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McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Best Hiking Trails in McDowell Sonoran Preserve

94 reviews


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Overview

McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a protected area in Arizona.


Resources

  • scottsdaleaz.gov
  • wikipedia

  • Hiking Trails (24)
  • Reviews (94)
  1. 1
    Horseshoe Ridge Loop via Gateway Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.5 mi
  2. 2
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.2 mi
  3. 3
    Sunrise Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.0 mi
  4. 4
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.9 mi
  5. 5
    Lost Dog Trailhead via Lost Dog
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.1 mi
  6. 6
    Tom's Thumb Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.6 mi
  7. 7
    Gateway Trailhead Loop via Horseshoe Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.4 mi
  8. 8
    Tom's Thumb Trailhead via Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.0 mi
  9. 9
    104th Street Trailhead via Levee trail and 104th Street Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.6 mi
  10. 10
    Boulder Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.8 mi
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    jayvhicks 2 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/5/24, 9:47:52AM)
    Great loop trail within the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve. You leave the tourist behind about 1.5 miles into the hike. Great scenery and views of Weavers Needle and Four Peaks.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    David Neff 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/16/23, 10:06:56AM)
    M C
    ★ ★

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    bentz3 2 years, 6 months ago
    Marcus Landslide
    Spectacular weather — moderate temps w/ breeze starting out; clear skies. Clean trail & great desert scenery.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    lauren.l.secor 3 years, 3 months ago
    Toms thumb with Oddi
    Busy but people were respectful. Took the pup with me.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SteveHardesty 3 years, 4 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    Given that this is basically a Scottsdale city park, this was a really nice hike. It was rated as “easy“, which makes me think I need to re-calibrate my self rating. I was pretty beat by the end and tired the next day.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    walleyethunder 3 years, 4 months ago
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    Did this on an overcast day counterclockwise. Most of the elevation gain begins once you leave the gateway trail loop and start the climb up Bells Pass. You also leave the crowds behind here too. Great hike that gets you out far enough that you feel like you are not near an urban area minus the aircraft traffic.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    narissaayoub 3 years, 9 months ago
    Sunrise Loop
    What the hell was that.
    ★

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    tomes.restart_03 4 years ago
    Thompson Peak
    37% grade towards the top. Don't stay too long at the top, the RF signals will melt your brain but best phone signal strength of your life.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    moss.cooper1336 5 years, 2 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    A fun a rewarding hike! The switchbacks can be a little rough but overall i enjoyed it quite a bit!!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    xchavez 5 years, 4 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    First time out hiking in years. Decided to make Tom Thumb my first trail to hike. Parking was packed, clean area but the restrooms right before the trail were not cleaned. The hike it self the trails were well managed clean and couple signs describing few plants. First part was smooth then you hit good distance incline go up then even out to 3900ft total. Tom Thumb was cool to see and boulders through out.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kobo4949 6 years ago
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    No ok ooo wweerwddd DCS hghfgggdttytcx. Fix gc chug g gVichy guguggvggh. CB. Vbjjjj. BBC m
    ★

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    cdenali 6 years, 3 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    Awesome hike north of Scottsdale AZ. Go during the week to avoid the crowds.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dshoup 6 years, 4 months ago
    Sunrise Peak 1/9/2020
    Great hike right in the middle of subdivision. Great 360 degree view from top of peak. Small lot but there is an overflow lot nearby with an interesting trail link.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ashli 7 years, 4 months ago
    Great short hike with nice views. Not too crowded on a weeknight. I found it to be in the easy to moderate category. Hiked at sunset.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    funnyvalentine7731 7 years, 4 months ago
    This hike is an excellent “fitness hike” but if you’re wanting a hike with beautiful panoramic views etc, there are better choices imo...the signage is excellent! The first 3.5 miles (counterclockwise) represents the lions share of elevation for this hike, though there are ups and downs after that but nothing too intense. Bring sunblock! Happy hiking!!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    pablokent 7 years, 6 months ago
    Nice easy hike with well marked trail and bathroom facilities at nice sized parking lot. A docent was on duty at trailhead to answer questions. Great for dogs and families.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tyler.j.michael 7 years, 7 months ago
    Overcast day on Oct. 1, saw a herd of almost a dozen deer on the east end of the loop, between Bell and Windgate.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    stephbye 2 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/7/24, 9:25:50AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jasondoll1 2 years, 2 months ago
    Track (3/22/24, 11:19:40AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tomhett 2 years, 2 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★

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    smcintyre247 2 years, 2 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mikebresko 2 years, 3 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★

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    Roddy B 2 years, 4 months ago
    McDowell Mt Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Rico 2 years, 5 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    azgcooper 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/5/23, 8:41:15AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    azgcooper 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/5/23, 8:41:15AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kenaz60ty 2 years, 8 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wayno50 2 years, 9 months ago
    Sonoran Preserve, Adero to Sunrise trailheads
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bentz3 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/15/23, 6:08:25AM)
    ★

