McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Phoenix
McDowell Mountain Park, in northeast Phoenix, is a great place for families interested in stretching their legs in the desert Southwest. Hike, mountain bike and horseback ride on more than 40 miles (65 km) of multi-use trails. Test your biking skills on the Park's competitive track. Spot wildlife such as deer, javelina (collared peccary), coyotes and birds. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Follow the trail to the Dixie Mine, an abandoned gold and silver mine. Marvel at petroglyphs made by ... Read MoreHohokam Indians as much as 2000 years ago. Participate in one of the regularly scheduled programs and further explore the desert at this 21,099-acre Maricopa County Regional Park. And should the kids need a break from the activity, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the Park's designated picnic areas. You need not venture beyond the Valley of the Sun to enjoy the great outdoors!
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Getting There
McDowell Mountain Park is situated in the northeast Valley community of Fountain Hills and is accessible from Fountain Hills Blvd. Take Loop 2002 east to Beeline Hwy (SR87). Go east on Shea Blvd. Turn right on Fountain Hills Blvd.
Getting Around
The more than 40 miles (65 km) of multi-use trails - hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding - range from easy to extreme. The short, flat Wagner Trail (1.1. mile or 1.8 km) is graded easy and is perfect for families with younger children. The moderate 3.1 mile (5 km) North Trail is ideal for families keen on exploring the Sonoran Desert. Both are open to hikers and bikers only. Pemberton Trail (15.4 miles or 24.8 km) is nothing short of strenuous. The Dixie Mine Trail is currently closed. The competitive track consists of 3 loop trails of varying length and difficulty. Detailed topographical maps showing hiking, biking, and multi-use trails and the McDowell competitive track are available online in PDF. Of note, not all hiking and mountain biking trails are multi-use.
Trailheads & Grades
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Trail Map Maricopa County Competative Track Map Maricopa County Hours & Times
The park is open 6:00-20:00 Monday through Friday, 6:00-22:00 Saturday and Sunday. Events from workshops to bike races are scheduled throughout the year.
Admission & Fees
A day use fee is charged per vehicle unless you are traveling on foot, bike or horse in which case the fee is per person. Camping and activity fees, such as archery, are charged separately.
Contact Details
Telephone +1 (480) 471 0173. Email mcdowellpark@mail.maricopa.gov.
Things to Keep in Mind
This is a desert climate, wear sunscreen and carry plenty of drinking water. Picnic tables and campsites are available on a first come, first served basis.
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