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McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale | Map and Routes
Sports Facility Β· Heath Β· Reservoir
4.8 (1084 ratings)
Located in Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a hiker's paradise, offering 33,839.5 acres of natural beauty to explore. With an extensive network of trails catering to all levels of ...
Located in Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a hiker's paradise, offering 33,839.5 acres of natural beauty to explore. With an extensive network of trails catering to all levels of experience, this preserve is the ideal destination for walkers and hikers seeking adventure and tranquility. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas make it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while engaging in physical activity, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an active outdoor experience. For more information about the park's routes and trails, users can download Pacer Pedometer for comprehensive details and route info. As one of the largest urban preserves in the United States, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve boasts an impressive variety of routes to suit every walker and hiker's preferences. Whether you're drawn to the scenic views of the Black Hill trail or the unique landscape of the Whiskey Bottle trail, there are options for everyone to enjoy. The preserve offers an extensive selection of trails, with varying lengths and difficulty levels, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect route to match their activity level and time constraints. With its well-marked paths and informative trailheads, the preserve makes it easy for walkers and hikers to navigate and explore the natural wonders that await them. In addition to its remarkable trails, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides an unparalleled opportunity for walkers and hikers to connect with nature and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activity. The park's commitment to conservation and preservation ensures that visitors can experience the unspoiled beauty of the desert landscape while engaging in their favorite outdoor pursuits. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll through the desert flora or a challenging ascent to panoramic viewpoints, the preserve offers an enriching and invigorating experience for all. For those looking to explore the park's routes and plan their hiking adventures, the Pacer Pedometer app is a valuable resource, providing detailed information and insights to enhance your visit to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
View MoreView More25750 N 116th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA33.7192Β° N , -111.8290Β° W
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Walking and Hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, United States is a paradise for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its extensive network of trails and stunning natural beauty, the preserve offers a diverse range of experiences for walkers and hikers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has ...
McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, United States is a paradise for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its extensive network of trails and stunning natural beauty, the preserve offers a diverse range of experiences for walkers and hikers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone. The park provides essential amenities such as parking lots and restrooms, ensuring convenience for visitors. Additionally, the wheelchair-friendly trails make the preserve accessible to a wide range of individuals. For those interested in exploring, the park offers breathtaking viewpoints including Lookout, The Amphitheater, Scenic View, Inspiration Viewpoint, and Windgate Pass. With its well-maintained trails and captivating landscapes, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the ideal destination for a fulfilling walking and hiking adventure.
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Websitehttps://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve
Essential Amenities in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Sport Facilities
Accessibility in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Things to See in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Viewpoint
Lookout
Viewpoint
The Amphitheater
Viewpoint
Scenic View
Viewpoint
Inspiration Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Windgate Pass
Best Walking Routes in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
#1 - Gateway Loop (Moderate)
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Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h59m
Gateway Loop (Moderate) is a 3.9 mile (9,000-step) route located near Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#2 - Tom's Thumb Trail - Tom's Thumb
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Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 35m
Tom's Thumb Trail - Tom's Thumb is a 2.1 mile (4,500-step) route located near Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 564.2 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#3 - Gateway Loop Trail
11
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m
Gateway Loop Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Scottsdale, Arizona. This route has an elevation gain of about 410 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
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McDowell Sonoran Preserve Leaderboard
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19*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
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FAQs About McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Where is the best place to walk in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The best place to walk in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is subjective and depends on your preferences. However, popular routes include Black Hill and Whiskey Bottle. Black Hill is a 1.9-mile trail with a rating of 4.0 based on 1 review and an estimated time of 32 minutes. Whiskey Bottle is a 1.5-mile trail with a rating of 4.0 based on 1 review and an estimated time of 25 minutes. For more routes and reviews, you can check out the Pacer community for additional insights.
How many routes are in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers multiple routes for walkers and hikers to explore. Currently, there are two popular routes, including Black Hill and Whiskey Bottle. For more route options, you can refer to the Pacer community for a comprehensive list of trails, ratings, and reviews.
Which is the longest route in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The longest route in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the Black Hill trail, which spans 1.9 miles. This trail is rated 4.0 based on 1 review and has an estimated time of 32 minutes. For more details on routes and trail lengths, the Pacer community can provide additional insights and recommendations.
Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
Yes, McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers several amenities for walkers and hikers, including parking lots and restrooms at various locations throughout the park to ensure convenience and accessibility.
How accessible is McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The park is wheelchair friendly, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
What kind of sports can I do in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
In addition to walking and hiking, visitors to McDowell Sonoran Preserve can also enjoy biking along the designated bike paths available within the park.
What is the best season to walk in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
The best season for walking or hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is typically from late fall to early spring when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
In McDowell Sonoran Preserve, visitors should be prepared for hot and dry conditions, especially during the summer months. It's important to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and dress in light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
What kind of wildlife might you encounter in McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including desert species such as coyotes, javelinas, bobcats, and various species of birds. Visitors should also be mindful of snakes, such as rattlesnakes, and take precautions to avoid disturbing the natural habitat of these animals.
Last updated: Dec 6, 2025