Scottsdale AZ: Valley of the Sun Chapter – Browns Ranch 6 mile hike

Total distance: ~6 mile Moderate Loop. Elevation: ~400 ft very gradual

Distance: 6 miles for this easy scenic loop.

Brown’s Ranch is part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, a beautiful area for hiking, bird watching, and to see wildflowers in the Valley (if we have rain). The trail is mostly sand and fine gravel, very comfortable to walk on with almost any kind of walking/hiking shoes. Total distance is about 6 miles in mostly flat/undulating terrain, with 400 ft of very gradual elevation gain.

Starting from the trailhead we will head North along Brown’s Ranch Road, passing Brown’s Mountain (BM), until we reach Corral Trail, a loop we will take CCW. We will then take Upper Ranch Trail to Brown’s Mtn Trail and walk up the side of the mountain to the saddle, where you can decide whether to ascend to the top or continue on BM Trail. Continuing on BM Trail will lead us back to Brown’s Ranch Road and back to the Trailhead.

There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Bring poles (optional), water bottle, sun protection, first aid and nutrition. We will be sharing the trail with mountain bikers, other hikers, wildflower seekers and horses, so pack your Camino spirit.