Western Loop Trail - FHP, AZ

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.

2019-02-13 DixieFlyer