Quartz Trail - MSP • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jun 23 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 346

Hiking	5.13 Miles	585 AEG

Hiking	5.13 Miles	1 Hour 14 Mns	4.16 mph
	585 ft AEG

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Taliesin Trail - MSP

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I had some time to kill between appointments in Scottsdale and noticed Javelina Trailhead on the map near where I'd be, and that sounded more appealing than anything I else I could do for an hour. I ended up parking near 104th Street and decided I'd hike out for ~30 minutes and turn around to fill the available time I had.

I mostly stayed on Quartz Trail and hiked a short distance on Taliesin before I turned around...not enough time to get in far enough to anything even a little interesting or challenging. The parts of the trails I was on that pass through the wash with houses lining both sides make SoMo look like a remote backcountry wilderness, but I did see a deer on the hike out, and it was a good excuse to get outside and avoid passing the time with something like work

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mule Deer

Jan 25 2025

ScaredyCat

Guides 2
Routes 208
Photos 93
Triplogs 205

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 25 2025
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 205

Hiking	12.03 Miles	1,922 AEG

Hiking	12.03 Miles	5 Hrs 13 Mns	2.62 mph
	1,922 ft AEG	38 Mns Break

no photosets

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Alright, advertised a lengthy Meetup hike and received a strong response. Capable and fun group. 10 of 11 met at TH. Great % 1st couple trails easy. Gets more interesting on Quartz.

We followed it to the end. A couple of us climbed up a bit higher. Then up to the quartz outcropping on the way out. Formed a loop part way through with Lost Dog & Old Jeep Trails. Eat on the way back and still home by 4.

Dec 31 2024

wallyfrack

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 31 2024
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	8.20 Miles	954 AEG

Hiking	8.20 Miles	2 Hrs 22 Mns	3.46 mph
	954 ft AEG

no routes

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Levee Trail - MSP

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A quick morning hike to get a few extra miles. Never had been to the Quartz Trail. The trails are good but close to housing so not a wilderness feel at all. Nice weather and easy hiking.

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2 archives

Feb 26 2024

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Thompson Peak Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 26 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	13.28 Miles	2,684 AEG

Hiking	13.28 Miles	5 Hrs 14 Mns		2.68 mph
	2,684 ft AEG	17 Mns Break	6 LBS Pack

Linked

11 linked trail guides

Bell Pass - Bell / 104th TH

Saguaro Trail - MSP

Equestrian Bypass Trail - MSP

Levee Trail - MSP

104th Street Trail - MSP

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A gorgeous overcast day with perfect temperatures all day, and some of the virga transformed to light drizzle for the 2nd half. Busy on the gateway loop, one MTB'er on the Prospector, and four descending Thompson Peak. After that, nobody.

The climb to the saddle where I went down off-trail was steep as always. Slow going on the steep downhill off-trail section to get to the Quartz Trail. I'm not a big fan of the Paradise Trail, but it helped me complete my loop.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Feb 10 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,485
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,375

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Loop II, AZ

Hiking		Feb 10 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375

Hiking	21.86 Miles	3,505 AEG

Hiking	21.86 Miles	9 Hrs 40 Mns	2.51 mph
	3,505 ft AEG	58 Mns Break

Linked

17 linked trail guides

Windgate Pass Trail - MSP

Coachwhip Trail - MMRP

Windmill Trail - MSP

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no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

It was a nice day for a long hike, so I decided to do this one, which is a variation of a similar hike that I did last month.

This is a big CCW loop that starts and ends at the Adero Canyon TH. The loop goes through 3 different preserves and uses 17 different trails. The trails in the Fountain Hills Preserve are definitely the best ones on this hike!

There were a few people out on the trails in the Scottsdale Preserve, but I did not see anyone in the Fountain Hills Preserve or the Maricopa County Regional Park.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Ocotillo

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mazatzal Mountains Thompson Peak

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Jan 22 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,485
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,375

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 22 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375

Hiking	19.62 Miles	3,264 AEG

Hiking	19.62 Miles	8 Hrs 30 Mns	2.58 mph
	3,264 ft AEG	53 Mns Break

Linked

17 linked trail guides

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no partners

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I decided to take advantage of a nice hiking day and do this long loop again.

