OUTDOOR RECREATION
McDowell Mountain Park
This 21,099-acre regional park is located four miles north of Fountain Hills. The competitive track has three different loops; a long loop - 8.2 miles, a sport loop - 3.0 miles, and a technical loop - 2.9 miles. Skills are tested with obstacles, steep inclines, swooping turns, technical descents and rugged terrain.
McDowell Mountain Park has over 50 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails through beautiful desert scenery. Wildlife viewings are common; look for deer, javelina, coyotes and a multitude of bird species. A couple of trails are less than a mile long; several are one to four miles; and the Pemberton is 15.3 miles. Elevations rise from 1,600 feet to 3,000 feet at the base of the McDowell Mountains. Awesome views surround you. Whether you are going for a short stroll or looking for a challenge, you’ll enjoy the trails and the vistas.
For campers, McDowell Mountain Park has 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping. Each one accommodates up to a 45-foot RV. The developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, barbecue fire rings and a dump station. Restrooms offer flush toilets and showers.
480.471.0173.
McDowell Mountain Preserve
Thanks to the foresight of local residents, the tops of the McDowell Mountains are preserved for wildlife and future generations to enjoy.
Through the work of Sonoran Conservancy volunteers there are now more than five miles of trails. There are three to five scheduled guided hikes each month. Call 480.312.3111 to schedule a hike.
Tonto National Forest
Located only minutes away from Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell is Tonto National Forest. With two of Arizona’s largest and most scenic rivers, six lakes, and landscapes ranging from desert to pine forests and high mountain peaks, the forest offers a wide range of recreation opportunities: swimming, boating, hiking, camping, rafting, horseback riding and bird watching, to name a few.
Within the forest’s boundaries are eight wilderness areas. Tonto is the fifth-largest National Forest in the United States. With nearly three million acres, there is room enough to roam.
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake, fifteen minutes from Fort McDowell, is one of the loveliest and most popular recreation sites in Tonto National Forest. The golden cliffs and rugged shoreline of Saguaro Lake make a spectacular setting for outdoor activities.
One wonderfully relaxing way to enjoy the lake is a narrated tour aboard the Desert Belle Paddlewheel Riverboat. Bald eagles and desert mountain sheep are often spotted in secluded regions.
At the Lakeshore Restaurant, diners have splendid views from indoors or outdoors. Boat rentals can be arranged at Precision Marine, which also carries bait, tackle and marine supplies.
Boat ramps, fishing pavilions, swimming, picnic tables and restroom facilities are available at two locations. At Butcher Jones Beach, the Shoreline Trail links panoramic vantage points. Horseback riders also have spectacular views of the lake. Horseback riding, kayak and tube rentals are offered at Saguaro Lake Ranch, below the dam.
For fishermen, the lake is stocked with plenty of walleye, largemouth and yellow bass, rainbow and brown trout, bluegills, channel catfish and crappie.
602.225.5200
Salt River
A favorite pastime in the Valley of the Sun is a leisurely float down the Salt River past beautiful mountain and desert scenery. Inner-tubes can be rented at Salt River Recreation south of Saguaro Lake. Bus transportation is provided to a launch point upstream.
480.984.3305
Four Peaks
A Fountain Hills landmark visible from much of the Valley. The peaks rise from 1,600 to 7,657 feet and are the highest peaks in the Valley. Four Peaks is located on the far side of Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake. Known for its amethyst mine which has produced some of the world’s finest jewels. Four Peaks Mine is located just below the cleft of the two southern most peaks. Discovered in the 1700's by the Spanish. The mine has produced gems found in the crown jewels of several European countries. Today the mine is owned by a local company and is off-limits to hikers. The Four Peaks area offers many scenic trails that vary in difficulty. The area is open to hiking, biking and trail rides.
Superstition Mountains
Known as the home of the "Lost Dutchman Mine" where miner Jacob Waltz found his pot of gold in 1880 or so the story goes! For years curiosity seekers have tried to find the mine in the Superstitions. The legend is still being told and is an outstanding so try for the hiker who is there to glimpse the beauty of the area. Located in the Sonoran Desert, hikers can enjoy the majestic saguaro cactus and exquisite ocotillo. Abundant with trails, the Superstition Mountain area allows the hiker many miles of hiking experience and winter camping opportunities.
The Mazatzals
In the north end of the Mazatzal Range the area is predominantly of rough desert mountains, and narrow vertical-walled canyons. The area serves many levels of hikers and it is wise to research maps and levels of hiking expertise before starting out on a trail. Further west below the brush-covered foothills, is the Verde River, which flows through the Sonoran Desert. Designated by Congress in 1984 as Arizona's only Wild & Scenic River, elevations range from 1,600 feet along the Verde River to 7,903 feet on Mazatzal Peak.
