The desert area just east of Scottsdale are ripe with hiking opportunities, from half day to full day hikes in the vast desert within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The Sonoran Desert is home to unique vegetation, canyons, creeks and mountains – flora, fauna, and scenery like none other in the US.
Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve Hikes
Choose from easy trails such as the Gateway trail head to Tom’s Thumb and Sunrise Peak for some of the best views of the Valley of the Sun! Here are some of the popular hikes Just Roughin’ It offers in the preserve but these are not the only possibilities.
Half Day Hikes:
A very popular hike in the preserve is the Gateway Loop. This hike ascends only part way up the west side of McDowell Peak so hikers can enjoy views of the city in a moderately difficult hike. The trail winds past many species of desert plants and wildflowers in the spring. Distance: 4.6 miles. Elevation Gain: 680 feet
Located in the north section of the McDowell Mountains, Tom’s Thumb is a 140-foot tall granite monolith that is a prominent feature in the mountains and the hike to the base has some of the most amazing views of the surrounding area. Distance: 4.6 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,112 Feet
The Sunrise Peak trail on the eastern end of the preserve is another great half day hike for those who are looking for outstanding views of the city and surrounding desert. There are multiple view points on the way to a 360 degree view on the peak. Distance: (From Sunrise Trailhead) 4 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,146 Feet
Full Day Hikes:
The Gateway Loop can be extended into an all day hike called the Bell Pass/ Wingate Pass Loop. This hike reaches two of the main passes in the McDowells for views that stretch for 50 miles. As you hike further into the mountains, the number of hikers you encounter decrease. Distance: 8.8 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,920 Feet
For those looking for a challenge the Tom’s Thumb/ Wingate Pass Loop is the right choice. This hike incorporates some of the steepest trails in the Sonoran Preserve so be prepared for a work out. The payoff for the extra effort are the views and seeing fewer people on the trail. Distance: 9.9 miles. Elevation Gain: 2,820 Feet