mcdowell sonoran preserve
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mcdowell sonoran preserve印象
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This preserve, run by the City of Scottsdale, is a wonderful introduction to the natural Sonoran habitat. The facilities, trails, maps and stewards are top notch. The effort and investment that goes into the creation and maintenance of this park is impressive. The trails are well marked and rated. There is something for everyone, no matter your fitness level of stamina. You can hike for minutes or hours, out and back or loop options, with or without urban views. And the proximity to virtually any part of the city (minutes from the 101) make it easy to get to, even by bike. Sunrise trail is a favorite hike (from the southern entry point trailheads - Lost Dog Wash and Sunrise). This is a moderate hike with good elevation and views. From end to end takes about 2.5 hours (note that you will need to shuttle between the trailheads or leave 2 cars) but out and back from the Lost Dog Trailhead to Sunrise peak is also good option. Trails from the main Gateway entrance start quite easy and get more difficult as you gain altitude. The Northern region at Brown's Ranch presents more ambulatory trails with not much altitude gain, but certainly less crowded as well. I'm told that more trails will be cut in the next year which only increases the appeal. Any which section you use, the natural environment within the preserve is just beautiful and peaceful. A true taste of the wild southwest.
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Both trails are scenic & challenging. Lost Dog is shorter with a view of Frank Lloyd Wright's artist colony at the precipice. Gateway is a loop & much longer & steeper especially if you go clockwise. It has great views of Scottsdale & Camelback Mtn. Short drives from Scottsdale & plenty of parking.
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Not too taxing, but a good place to slowly rise above the city & look around. All the desert has to offer in cactus and other plant life. Lizards and birds are also on the trails. As always - bring plenty of water and be prepared to walk over some loose ground and rocks.
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We did a quick circuit near the Gateway. On weekends, this is very popular with the community and dog-hikers (who sadly leave their poo bags for later pickup along the main trail). The volunteers are very enthusiastic and honest about their knowledge. Once you get off the main trail - things get much quieter. I suspect the other trailheads are also much quieter. Just expect to see a LOT of people on a Saturday / Sunday in winter in Scottdale.
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We had a picture perfect Arizona day and hikers were out to take advantage. The reserve is large enough and some of the trails long enough that you can get away from the humanity even on such a popular day. We hiked the Gateway Loop and it's a good quality hike for those used to hiking, those who don't want to take all day to do it and want to deserve that margarita at the end of the trail. We are out of town visitors, but will be back the next time we are in town. As always, water and sun block are a must. Half way up and half way down, a ridge, nice vistas and a mixture of rocks and gravel to keep you focused.
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Nice area for hiking. Also a short 1/2 mile path into the desert for those not up to a more strenuous hike. Path has markers pointing out various fauna and plants. Starting point has water, nice clean restrooms, benches, and shade under a cover. Dogs on leash allowed. Plenty of parking. Take a hat and water
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There are plenty of places to hike in the greater Scottsdale, but none like this. We are in our 60's and look forward to hiking the Gateway paths every year when we visit. There are easy to moderate. Well marked and just plain beautiful and fun to hike. The hiking paths takes you through beautiful area's for desert area's.
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Hiked yesterday 3.3 miles RT on the Granite Trail, taking photos all along the way. Take Dynamite off Pima out to 136th St, turn left And drive another 2 miles. Marked parking lot is on your left. Easy dirt trails amongst granite boulders. The best part besides the views was that the spring wild flowers were starting to bloom! There are no facilities. What a walk!
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Offers many hiking trails through the desert terrain for all levels of hikers. A unique experience for someone who never spent time in a desert environment.
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so many classes of trails to choose from , that you have to go back. Numerous multi use trails for bikes or families