LOOKOUT TRAIL
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Here’s a sweet little side trip to consider when hiking one of the longer trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The turn off for this spur trail is located at emergency marker TL1 on the Tom’s Thumb Trail—you can’t miss it. From here, it’s an easy uphill jaunt along a desert ridgeline featuring magnificent views and interesting geology. Topping out at 3,858 feet, the trail dead-ends at the abrupt edge of the ridgeline where unobstructed vistas roll out in all directions showcasing the steep slopes of Thompson Peak, Fountain Hill’s famous water spout and the ring of mountain ranges surrounding the Valley of the Sun.
LENGTH: 1 mile roundtrip (5.8 miles total from North Access Area or 11.6 miles from Gateway Access Area)
RATING: easy-difficult depending on your route
ELEVATION: 3,500-3,858 feet (from the trail junction)
GETTING THERE:
NORTH ACCESS:
From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima Road/Princess Drive exit and go north on Pima to Dynamite/RioVerde Drive. Turn right and continue east to 128th Street. Go right (south) on 128th St. and follow the signs to the temporary trailhead. As of January 2010, the last few miles are on unmaintained dirt roads. Although there are a few rough spots, we got through in passenger cars, but wouldn’t attempt it when the roads are wet.
A mo-better trailhead, which will be called the North McDowell Access Area, is scheduled to open in 2011. Check the Web site below for additional access points and loop hike options.
INFORMATION: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve
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WIND CAVE
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Seriously—this hike feels longer than its advertised 1.5-mile length. That’s because the long, lazy route takes its time climbing in sweeping, serpentine style from the desert floor up the cliffs of Pass Mountain to the famous cave for which it is named. Then again, the reason why this hike feels so long might be because there are so many things of beauty to behold along the way. Contorted rock formations, hefty clumps of ocotillo cactuses, blooming wildflowers and countless scenic overlooks make this trail one to savor. Given its many attributes, it’s not surprising that this trail is the park’s most popular attraction---so, you should expect a lot of company when hiking this one. As advertised, the trail ends at the “wind cave” a shallow depression in the cliff walls. Worn slick by the feet of countless visitors, the rock walls of the cave are home to dozens of chipmunks who aren’t shy about begging for the “people food” snacks that could make them sick. Please help protect the health of these amusing critters by NOT feeding them.
LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip.
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2,020 – 2,840 feet
GETTING THERE;
From Phoenix, go east on U.S. 60 to exit 191, Ellsworth Road. Go north on Ellsworth for 7 miles to Usery Park Road, turn right and continue 1.7 miles to the horse staging trailhead.
FEE: $7 daily fee per vehicle
INFORMATION: Maricopa.gov/parks/usery/
