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Fort McDowell, Arizona

Looking for the best hiking in Fort McDowell? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Fort McDowell. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Fort McDowell

  • Fountain Hills, Arizona

    Hike the Dixie Mine Trail

    2.0
    5.5 mi / 591 ft gain
    The MineDixie mine was established in 1877, when mining scouts noticed the large amount of quartz in the area. The Dixie Mine was sold many times throughout the 20th Century and was ruled no longer efficient in 1977 when it was sold to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The PetroglyphsThe area ...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak

    4.8
    3.73 mi / 1037 ft gain
    Sunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail

    2.5
    2.4 mi
    This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...
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  • Mesa, Arizona

    Photograph the Salt River Wild Horses at Coon Bluff

    5.0
    Wild horses have roamed the banks of the lower Salt River since long before the Tonto National Forest was created in 1902.  It is thought that these wild horses have descended from a herd brought to the area by a Spanish missionary in the 1600's.   In 2015 the United States Forest Service had pu...
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Hike the Goldfield Ovens Loop

    7.5 mi / 575 ft gain
    A Tonto Day Pass is required for this hike as you will park your vehicle at the Blue Point Picnic Area. The trail starts North of the restrooms which are located at the backside of the parking lot. The trail takes you through a mesquite filled area alongside large rock faces. Be sure too look for...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Marcus Landslide Trail

    5.0
    3.77 mi / 561 ft gain
    Named after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike.  It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hi...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Tom's Thumb

    4.3
    3.98 mi / 1236 ft gain
    The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline.   The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake

    4.6
    4 mi / 300 ft gain
    Butcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat!The trailhead is located right ...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Gateway Loop

    4.5
    4.32 mi / 764 ft gain
    The Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Hike Bell's Pass

    7.3 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Starting at 1800 ft elevation, the trail begins at Gateway Loop. This part of the trail will start off pretty flat and be more crowded than Bell's Pass depending on the day and time you are hiking. If you enjoy running this would be the time to do it before you reach Bell's Pass and the incline i...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike the Wind Cave Trail

    4.3
    2.9 mi / 790 ft gain
    This is a great trail for a run or for stretching your legs exploring the caves in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Keep in mind that the trail leads you up to the cave and is the end point. To get better views of the area, you'll have to climb up past the caves, where the trail is not marked.
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pinnacle Peak Trail

    4.4
    3.87 mi / 896 ft gain
    Pinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail

    3.98 mi / 154 ft gain
    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike the Boulder Canyon Trail

    4.0
    10 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Parking for the trailhead is actually in the same lot as the marina.  There is a restaurant, campground, and restrooms all in the vicinity of the parking lot.  The actual trailhead is on the other side of the street opposite the parking lot entrance road.  The hike begins an uphill climb.  In a c...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park

    4.8
    Lost Dutchman State Park is located near the Superstition Mountains in central Phoenix, about 40 miles from Phoenix. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you’re camping ($15/night). The park offers 134 campsites, each with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire pit, a...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Treasure Loop via Jacob's Crosscut Trail

    3.78 mi / 620 ft gain
    Starting Treasure Loop from Jacob's Crosscut offers a slight variation on Treasure Loop as well as ~1.5 miles if you're looking for a little extra distance. This trail is dog friendly on-leash and is used by hikers and runners. 
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