Latigo-Sidewinder Loop

LATIGO-SIDEWINDER LOOP

View from the Sidewinder Overlook

Immersion into the assorted levels of awesomeness of the Sonoran Desert is as easy as stepping off the pavement and into the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Creosote shrubs grow among occotillo stems

With over 200 miles of non-motorized trails, the northeast Valley preserve is a major draw for hikers, bikers and equestrians of all levels of expertise. 

Chuparosa plants grow from cracks in granite

  

With winter visitor season in full swing, it’s smart to have a go-to selection of short and easy treks that showcase the amazing beauty and diversity of our Valley trails.

A crested saguaro is a highlight of the hike

Approachable and enlightening, the Latigo-Sidewinder loop offers a quick trip that’s packed with botanical, geological and scenic wonders. 

Tiny desert rock peas thrive in sunny spots

It’s the perfect hike to do with those who may not be regular trekkers or acclimated to desert conditions. 

Scientists aren't sure how crested saguaros form

Kid’s love it, too.

The route passes through a boulder corridor

The tour begins at the new Pima-Dynamite trailhead where restrooms, shaded seating areas and interpretive signs add welcoming amenities as well as a sense of anticipation.

Stop and smell the lavender on the Latigo trail

An easy half-mile walk on the wide, sandy Latigo trail enters the preserve’s far west edge, passing under powerlines that curiously mimic look the long, slender stalks of native ocotillo cactus.

A phainopepla bird feeds on mistletoe

Along this introductory leg, a veritable botanical garden of blooming native plants vie for attention.  Look for sulfur-yellow desert marigolds and brittlebush, red chuparosa shrubs, fairy dusters,  delicately fragrant desert lavender and the golden desert rock pea. Fruit bearing thornbush, wolfberry and invasive mistletoe attract birds like cactus wrens, phainopeplas, mockingbirds and doves while rabbits, squirrels and lizards surrey among jojoba bushes and many species of cholla cacti. 

Fairy duster shrubs are common on the hike

At the Sidewinder trail junction, head right and follow the signs to the main botanical event—a magnificent crested saguaro.  A sign near the rare specimen presents theories on how the contorted fan-like crests of these desert curiosities might form. 

Desert hyacinth "blue dicks" have edible roots

Desert marigolds add spots of gold to the hike

 

Just beyond the  crested saguaro, the trail enters a boulder-lined corridor with an optional short detour to the Sidewinder Overlook where Valley mountain ranges my be viewed from a platform of granite shelves.  Newcomers are often stunned by the variety and profusion of desert plant and animal life and the juxtaposition of a low, arid environment with a ring of mountain peaks that might be snow-capped in winter.  

Doves are easy to spot along the trails

A Northern mockingbird sings from atop a saguaro

From the overlook, follow the signs back to the Latigo trail and swing back to the trailhead for a satisfying 2.7-mile loop.

This swift dive into a family-friendly corner of Scottdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one to keep in mind for entertaining visitors or just wallowing in local flora and fauna without a lot of fuss.    

LENGTH: 2.7-mile loop

RATING:  easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 2,339 – 2,450 feet

GETTING THERE:

Pima-Dynamite Trailhead:

28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

There are two access roads near the corner of Pima ad Dynamite Roads and the other is on Pima just north of the traffic signal and one a few yards east on Dynamite. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

HOURS: sunrise to sunset daily

INFO:

Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve