Route Editor
Route Scout
Overview Hike starts in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, crosses over and ends in Fountain Hills Preserve. Hike The Sonoran Trail traverses the eastern slopes of the McDowell's overlooking Fountain Hills and connects the Dixie Mine Trail with the Promenade Trail at the southern end. From Dixie Mine junction it climbs gradually gaining about 600 accumulated elevation gain in the first 1.5 miles. Eventually the trail tops out and begins traversing several drainages gaining and losing elevation as it continues south before connecting with Promenade Trail. Trail condition is immaculate by most standards and is typical of trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. In addition because the trail is on the Fountain Hills side there is far less hiking traffic than on the Gateway side making this short trail a pleasant hike. Because the Sonoran Trail is accessed from Dixie Mine Trail hikers must first drive to the Dixie Mine Trail Head at the end of Golden Eagle Blvd (see trail head directions). Hike past the guard station from Dixie Mine Trail Head following the feather imprints on the sidewalk through the neighborhood that will lead you to the trail entrance. At the entrance there is a fee station. From there follow Dixie Mine Trail 0.6 miles to the signed junction with Sonoran Trail. 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 Triplog Reviews
Sonoran Trail - MMRP
Pk. 3804
Well, I finally conquered the "Twin Peaks" located in the McDowell Mountains. This time I made it up PK. 3804 and surveyed the Scottsdale and Fountains Hills area from a different perspective! I always wondered about these two mountains and if anyone climbed them; I don't think many people get up here. I didn't think there would be a trail up this thing, but as faint as it was, I had a trail all the way up! Very steep though, and it rivals it's neighbor, Thompson Peak for steepness. But there's a smooth road for that one! The skies were clear today and I could see downtown Phx. and Scottsdale very well. Looking out to the East, I could see Weaver's Needle and The Flatiron easily, as well as Four Peaks and Mazatzals. Even Mt. Ord. Very pretty desert hike today! 
2018-01-28 Naferg323
Sonoran Trail - MMRP
Wade and I set out to hike Thompson Peak -- a good training hike for our near future Flatiron and Grand Canyon hikes. But, the trail was closed due to construction (for a new antennae, I assume) on top of the peak. One hard-working helicopter made hundreds of trips back and forth carrying buckets of concrete for laying a foundation. Saw a cement truck crawling along a dirt road to a location near the Dixie Mine where the construction crew worked. So, we took an unknown trail (to us and others on the trail) called the Sonoran Trail (which is not on Hike Arizona). The Sonoran Trail is part of the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. We hiked until we noticed it does not connect to any other trails that led back to the parking lot entrance but kept going west. We doubled back and enjoyed an easy hike today.
2016-01-21 AZBeaver
Sonoran Trail - MMRP
The plan was to hike up Thompson Peak. Hit the trailhead only to find a sign that the trail was closed prior to the Dixie Mine. We'd seen a helicopter working out in the Preserve, but thought it must be a rescue in progress. Not so fast hiking-boot-breath. The helo was delivering buckets of wet concrete via a long line to the antennae farm atop Thompson. Seems the concrete mixer trucks couldn't make the climb to the top. And neither could we, today at least.
Turned west on the Sonoron Trail, which apparently isn't on HAZ. Just did an out and back. At least there were nice views of Four Peaks and the Supes.
Thompson will still be there next time.
Turned west on the Sonoron Trail, which apparently isn't on HAZ. Just did an out and back. At least there were nice views of Four Peaks and the Supes.
Thompson will still be there next time.
2016-01-21 AZWanderingBear
