Overview
The Western Trail is a connector trail in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve (FHP); the south entry of the trail connects to the Andrews-Kinsey Trail and the north entry of the trail, it loops and connects to the Promenade Trail. This trail was formerly known as the Western Loop Trail, but it underwent a name change in 2024.
Hike
South entry of the Western Trail: From the Adero Canyon Trailhead, go about 100 feet on the Promenade Trail and make a left-hand turn onto the signed Andrews-Kinsey Trail. Follow the Andrews-Kinsey Trail for about 1/2 mile to a signed junction with the Western Trail. Make a right turn on the Western Trail and follow it for 1.1 miles until it ends at a junction with the Promenade Trail.
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North Entry of the Western Trail: From the Adero Canyon Trailhead, go about 3/4 mile on the Promenade Trail and make a left turn onto the signed Western Trail. Follow the trail for 1.1 miles until it ends at a junction with the Andrews-Kinsey Trail.
The trail is very steep and rocky, and is not likely a trail that a casual hiker would enjoy. At the apex of the trail, there is a signed spur trail leading to the West View Overlook, which is only about 300 feet away. Most people will want to add this spur trail to the hike.
The accumulated elevation gain (AEG) for the hike is about 380 feet if starting at the south entry and is about 520 feet if starting from the north entry.
Note
The official route for this trail includes the short trip to the West View Overlook.
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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