McDowell Mountain Regional 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 sightings 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
er tubing
and yellow bass, rainbow and brown trout, bluegills, channel catfish
and crappie. 602.225.5200.
S
alt Riv
Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell Official Visitors Guide •
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