Weather was near perfect for me: cool and cloudy.

There weren't very many people out on the trails today. I did not see anyone out in the Fountain Hills Preserve.

Trails are much nicer in the Fountain Hills Preserve than in the Scottsdale Preserve.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Aug 20 2023

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Maricopa Trail - Scottsdale/Gateway

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Aug 20 2023
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	12.53 Miles	1,202 AEG

Hiking	12.53 Miles	3 Hrs 41 Mns	3.50 mph
	1,202 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Taliesin Trail - MSP

West World Trail - MSP

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The majority of these trails within this lasso loop just aren't that aesthetic. Basically, hiking in washes between cookie-cutter houses and around a golf course below transmission lines.

5 archives

Jan 23 2023

Guides 99
Routes 1,485
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,375

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Duper Lupe, AZ

Hiking		Jan 23 2023
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375

Hiking	23.60 Miles	4,116 AEG

Hiking	23.60 Miles	9 Hrs 33 Mns	2.74 mph
	4,116 ft AEG	56 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

18 linked trail guides

Windgate Pass Trail - MSP

Coachwhip Trail - MMRP

Windmill Trail - MSP

Inspiration Point via Windgate

Sunrise Trail

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I have been doing a lot of short hikes lately so I decided to take advantage of a cold, cloudy day and do a longer, close-to-home today.

I started and ended at the Adero Canyon TH, and did a long CCW loop that went through 3 different preserves and utilized a number of different trails. The trails in these preserves are interconnected, and there are several different trailheads that you could start from and come up with some loop hikes that are as long or as short as you want.

This hike isn't all that exciting, but it worked well for what I wanted to do today.

There were very few people out on the trails today -- I guess that the masses stayed home instead of venturing out in the unseasonably cool weather. On the way back, I went 7-8 miles without seeing anyone on the trail.

At one point in mid-afternoon there were some snow flurries, which I enjoyed.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
there were a few chuparosa blooming on the sections of the Quartz Trail that went through some washes, but that was it for wildflowers

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

2 archives

Jan 20 2023

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Adero Super Loop via 104th St, AZ

Hiking		Jan 20 2023
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	22.44 Miles	4,328 AEG

Hiking	22.44 Miles	6 Hrs 37 Mns	3.53 mph
	4,328 ft AEG	16 Mns Break

Linked

22 linked trail guides

104th Street Trail - MSP

Levee Trail - MSP

Maricopa Trail - Scottsdale/Gateway

Sunrise Peak from Adero Canyon TH

Peak Spur Trail - MSP

Bell Pass - Bell / 104th TH

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Not too shabby of a route.

However, going CCW, once cresting onto the Sunrise saddlepoint, all that could be heard from below is the sounds of destruction! The traverse north on Andrew - Kinsey stays dispiriting until past the Adero Canyon junction. The sound of jet engine rumbling is also ever-present when climbing west back towards Bell Pass. This almost constant annoyance of sonic booms isn't as bad on this hike as when one hikes Windgate Pass or the western sections of the Tom's Thumb Trail. Three of five stars if I was to rate this as a standalone guide.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] East End

14 archives

Jan 02 2023

Guides 99
Routes 1,485
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,375

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 02 2023
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375

Hiking	20.24 Miles	3,661 AEG

Hiking	20.24 Miles	7 Hrs 48 Mns	2.87 mph
	3,661 ft AEG	45 Mns Break

Linked

19 linked trail guides

North Sonoran Crossover Trail - FHP

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For my first hike of the year, I decided to stay close to home and get a few miles in.

The weather was nice and cool for most of the hike, although the sun came out for a bit about half way through the hike which warmed things up a bit.

