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McDowell Sonoran Preserve

4.8 (169 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Photos

Recommended Reviews - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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Louis B.

Excellent overall. Very well maintained trail with excellent views of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix and Scottsdale. The loop takes you up the side of the mountain, around the back, and back in. The back of the range is one of the very few times in the entire Phoenix area you'll see just wilderness and serene beauty instead of urban sprawl and unending traffic. It really is a wonderfully disconnecting experience. Water is available only at the trailhead buildings. From there, several trails are marked with different expertise levels. If you're bringing a dog, numerous signs are posted about the dangers of heat stroke on dogs, so beware. One of thehighlights of our visit to Scottsdale.

Beautiful here
Zo M.

Absolutely recommend this area for anything from easy trails can walk in tennis shoes to moderately difficult trails with hiking boots. We did both and the views are worth it. We did Gateway trail 4.6 miles and started left to get the harder incline trail 1st so can descend easier on other side. It was pretty rocky throughout and definitely needed water/ snacks. We couldn't help stopping for pics so it took a few hours . Went back the next day for horseshoe trail a easier 1.7 mile look with virtually no ascends and a few great places for views. Could easily run here with your furr babies or hike. Will be back when in Scottsdale.

Elle M.

Impressive. I thought I had arrived at a gated community. At the trail head there are restrooms, maps and local guides there to share their trail knowledge and orient you. Gorgeous trails for miles.

Dean S.

As with just about every trail in the greater Phoenix area, they are all amazing. We come out from Ohio to visit one of our sons who relocated here almost six years ago now. We love the views, the plants and how well maintained all the parks are here. All the trail stations are well marked, paths are clear and easily followed. We just enjoy the views and wandering around parks that we've not been to.

Gateway Trail
Kristy K.

Great trails. Get there early if it is a hot day. Lots of parking. There are restrooms, water fountains, a water bottle fill station, maps and information after you park. Helpful guides, too.

Jessica P.

What a natural wonder! You would think looking at Cacti would get old, but they're all different it's amazing to see. We had a great end to our day hike here and got to take advantage of the beautiful sunset. There's many trails of varying difficulty , but my toddler was able to hike here with no problem (nature trail). There was lots of friendly smiling faces along with people walking dogs, exercising, etc. My girls loved looking at all the different rocks (kids love rocks) and also they enjoyed that tiny amphitheater area. Would love to visit here again when more prepared to do a longer hike. This was spur of the moment but so glad we did a small family hike.

Cindy L.

I thought it was stunning, I never realized how many places or it should say levels of hiking that you want to anticipate, it's really up to you. I went to check it out one morning to see if it would be a good hiking place for me to bring my dog. She's under 6 pounds but boy is she a walker, I don't believe that she will have any problems doing this hike.I just need to remember to get up early so I could do the hike before gets way too hot. Make sure you bring plenty of water. Stunning! I would recommend this place, it was a perfect day.

Lauren G.

Great spot and easily accessible. Highly recommend even if only a few minutes. It's a must if in the area,

So pretty
Debbie H.

I never know how we can actually "rate" nature. The trail was just what I needed this morning - to get out of my head and into my body. It was picturesque, easy enough, with just the right amount of ascent. Plenty of parking this Sunday morning.

Dan K.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is great way to spend your morning - emphasis on morning since you'll wanna get this done before it gets too hot. The routes are clearly mapped out and you can find something for every skill level. We took the moderate Gateway loop, a little over four miles and it was perfect for the active and not so active hikers in our group. The path is well marked but fair warning, it's really rocky so sturdy shoes with good tread are a must. You'll spend a good time looking at he ground for fear of falling over ass over tea kettle so try to remember and look up every one in awhile. You're in God's country!

McDowells!
Scott W.

There are plenty of hikes in the McDowells for skill levels of all kinds. You can hike a couple of miles or make it an all day excursion. You can climb a couple of hundred feet or several thousand feet in elevation. Depending upon the trail you're doing, you could find yourself in Scottsdale or Fountain Hills. There are numerous trailheads all over and I encourage you to find your favorite trail! Most of the trails at the McDowells are clean and well kept. The more popular ones (The Gateway Loop) are consistently packed with people, dogs and even strollers. Yes, I've seen strollers on the Gateway Loop. How in the hell you're managing to hike with your infant while their head is bobbing and weaving inside of a stroller is beyond me. You also need to watch out for landmines of dog shit that people neglect to pick up. Again, this is more apparent on the Gateway Loop. In addition to strollers and epic piles of dog shit, you'll find the soccer moms hell bent on hiking four abreast making it impossible to get around them and dammit, you'll go at their pace whether you like it or not. My recommendation is to ditch the Gateway Loop unless you really need to check it off your list. If you opt to hike some of the less popular trails in the McDowells, you'll find beautiful scenery, wildlife and a great local destination to clear your mind and hike your cares away. Pick up your trash. Don't trash the place. Be courteous to fellow hikers. Practice trail etiquette and don't be a douchebag.

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2 years ago

This preserve has easy and hard trail, take lots of water and bring a smile because this place is a jewel!

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3 years ago

Great stop for an easy hike! Stunning views with lots of trail options and substantial parking! Perfect for any age

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Ask the Community - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Are there any trails you can do in a wheelchair?

There's a couple trails that are paved. But they are mostly not wheelchair friendly. On all trails some of the "paved trails" are just sidewalks that take you from a trail to another.

Can you get a trespassing ticket for being in the preserve after hours?

Hi Van, It is in violation of the Preserve ordinance being in the Preserve after sunset. You can be trespassed. Additionally, cars left in the parking lot after sunset can… Read more

Looking for easy hikes to start out. I'm 72 and out of shape but have been walking my dog about 1/2 mile a day?

There are a couple of flat short trails to begin and work you way to more challenging ones. Take your dog you’ll both enjoy.

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Review Highlights - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

. The Gateway Loop is often busy, but if you head out to the passes, the traffic dies to almost nothing ...

Mentioned in 18 reviews

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McDowell Sonoran Preserve - hiking - Updated May 2026

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