Sonoran Trail Loop

The Sonoran Trail Loop (short), located within the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain preserve, is a cholla and cactus wonderland.

You will have an initial short climb up some looser, gravely surface and then the cactus viewing begins. I have never seen so many Cholla cactuses, they were everywhere as far as you could see. The main variety was the Teddy Bear Cholla. We were also treated to walking next to many sizeabe Seguaro cactuses, big Barrel Cactuses, and willowy whiptails. There was also an abundance of brilliant California Poppy, which made for a lovely contrast with it’s goldenrod and orange colors against the desert landscape. 

This was a great trail, a good workout but nothing too strenuous. 

Difficulty: Moderate. 

Trail Stats:  3.3 miles, balloon trail, 442 feet elevation gain. 

Trail Finding: Straight forward, though we did consult the map at a few splits to make sure we were headed in the right direction.

Conditions: Packed dirt, some loose rock at the start.

Would I Repeat This: Perhaps, or yes for at least in the general area. 

Parking: Parking is present. 

Timing: There is no shade, have caution with higher temperature days. 

Downloaded Map: It was helpful to have to make sure we took the loop we wanted. There is a network of trails in this area that would allow you to make a longer or shorter excursion. 

Fees: None.

Trails: Overlook Trail, Western, Sunrise, Ridgeline, Sonoran Loop – Full, and more.