I didn't see anyone until I got up to Bell Pass, and then there were a few people out on the trail the closer that I got to the Gateway TH. Once past the Gateway Loop I mostly had the trail to myself again.

This isn't the most exciting hike in the world, but it was a nice day to be outside!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Chuparosa

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
I saw a few chuparosa blooming, but that was about it. The saguaros look fat and happy.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

1 archive

Sep 21 2022

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 21 2022
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	8.74 Miles	1,163 AEG

Hiking	8.74 Miles	2 Hrs 40 Mns	3.45 mph
	1,163 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

no photosets

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One large angry viper in the wash near the terminus. Final third leg is basically an off trail beginner type route that novices could cut their teeth on.

3 archives

May 14 2022

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Southern McDowell loop, AZ

Run/Jog		May 14 2022
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	19.63 Miles	3,347 AEG

Run/Jog	19.63 Miles	4 Hrs 38 Mns	4.28 mph
	3,347 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

no photosets

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11 linked trail guides

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Had to stay close, so decided to start really early and revisit a loop I did ~7 years ago, some of which I haven't seen since then. Opted to go CCW to get the climb up Sunrise out of the way in the shade. Temperatures were pretty reasonable for a good while, and got to Dixie Mine with no sweat, where I took a short breather under one of the cottonwood trees. One of my favorite spots in the McDowells.

Started getting warm on the way up Bell Pass, but there was an occasional breeze. The way down the west side was pleasant enough, I think the later shadows on that side kept it from warming up as fast.

~4 miles or so from the end, once I hit Quartz trail, I really started overheating, and had to stop a couple of times under big palo verde trees to cool down. Those last few miles were really pretty miserable. Really not a bad loop for something so close to town.

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Feb 01 2022

Guides 99
Routes 1,485
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,375

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2022
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375

Hiking	19.93 Miles	4,069 AEG

Hiking	19.93 Miles	7 Hrs 38 Mns	2.87 mph
	4,069 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

Linked

19 linked trail guides

North Sonoran Crossover Trail - FHP

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

It was a mostly cloudy day today, so I decided to stay close to home and do this hike to get some miles in.

I did another CCW loop starting and ending at the Adero Canyon TH in Fountain Hills. The desert looks really green right now, which will hopefully lead to a nice spring wildflower season in the coming weeks.

There is nothing remarkable about this hike, but it was a pleasant hike with not many people on the trails.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Jan 19 2022

Guides 99
Routes 1,485
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,375

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 19 2022
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375

Hiking	20.24 Miles	4,083 AEG

Hiking	20.24 Miles	8 Hrs 14 Mns	2.79 mph
	4,083 ft AEG	58 Mns Break

Linked

19 linked trail guides

North Sonoran Crossover Trail - FHP

[ checklist ] Fountain Lake Mount Ord Superstition Mountains - Ridgeline Thompson Peak Weavers Needle

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no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I wanted to get out and stretch my legs a bit today and decided to do this hike. It is not the most exciting hike in the world, but it is close to home and is a good workout.

There was some nice cloud cover for the first 6-7 miles, but then the sun came out. Thankfully later in the afternoon there was some shade on the east side of some hills.

There weren't many people out on the hike, so I mostly had the trails to myself.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Antenna Farm

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A few chuparosa were blooming, but that was it for any flowers. There were some very healthy looking brittlebush and ocotillo, which generates optimism for a nice spring wildflower season!

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Nov 13 2021

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Lost Dog-Quartz Explore, AZ

Hiking		Nov 13 2021
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Hiking	11.08 Miles	1,428 AEG

Hiking	11.08 Miles	3 Hrs 21 Mns	3.32 mph
	1,428 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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First time exploring the McDowells from the 1124th St./Lost Dog trailhead. Scenery is a little on the ho-hum side. I was hoping that the quartz trail would have some destination excitement, but the turnaround point is fairly random.

All in all, this area would be nice for doing trail runs or some moderate mountain biking. Next time I’m back in this area, I will probably head up in the Sunrise Peak direction instead.

