 15+ mile hike. Its hike like this when I appreciate the fact that I was carrying more water than I need. That being said Rowdy had all the water that he needed and that's all that mattered to me.
The hike its self was very quiet and peaceful only a few bike riders out today. It felt good to finish the High Desert as well as the Hawknest Trail today. Not to much going except for some guy riding his bike up and down the trail looking for his cell phone.
2016-02-08 RowdyandMe
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Wanted to get back to Renegade trail (did not know name at the time - and won't be on maps until fall 2016).
Barb's
Dove Valley Renegade Soapberry Wash (Michelin man cactus) Coyote Canyon Dove Valley High Desert Hawknest 136th St Express back to Barb's intersection.
Cold. Sunrise. Light incredible up on hill of Renegade.
Barb's
Dove Valley Renegade Soapberry Wash (Michelin man cactus) Coyote Canyon Dove Valley High Desert Hawknest 136th St Express back to Barb's intersection.
Cold. Sunrise. Light incredible up on hill of Renegade.
2016-02-07 Crzy4AZ
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
I can't link all the trails now b/c they don't exist yet but will by Fall 2016. They were finished but not open yet when I hiked them.
Hawknest High Desert Renegade Dove Valley Barb's 136th St Express.
Renegade is absolutely gorgeous. Little hill sharp turns - panoramic views.
Hawknest
High Desert Renegade Dove Valley Barb's 136th St Express.
Renegade is absolutely gorgeous. Little hill sharp turns - panoramic views.
2016-01-29 Crzy4AZ
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Friday kids in school. Takes me about 40 minutes to get from school up to Tonto parking lot. At the first turn on Hawknest - got a call from school that Caroline had sore throat and felt warm. 
Tried to bargain with them but they made me come get her. So back to car and back to school. Only time that has ever happened in three years at school.
Wildflowers
neon green grass but no flowers
Tried to bargain with them but they made me come get her. So back to car and back to school. Only time that has ever happened in three years at school.Wildflowers
neon green grass but no flowers
2016-01-22 Crzy4AZ
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Had to work yesterday morning but I was tallying up how miles I have left to re-join the ever growing ATC "all trails club" of McDowell Sonoran Preserve. I hit the mark last year - and then when total went up to 163 miles - I've been working since last spring to get all the segments done by foot. So I realized I only have less than 10 and I had yesterday afternoon of freedom with kids out of town - and I knew I had to get a hike in.
I parked at a legal spot on Legend Trail Parkway that is full on the weekends with room for 6-8 cars (thanks for info @Sun Ray) but I was the only one there at 1:00pm on a Wednesday. I kept my work clothes on but changed into hiking shoes and set off. It's AZ State Land Trust land between the parking area and marker BR9 in the MSP. Well worn trails for neighborhood folks and old Moto routes. It can be really confusing - so recommend having GPS route unless you don't mind wandering around a little. Having MAPRIKA App is also helpful. You are a bouncing blue ball on the MSP trails - I use that app all the time in the new north.
Saw some old ranching ruins and then turned to get on BR9 (end of Brown's Ranch Rd trail) and Powerline Road #1 trail. Took Powerline Rd up 2 miles to Dove Valley trail. (I had already done upper segment of PL#1 few weeks ago). Yucky of course to be under and around powerlines - but nice to not see anyone and pretty good expansive views.
I really like Old Camp Trail - going to write it up for HAZ soon. Then grabbed Broken Spoke segment I was missing (that is a fantastic little trail) - and took Hawknest back down to BR9. I got lost twice in the State Land Trust return to my car. Was glad to have GPS route.
And my time was super good - 3.3 mph - after working all morning. Of course it's super flat and not difficult. But that's still pretty fast for me just walking. Saw ZERO hikers the whole time. Saw dozen bikers. One 4x4ATV at intersection of Tonto Forest and Dove Valley trail (was in Tonto legally).
Life returns to normal on Thursday - love my tender chickens - but I did get in some good hikes while they were gone.
I parked at a legal spot on Legend Trail Parkway that is full on the weekends with room for 6-8 cars (thanks for info @Sun Ray) but I was the only one there at 1:00pm on a Wednesday. I kept my work clothes on but changed into hiking shoes and set off. It's AZ State Land Trust land between the parking area and marker BR9 in the MSP. Well worn trails for neighborhood folks and old Moto routes. It can be really confusing - so recommend having GPS route unless you don't mind wandering around a little. Having MAPRIKA App is also helpful. You are a bouncing blue ball on the MSP trails - I use that app all the time in the new north.
