Fountain Hills, AZ, Valley of the Sun Chapter, McDowell Regional Park Scenic Trail Hike

This is our first hike in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills. It’s rated a moderate 4 mile hike due to a few rocks and the elevation gain to top of Lousley Hill but is mostly easy flat walking. The walk is just long enough to immerse participants in the desert with sweeping views of Four Peaks, citrus farms, the McDowell Mountains and possibly the fountain in Fountain Hills.

We will walk counterclockwise from the parking lot on Pemberton to Scenic which loops back around to Pemberton. If you would like to spend more time in the park, we can recommend trails from the same lot.

Directions: 16300 McDowell Mountain Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ. Then to https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wx8dxPrN2BQu6Vke9. Specifically, once you get to the park, you will want to follow the road past the entrance station, past the Visitor Center then look for a sign to the east indicating the Trailhead Staging area. You will know that you are there when you see a large, gravel parking lot complete with restrooms and picnic ramadas.

FACILITIES: There are flush toilets, water and showers at the trailhead.

BRING: Sturdy walking shoes, water, a hat (no shade), leave-no-trace toilet kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks/lunch if desired. Walking sticks are not required but recommended.