HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
TA K E A HIKE SPRING IS ARIZONA’S BEST HIKING SEASON.
SPRING HIKING OFFERS FRESH
Wildflowers blanket the desert floor, cacti bloom,
AIR AND DESERT BLOOMS
and birds chirp greetings. Mornings offer glorious sunrises, while evening hikes dazzle with brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple. Within just a few minutes of anywhere in Scottsdale, you can find a hike ideal for any skill level.
01
SUNRISE TRAILHEAD, M C D O W E L L- S O N O R A N P R E S E R V E
Park at the Sunrise Trailhead on 145th Street and head into the canyon and up Sunrise Peak. The 3.6-mile loop offers views of Four Peaks and the Superstitions in one direction, with Camelback and South Mountain in the other. The moderate trail is great for hiking and
30
PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF NOBLE FOR EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE
ARTICLE SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
mountain biking. Dogs are allowed if on a leash.
02
40TH STREET TRAILHEAD,
WAG N E R - G R AN ITE - B LUFF
P H O E N I X M O U N TA I N P R E S E R V E
TRAILS, MCDOWELL
The trailhead on 40th Street south of Shea Boulevard offers parking and restrooms. The moderate 5-mile
04
M O U N TA I N R E G I O N A L PA R K
Access this 5-mile loop off of Fountain Hills Boulevard.
loop on Two Bits and Rattle Saddle trails takes you to
This dog-friendly, relatively flat hike is great for spotting
both Two Bits and Dixie peaks. Palo Verde trees along
wildflowers in spring. The well-maintained trail is filled
the way offer shade. This walking trail is a bit rocky.
with small wildlife, and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
03
SPEAR S RANCH TRAILHEAD
The trailhead has parking at 32nd Street in Cave Creek. There are several trails from the parking area,
05 The
BROWN’S RANCH TRAILHEAD, MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE
trailhead,
popular
with
mountain
bik-
but head west on the Maricopa Trail for lighter traf-
ers, offers parking, restrooms, shade, and water.
fic. The 3.8-mile loop is rocky, and ideal for moder-
Families might try the 2-mile Brown’s Ranch Short
ate hikers. Dogs are welcome if on a leash. Ideal for
Loop. The hard-pack, half-mile Jane Rau Interpretive
January to June hiking.
Trail meets accessibility standards.
Scottsdale Lifestyle | March 2021