The trailhead officially opens at 6:17 a.m. (very precise, apparently). I arrived a little before that and just parked in the elementary school parking lot just down the street instead.

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2 archives

Oct 24 2021

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 673
Photos 7,281
Triplogs 4,660

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 24 2021
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660

Hiking	10.10 Miles	1,435 AEG

Hiking	10.10 Miles	3 Hrs 16 Mns	3.21 mph
	1,435 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

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Kovach Family Nature Trail MSP

Anazasi Spur Trail - MSP

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got a late start this morning
couldn't decide what to do
had done a version of this hike nine years ago
lost dog to the overlook, then quartz with a side trip to the quartz outcropping
continued on quartz to where it dropped into a wash
i remember a good trail above the wash
there was a sign stating the trail is in the wash; wish i had taken a photo of it
anyway, the wash sucked, with deep gravel and bugs
didn't feel like a mile of that, so i turned around
took the long way back on the jeep trail, ringtail, anazasi spur and hit the nature trail to get double digits
this was not my favorite hike
the best thing from lost dog is sunrise peak
nice day, got ten miles in, good enough
estimating elevation gain since i can't get route cloud to work
will revise when it does

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hazhole

1 archive

Mar 09 2021

jillyonanadventure

Routes 175
Photos 2,335
Triplogs 191

44 female

Joined Jan 21 2019
Pine, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 09 2021
		jillyonanadventure • Triplogs 191

Hiking	5.86 Miles	635 AEG

Hiking	5.86 Miles	1 Hour 53 Mns	3.11 mph
	635 ft AEG

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none

no linked trail guides

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no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

The wind was so strong it kept blowing the whistle on my backpack

_____________________

Restless between adventures...

Feb 28 2021

Nate_F

Routes 215
Photos 1,337
Triplogs 124

53 male

Joined May 26 2017
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 28 2021
		Nate_F • Triplogs 124

Hiking	10.40 Miles	1,714 AEG

Hiking	10.40 Miles	5 Hrs 4 Mns	2.19 mph
	1,714 ft AEG	19 Mns Break

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linked

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Nice hike in the McDowell's this morning to explore a part of the Preserve I haven't been to yet. Nobody in the parking lot when I started at 7:00, but was only 1/4 full when I returned. Added the Taliesin Overlook and Quartz hill for extra as well. Walked all the way to the end of the trail just below Thompson PK. Ends at a nice rock wall that would be spectacular after rains. Saw not many people but 2 mule deer and one dead javelina. Peaceful and serene when you are near the end of the trail. Had my lunch and headed out. Very breezy this morning and no wildflowers.

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Feb 06 2021

AugustWest

Routes 174
Photos 471
Triplogs 184

51 male

Joined Mar 16 2019
Phoenix

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Wander, AZ

Hiking		Feb 06 2021
		AugustWest • Triplogs 184

Hiking	10.25 Miles	1,521 AEG

Hiking	10.25 Miles	3 Hrs 46 Mns	2.75 mph
	1,521 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

no photosets

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linked

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Met some friends out here for an early morning hike. Anyone know why 6:54 AM is the time the gate opens? Kinda weird if you ask me (nobody is asking. I know).

We stayed low and wandered up the Quartz Trail to the end. Enjoyed the company, but if I am going to drive out here, Sunrise from 136th St remains my favorite for the Southern McDowell's.

Trails were packed with well meaning people and extra wonderful pooches. Saw a dead javelina in Quartz Wash that is gonna stink by Monday.

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Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again

Feb 02 2021

jillyonanadventure

Routes 175
Photos 2,335
Triplogs 191

44 female

Joined Jan 21 2019
Pine, AZ

Quartz Paradise, AZ

Hiking		Feb 02 2021
		jillyonanadventure • Triplogs 191

Hiking	4.07 Miles	328 AEG

Hiking	4.07 Miles	1 Hour 31 Mns	2.71 mph
	328 ft AEG	1 Min Break

Linked

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