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Less Green than Expected by KBKB Overview The Verde Trail is a 1.2 mile long trail located in the northeast corner of McDowell Mountain Regional Park. At its northeast end, the Verde Trail provides access to the park from the community of Tonto Verde. At its southwest end, it intersects the North Trail at about 0.3 miles from the start of the North Trail when hiking it in the counterclockwise direction. (Go west from the North Trail Trailhead and turn right at the fork.) At the Tonto Verde end of the trail, limited parking is available on a wide gravel shoulder south of N Palo Fiero Rd just west of the entry to the park. Access to the park is provided via an unmanned gate; nearby is an "iron ranger" which is used to pay the walk-in entrance fee for McDowell Mountain Regional Park. If you drive to this trailhead, you will drive south on N Aguila Dr. At its southernmost end, N Aguila Dr. turns to the right so that you'll be heading westward on N Palo Fiero Rd. Look for the park entrance to the left immediately after making this turn. The shoulder mentioned earlier will be just beyond the entrance (also on the left). The western end of the Verde Trail provides scenery similar to that found on the North Trail. The Verde Trail is considerably less scenic at its eastern end. Hike The Verde Trail is an easy trail to follow. Starting from the northeast end after entering from Tonto Verde, it proceeds in a mostly westerly direction, trending somewhat south, though also occasionally wandering back slightly to the north. At just under a quarter mile, it'll cross a wash and then cross the same wash again just a short ways (0.05 mile) later. Half a mile after that, it'll cross that same wash yet again. After proceeding another tenth of a mile (just under a mile along the trail total), it will cross a service road. A short while later, it crosses a small wash and then heads south and very slightly east. The trail then makes a gradual turn to the southwest, crossing one more wash prior to intersecting the North Trail at 1.2 miles. Once you get to the North Trail, you can hike the loop formed by the North Trail (in either direction) and then return via the Verde Trail. The North Trail loop will add 2.7 miles to the 2.4 miles of the Verde Trail, making it a hike of just over five miles total. The Verde Trail may also be hiked from the western end by first hiking the North Trail. In this case, I recommend proceeding eastward and turning back perhaps a quarter mile before reaching the east end where the views are less compelling. Even longer hikes are possible by incorporating the Chuparosa Trail which will be encountered midway around the loop comprising the bulk of the North Trail. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. 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 Review
Verde Trail - MMRP
After work hike. Leg acting up so I was looking for a low impact hike. Started from the North Trail TH around 5pm. I went in on the North for about .3 miles Before getting to the Verde Trail. The Verde Trail is Signed and easy to follow. The juncture with the Nirth Trail is the high point and it is a gradual (very gradual descent) from there. The trail heads primarily in an east northeast direction. The trail is composed of compact dirt with a fine granite top surface. The is only a couple of sections where the trail,is rocky being very smooth for the most part. About ,5 miles on the Verde there is a bench overlooking the Verde River basin to the east. The land actually drops away from here so you get a nice view of the mountains to the east and you get your first glimpse of the Rio Verde community. The desert is very brown right now, though I was surprised at how well the palo verde and iron wood trees seemed to be doing. I'm guessing their deeper root system is helping them persevere this "unmonsoonish season." And there are quite a few of them as you near the Verde community. I can imagine that this area would be very pretty in season. The trail ends near some homes with a small power station just to the east. Touching the gate, I turned around and retraced my steps. Didn't see anyone on the trail, or for that matter, in the park while I was there. On the trail just saw a couple of chipmunks and a bunch of lizards. On the drive out of the park I saw a roadrunner ( love 'em 
) and a bunch of quail. In one spot, there must have been about 50 that took to the air (briefly) as my car approached. Pretty cool.
) and a bunch of quail. In one spot, there must have been about 50 that took to the air (briefly) as my car approached. Pretty cool.2019-08-23 mt98dew