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    ramblers0721 3 years, 2 months ago
    Track (3/20/23, 2:13:51PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dan 3 years, 3 months ago
    Track (2/24/23, 11:05:24AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    spruden314 3 years, 3 months ago
    Track (2/18/23, 1:36:00PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rjdjnewton 3 years, 3 months ago
    Granite Tank Loop via Pemberton Trail and Gooseneck Trail
    ★

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    mijomi1083 3 years, 4 months ago
    Dixie Mine Petroglyphs (1/14/23, 9:47:20AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    spruden314 3 years, 4 months ago
    Adero Canyon Trailhead, Fountain Hills, AZ, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    antonioneal 3 years, 4 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb (12/29/22, 1:46:13PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    whitney.ruth 3 years, 5 months ago
    Dixie Mine
    ★

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    BA1911 3 years, 5 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★

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    tomes.restart_03 4 years ago
    Western Loop Trail and Promenade Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    miq 4 years, 1 month ago
    Track (11/12/17, 8:48:22AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kevin 4 years, 2 months ago
    Run-Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cjsobolewski 4 years, 2 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cjsobolewski 4 years, 2 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    krg5415 4 years, 3 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Kristin 4 years, 3 months ago
    Dixie mine trail with Sheldon and the boys
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    charlesfperkins 4 years, 3 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mary.hill 4 years, 5 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb (6.3 mi, 1440’ elevation)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dlcisw 4 years, 5 months ago
    Bell pass prospector
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jeff Bennett 4 years, 7 months ago
    Windgate Trail & Bell Pass
    ★ ★

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    rtlb6f 4 years, 8 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb (4/9/21, 08:25:52)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bcpmoriarty 5 years, 1 month ago
    Track (3/31/21, 6:35:41AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jess 5 years, 2 months ago
    Sunrise Loop
    ★

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    mgwordsmith 5 years, 2 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★

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    d.ehrhardt331 5 years, 3 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★

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    ifuflynch 5 years, 3 months ago
    Sunrise Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Bryan 5 years, 3 months ago
    Track (2/14/21, 8:36:26AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bcsmith2009 5 years, 3 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    paw1963 5 years, 3 months ago
    Aero Canyon (1/30/21, 12:55:08PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mary.hill 5 years, 3 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    M 5 years, 4 months ago
    Sonoran Desert: Thompson Peak
    ★ ★ ★

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    bdsoto 5 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/10/21, 2:11:28PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    M 5 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/2/21, 14:14:38)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mphurley 5 years, 4 months ago
    Adero Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dlcisw 5 years, 5 months ago
    Bell wing ate
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    brhode 5 years, 5 months ago
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tim.robbins 5 years, 5 months ago
    Track (11/25/20, 8:35:27AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    4runner 5 years, 5 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    gary.rischitelli 5 years, 5 months ago
    Dixie Mine Trail to Thompson Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    csevert 5 years, 6 months ago
    Sunrise Loop
    ★ ★ ★

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    Kris Olson 5 years, 6 months ago
    Lookout Loop via Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    jkndog 5 years, 6 months ago
    Adero Sunrise Western Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rob.britt 5 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/14/20, 1:36:37PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bdsoto 5 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/14/20, 8:15:40AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    outdoorsguyjoe 5 years, 7 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★

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    sallyjtully 5 years, 8 months ago
    Thompson Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Azelk 5 years, 10 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    stevengranroth 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (6/27/20, 05:57:19)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dsarka 5 years, 11 months ago
    Tom Thumb lookout
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kmworz 6 years ago
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    ★

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    seikorykowski 6 years ago
    Track (4/27/20, 7:53:25AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    reganletourneau 6 years, 1 month ago
    Gateway to Bells Pass to Thompson Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tornadokev 6 years, 3 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kmaceross 6 years, 4 months ago
    Sonoran Trail Fountain Hills
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    serautoxr 6 years, 4 months ago
    Tom's Thumb Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    paw1963 6 years, 4 months ago
    Sunrise (1/9/20, 1:22:12PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jkndog 6 years, 4 months ago
    Dixie Mine Trail w wash
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Hiker_Girl_AZ 6 years, 4 months ago
    Sunrise
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Wilson 6 years, 5 months ago
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Wilson 6 years, 5 months ago
    Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Todd Seimer 6 years, 7 months ago
    Toms thumb
    ★ ★ ★

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    Justin Tucker 6 years, 8 months ago
    Tom’s Thumb Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mike.r.riggs 6 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/1/19, 5:15:34PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jeanne 7 years, 1 month ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    danmurraybv 7 years, 2 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★