McDowell mt. trails

[GeorgAZ]

One more time! Does anyone have info on trails in the McDowell mountains?Don't see it in the traildex.Unlike you lucky guys who have off,I am working Thurs., Fri. and Sat.I have some time Thurs. am for a close hike and just wondered how the McDowells are.Like the Supes,but the Macs are closer to me. Any info?? :

[Mike]

I haven't hiked in the Macs, but try this section of the TrailDex, https://hikearizona.com/traildex.php?SH ... PN=1&ID=34. Here's the county's site for the park's trails, ( dead link removed ). Tom's Thumb, ( dead link removed ).

[Nighthiker]

They don't like nighthikers.

[ck_1]

The Macs don't have what I'd consider to be a great trail system for hikers. I know trail runner's like the trails because for the most part, they are pretty level, no huge climbs, save one. The Pemberton is long, but I'd never want to hike it. I'd suggest off trail hiking up into the mountains themselves...as I have yet to discover actual designated trails leading into the mountains...(though I haven't looked very hard)

When I head that way it is for mountain biking....the park is great for riding...the pemberton gives a long sustained burn, while allowing for segmented versions for a bit more excitement. The most interesting areas of the Macs with trails are those set aside as the race loops...one is long, one is fast, and one is technical...all are awesome...the long loop has great variety in trail and excellent views.

[sidhayes]

A road, blocked to most vehicles, ascends to the summit of one of the high points of the McDowells, Thompson Peak. It is about 10 miles round trip and 2000 foot plus elevation gain. One can also travel north from this route on trails all the way to McDowell Mtn. park.

[youngboy]

I suggest hiking to the top of McDowell peak, the highest in the range. It's the best view I've seen so far in the valley

[Mike]

A road, blocked to most vehicles, ascends to the summit of one of the high points of the McDowells, Thompson Peak. It is about 10 miles round trip and 2000 foot plus elevation gain. One can also travel north from this route on trails all the way to McDowell Mtn. park.

Sid, where can this road be accessed?

[sidhayes]

The road is near Palisades blvd. and is called Dixie Mine road. Quite a few people do this hike.

[GeorgAZ]

Thanks for the info! Will try for the McDowell Peak! Happy T-Day!!

[sidhayes]

I believe McDowell Peak is a cross country climb with no trail.

[ucalljoe]

If you get a Tonto National Forest map you can follow the route I took over the McDowell Mtns. At the point where Fountain Hills Rd. leaves Fountain Hills just past the school is some state trust land. This area is full of motorcycle and ATV trails. The land is pretty torn up. Make your way North and West along a big wash. Eventually you come to the McDowell Mtns. Regional Park fence. It was down in a section there so it was easy to cross. Here there is an old jeep trail that follows a wash and goes in a Northwest direction towards McDowell peak. As you get close to the foot of the mountain you do see evidence of a fire but otherwise the flora is beautiful. Then staying in the wash make your way a little to the North and cross at the low point on the saddle between the peaks. From there I followed the wash West and found what is marked as Mountain Spring. Then I followe this wash west out of the mountains and hooked up with a trail that follows the western base of the mountains south to Bell Road where the is a trailhead with parking for about six cars. Ran into a pack of javelina. I have been looking for a curcumferece trail around the Macs but they have built the homes around Pinnacle Peak half way up the slopes. I have heard about some trailheads off of 124th and 128th St.s north of Cactus. that I am going to check out next.