Ridgeline Trail via Overlook Trail - FHP, AZ

Overview
The Ridgeline Trail is relatively new (as of this description in Dec 2020) in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve (FHP), aka Sonoran Preserve of Fountain Hills (SPFH). It is an out and back hike reached by following the Overlook Trail from the Adero Canyon Trailhead. There are 360-degree views from many spots along the hike.


Hike
The Ridgeline Trail is easy to follow and goes along or near a ridge that heads SE from the Adero Canyon Trailhead. As such, it has a sawtooth profile and provides a decent workout over about 4.2 miles round trip and 870 feet aeg. There are numerous switchbacks, so there are no steep sections of trail.

From the trailhead, pass through the gate and turn right almost immediately onto the Overlook Trail. At .23 miles (N33.62102° W111.77439°) at the junction with the Easy Access Trail, stay on the Overlook Trail. At 0.48 miles (N33.62019° W111.77262°), turn right onto the Ridgeline Trail. This is where it officially begins. At 1.2 miles (N33.61463° W111.76578°), the trail splits. The trail goes on both sides of the knob giving the hiker different views on the out and back legs. I took the right leg on the way out. At 1.37 miles (N33.61403° W111.76442°), the split rejoins the route. This provides a convenient turnaround for those wishing for a shorter hike.

The main trail continues onward and ends on a hill at 2.09 miles (N33.61016° W111.75992°). Turn around here and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2020-12-02 MEWhiteman