Tour de Rock
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| Cathedral Rock |
Tucked between
the golf greens and suburban communities of North Scottsdale and the rugged
wilds of Tonto National Forest, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is an approachable,
precious space of pristine desert. Laced
with over 180 miles of hiking, biking and equestrain trails, the preserve protects 30,000 acres
of indigenous plants, sensitive habitats, historic artifacts and spectacular
geology.
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| Yuccas are common along the trails |
Up-close details
are backed with epic views of surrounding mountain ranges and rich valleys
carved by the Verde and Salt Rivers. Eons
of exposure to the erosive forces of wind and water has created a plethora of
geological curiosities throughout the preserve.
The site's igneous core is anchored by the lumpy mounds of Granite
Mountain and Cholla Mountain, but hidden along the perimeter of the latter are
three impressive natural rock formations that can be visited in one day-hike
length sweep. There are myriad ways to
get to the stony attractions. Trails within the preserve are well-signed and
maps available online and at the trailhead are excellent tools. However, if
your goal is to hit them all in an afternoon, here’s the “Tour de Rock” plan.
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| Cathedral Rock |
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| The Amphitheater |
From the
trailhead, follow Brown’s Ranch Road 1 mile north to the Maverick Trail
junction. Hike 0.8 mile on Maverick and
go right at the Cholla Mountain Loop Trail. Follow the signs 0.3 mile to The
Amphitheater.
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| Cathedral Rock |
This slick rock arena includes natural seating and a giant mass
of granite sculpted into a sea serpent form. From here, continue one mile to
Balanced Rock. Towering above a flat expanse of cactus and creosote, the
cone-shaped behemoth teeters on a granite slab surrounded by rare desert
conifers.
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| Balanced Rock |
After posing for the requisite I-was-here photos, retrace your steps
to the Cholla Mountain Loop, head north and continue 2.2 miles to Cathedral Rock.
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| Views of the Superstition Mtns: Weavers Needle on horizon |
Although the collection of tilted
monoliths and jumbled grottos doesn’t look like much from a distance, up close,
the site reveals chapel-like windows, crags and a set of metates (grinding
holes) used by ancient inhabitants of the area. Once done ogling and exploring, hike another
0.4 miles back to the Maverick Trail and backtrack to the trailhead.
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| Amphitheater Sea Serpent |
LENGTH: 8.5-mile
circuit
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2710’
– 2972’
GETTING THERE:
Browns Ranch
Trailhead.
30301 N. Alma
School Pkwy., Scottsdale.
From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess exit 36,
travel 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite Road. Turn right and continue 2.7 miles to Alma
School, turn left and drive 1 mile to the trailhead. The preserve is open
sunrise to sunset daily.
INFO: McDowell
Sonoran Preserve
McDowell Sonoran
Conservancy
http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/
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