Saw some old ranching ruins and then turned to get on BR9 (end of Brown's Ranch Rd trail) and Powerline Road #1 trail. Took Powerline Rd up 2 miles to Dove Valley trail. (I had already done upper segment of PL#1 few weeks ago). Yucky of course to be under and around powerlines - but nice to not see anyone and pretty good expansive views.
I really like Old Camp Trail - going to write it up for HAZ soon. Then grabbed Broken Spoke segment I was missing (that is a fantastic little trail) - and took Hawknest back down to BR9. I got lost twice in the State Land Trust return to my car. Was glad to have GPS route.
And my time was super good - 3.3 mph - after working all morning. Of course it's super flat and not difficult. But that's still pretty fast for me just walking. Saw ZERO hikers the whole time. Saw dozen bikers. One 4x4ATV at intersection of Tonto Forest and Dove Valley trail (was in Tonto legally).
Life returns to normal on Thursday - love my tender chickens - but I did get in some good hikes while they were gone.
2015-12-30 Crzy4AZ
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Well the weather was perfect today for hike with Rowdy. We did meet Sun Ray in the parking lot. He just finished his hike and we were just getting started on ours.
Browns Ranch Trail was busy but once we turned onto the Maverick Trail we pretty much had the trails to ourselves. It is always nice hiking on new trails and checking out the area. I did see a bow hunter just off 118th street and did not see any deer. I am not sure if it is bow season or not. It was really a nice peaceful hike.
Browns Ranch Trail was busy but once we turned onto the Maverick Trail we pretty much had the trails to ourselves. It is always nice hiking on new trails and checking out the area. I did see a bow hunter just off 118th street and did not see any deer. I am not sure if it is bow season or not. It was really a nice peaceful hike.
2015-12-30 RowdyandMe
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
Beautiful day for a long hike. Not as cold as last week and was sunny. Parked at the top of 136th Street in the Tonto National Forest parking area. Climbed over fence and took social trail to 136th Street Express Hawknest Broken Spoke High Desert Dove Valley Barb's 136th Street.
First time ever on High Desert - beautiful! Some of the perpendicular trails in the middle of 2C are still under construction and are going to be nice once completed in a couple months. Some go right up and over granite formations for good views. Looks like will be a better connection to Soapberry Wash trail too. Can't wait for wildflower season out there after it's all done.
Saw a dozen or so mtn bikers. Had lunch at Broken Spoke - left over filet mignon and homemade biscuits. Was thinking about post-hike hot tub dip all day - but something's messed up with the heater - total buzz kill. #momProblems
Hawknest Broken Spoke High Desert Dove Valley Barb's 136th Street.
First time ever on High Desert - beautiful! Some of the perpendicular trails in the middle of 2C are still under construction and are going to be nice once completed in a couple months. Some go right up and over granite formations for good views. Looks like will be a better connection to Soapberry Wash trail too. Can't wait for wildflower season out there after it's all done.
Saw a dozen or so mtn bikers. Had lunch at Broken Spoke - left over filet mignon and homemade biscuits. Was thinking about post-hike hot tub dip all day - but something's messed up with the heater - total buzz kill. #momProblems
2015-12-28 Crzy4AZ
Hawknest Trail - MSPN
I am still not feeling well 
but when Rowdy gives that baby look I know its time to take him out 
. I wanted to hit Spur Cross today but just not feeling up to it. ](./dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
So I decided on something easy with little aeg and Granite Mountain Trailhead is where we ended up. The first marker I saw was for 136th Street Express and that's where we started. We hiked it until we reached Hawknest Trail and took it to the High Desert Trail and then decided it was time to start heading back to the trailhead. It was a really nice little hike and there were areas that I had not hike before.
but when Rowdy gives that baby look I know its time to take him out . I wanted to hit Spur Cross today but just not feeling up to it.
So I decided on something easy with little aeg and Granite Mountain Trailhead is where we ended up. The first marker I saw was for 136th Street Express and that's where we started. We hiked it until we reached Hawknest Trail and took it to the High Desert Trail and then decided it was time to start heading back to the trailhead. It was a really nice little hike and there were areas that I had not hike before.
2015-12-18 RowdyandMe
