McDowell Moutain Regional Park

[jewelsaz33]

Looking for a new hike. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on trails at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. I am looking for 4-5 miles round trip with moderate difficulty and beautiful views. Thanks for you suggestions.
Julie

[chumley]

Looking at the map, there's a handful of trails that might fit your description.
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=1402

Try Bell Pass Trail, Lost Dog Wash, Sunrise Peak, or Tom's Thumb.
Of course, you can also do any of the longer trails, and just turn around at the distance you are most comfortable with.

[The_Eagle]

@jewelsaz33
This is the popular one out there. It takes off from the Gateway Center
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1314

This my favorite hike out there.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=733
and make sure to add the Lookout Trail up there (1 mile Rnd Trip) for the best views in the McDowells
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?GPS=8956

[jewelsaz33]

@coanbru,
I would love to check out Toms Thumb, sounds great, but I don't have a high clearance vehicle for the trailhead. Maybe someday. Thanks for the info though. I will check out the other trail.
Jewels

[gummo]

@coanbru,
I would love to check out Toms Thumb, sounds great, but I don't have a high clearance vehicle for the trailhead. Maybe someday. Thanks for the info though. I will check out the other trail.
Jewels

"No high clearance vehicle necessary." according to the Tom's Thumb trail description.

[WilliamnWendi]

@coanbru,
I would love to check out Toms Thumb, sounds great, but I don't have a high clearance vehicle for the trailhead. Maybe someday. Thanks for the info though. I will check out the other trail.
Jewels

"No high clearance vehicle necessary." according to the Tom's Thumb trail description.

I would second, that. Tom's Thumb is one of the best trails in the MMRP and high clearance is not necessary. My sedan makes it just fine. I might put it at the high side of moderate for a 4 mile hike but still qualifies. Definitely gets your lungs pumping and worth every bit of the effort.

I might also throw in the Dixie Mine Trail. It is 6.8 but an out and back so turn around whenever your ready. The Dixie Mine itself is not on my must-see list anyway unless you have interest in that type of thing, this hike is definitely more about the journey than the destination. I would consider that hike on the low end of moderate but hike is classic desert beauty.

Though too easy to qualify as moderate, one trail I never tire of is the North Trail. That is the trail that really got Wendi and I in love with hiking. I believe it is 3 mile hike.

[Boscoaz]

I agree on the high clearance comments for the Tom's Thumb trailhead. I was out there about a week ago in my Honda Civic and had no issue making it out. I just had to slow down in a few areas.

The lookout trail just past Tom's Thumb is one of the best for views. Just be careful coming down the Tom's Thumb trail. The small gravel on the granite rocks can be slippery. Take it slow.

If you are coming from closer to Shea Blvd, the Sunrise Trail is another good trail. For more info go to http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org . There is some really good info on the trails on their website.

[jewelsaz33]

Being that you have to have a High-Clearance to get to the remote Trailhead, this trail sees much less use then the rest of the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust.

One of the first lines in the trail description. Good to hear my Hyundai Elantra will make the trip. I really want to check it out!
Jewels

[burntlizard]

You can also park at the Gateway parking lot, it's off Thompson Peak and North of Bell Road. It has room for 50-75 cars and a Sonoran desert visitors center, if you would like to see some info on the area. Additionally, it has cool visuals and maps of the entire trail system.

[Nighthiker]

Visited a couple of times since November, thinking about setting up a base camp for hiking and biking the area. Cycling camping group has a upcoming trip, Scottsdale to Lost Dutchman State Park and then over to McDowell. During my visits I was surprised how many late after visitors the park received.