Overview
The Western Loop Trail is in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve (FHP); it loops around the west side of the Promenade Trail. This trail goes up and over Peak 3098, which is one of the lesser peaks in the McDowell Mountains. Peak 3098 is the highest point in the FHP that can be accessed via a marked trail; for a frame of reference, Peak 3098 is 29 feet higher than the more well-known Sunrise Peak.
Hike
From the Adero Canyon Trailhead, go 0.1 miles until you come to a junction with the Western Loop Trail. Take a left on the Western Loop Trail and follow signs to stay on the trail. There is a steep ascent and descent up and over Peak 3098. The trail is rocky in places, and it is easily the most difficult trail to hike on in the FHP. Once at the apex of the Western Loop Trail, there is a short (spur trail that goes to the summit of Peak 3098. The spur trail is marked by a sign for the West-View Overlook. This well-marked trail goes for about 300 feet and gains around 45 feet in elevation to the summit of Peak 3098. You will be rewarded with some really nice views at the summit -- the best views that you will get in the FHP.
Note
The official route for this trail includes the short trip to the Peak 3098 summit.
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.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To Adero Canyon Trailhead From Loop 101 and Shea Blvd head east on Shea Blvd for 7.8 miles. Then turn left on N Palisades Blvd and continue 1.1 miles. Turn left at the stop sign onto Eagle Ridge Drive and continue 2.4 miles until you reach the Adero Canyon Trailhead. Note that along the way Eagle Ridge Drive first becomes N 143rd Way and then becomes N Eagle Ridge Drive.
• February 2019: There is road construction on Eagle Ridge Dr, and the last mile to the trailhead is on a well-graded, unpaved road. However, that section of the road will ultimately be paved.
• January 2020 FHP writes: Fountain Hills (Parks & Wildlife Dept..480-816-5100): Adero Cyn TH/Parking is presently "only" accessible for parking access at the closed chain link fence ~1 mile "prior-to" TH Parking on N. Eagle Ridge Drive. M-F Trailhead access from ~1 mile up road is only legal from 3pm daily. Sat & Sun TH access from ~1 mile up road is legal from dawn to dusk.
• 2020-02-15 Yoder writes: Road to trailhead parking is closed due to construction. You may want to go to the Sunrise Trailhead parking. • 2020-11-09 Grasshopper writes: Officially opened, and the road to the Parking / TH is now paved.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 43 min (32.3 miles) From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 2 h 7 min (131 miles) From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 2 h 28 min (155 miles)
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