McDowell Mountain Park - Long Loop

Closest Major City: Scottsdale

Distance: 8.50 miles (13.68 KM)

Description:
Park car at end of parking lot. The start of the trail is marked with lots of information signs so you can't miss it. Watch out for the first drop very steep and get ready to pull up your front wheel after the descent or you'll have a bent fork. After that its a steady climb nothing hard. Then you should be feeling warmed up and ready for the washes, some more downhills, and lots of fast riding. Watch out for some of the washes the sand can be pretty thick. Also there's a few sharp turns going up some of the hills so make sure your in a low gear before you start climbing. Pretty soon you will start to see a paved road and you will know at that point that you only have 2.5 more miles to go. This is a one way course so there is no need to worry about anyone coming the wrong way.

Directions to the trail:
In Scottsdale, take Shea Blvd. East then turn North on Fountain Hills Blvd. and go six miles up and to your left is a guard gate. Park entrance fee is $2.00 and ask Park Ranger for map.