HikeArizona.COM

As some of you may know, I recently started a new job in North Scottsdale. I travel the loop 101 eastbound from Glendale. I exit at Raintree. My question is, what are those mountian peaks that are right there towards the east and most important, is there access? The steepest peak with the antenna on the top, Does anyone know what that one is called - I wanna hike it!

Those are the McDowell Mountains. Check out the Fountain Hills area in the traildex, http://hikearizona.com/subRegion-Hikes.php?RID=40

More info here... http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/

I'm not too far from that area, if you decide to do some hiking there, let me know.

I believe the peak you see is Thompson Peak, it's the only one I know of that has an antenna on top and you can easily see it as you're going east on the 101 right before it turns south. I hiked it once about 3 years ago and can't quite remember how to get to the trailhead (I wasn't driving) but I do remember having to go north through Fountain Hills. The trail meanders across flat desert for about 4 miles and then starts up the peak. The "trail" is actually a service road to the communication towers on top and it's STEEP!

I see that no one has posted a hike report on it yet...you could be the first one!

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?TN=Thompson%20Peak

I travel northbound on the 101 to Scottsdale from Chandler everyday, and I see those same mountains. I've been wondering about a ridgeline hike of the McDowells. Anyone know about that??

A ridgeline hike from Shea blvd., over Thompson Peak, East end, Troon Mtn, and Pinnacle Peak is more difficult than the Superstition Ridgeline but not as difficult as the Estrella ridgeline. Thompson peak is not the highest in the range. East end is the tallest.

Wow, that sounds like an awesome hike. Sounds like you've done it before. I know I think about it everyday as I look at them. Do you happen to know the total mileage one way?? If you start at Shea, where do you finish? And is there a trail or are you on your own?

I apologize for all the questions, but I'm not familiar w/ the McDowells at all.

Thanks for the info, Sid.

The total milage perhaps 16-18 miles with a elevation gain of over 6000 feet, as one must go up and down a lot, over many peaks, including South Peak, Thompson Peak, East end, Troon, and Pinnacle peak. There is no trail along the crest-ever and one finishes on the Pinnacle Peak trail, on the north side of Pinnacle peak. Ascending Troon and Pinnacle Peaks are the most challenging parts of the journey.

That sounds like a good hike! I am up for trying it...sometime!

Sid,

I am not going to ask you how long it took because you are mister speedy legs...but I do wonder how much time it would take an average hiker.

If an average hiker has done the Superstition ridgeline, then perhaps add another 5 hours to that time. It would be much easier if one does not ascend East end, Troon or Pinnacle Peaks. If that is the case, the total distance would be about 13-14 miles, and a total time of perhaps 10 hours.

Thanks Sid!

sid,
how often do you hike the McDowells? seems you have a pretty extensive knowledge of them.

Not often, but over 30 years, the trips stack up!

favorite route?

Thanx for all the info... Im not real interested in a ridgeline hike, But I do wanna conquer Thompson peak.... It calls out to me everyday!