North Loop Trail

The North Loop inside McDowell Mountain Regional Park is more “stroll” than it is “hike.”

But that shouldn’t dissuade anyone from hoofing the short loop trail.

The North Loop is located within the county park just north of Fountain Hills.

If the park’s trails make up a buffet, the North Loop is a tempting slice of cheesecake at the end of the line. It’s smooth, easy and enjoyable.

The trail is shaped like a tennis racket. From the trailhead, hikers travel up the “handle” to a fork in the road.

McDowell Mountain Park is not Oz, so don’t wait for some dancing scarecrow to point you in the right direction.

Go either way. The trail loops back to that same spot. Then simply walk down the “handle” to the trailhead.

The trail is wide and smooth throughout. The only terrain change is one or two dips into a small wash.

The first half of the hike is slightly uphill. Slightly is the key word. It’s like setting a treadmill to its easiest level.

Don’t expect to breathe hard because it’s not a difficult trail.

Oddly, the trail’s ease makes it unique.

Without worrying about footing and without heavy huffing and puffing, hikers can concentrate on the surrounding dessert’s beauty, and hear coyotes yipping in the distance and the crunching of gravel under hiking boots.

Hiking lessons

Also unique about the North Loop is the chance of ending the trail a little bit smarter.

Dotted throughout the 3.1-mile trail are small placards giving the names, both common and scientific, of the dessert flora.

In just three miles, learn that the mighty saguaro cactus is actually “Cerus Giganteus,” and that the spiny ocotillo is “Fouquieria Splendens.”

The trail winds through undisturbed desert in an area of the park untouched by the Rio Fire of 1995.

Warning

Spring has sprung in Arizona and even at mid-March, small lizards were seen scattering about.

When lizards are darting across the trail that means snakes are not far behind.

Be cautious on desert trails for the rattling inhabitants that live there, hunt there, and have been known to stretch out on the gravel collecting the spring’s heat.

For most, this advice goes without saying, and is only common sense: if a venomous snake is slithering on the trail, avoid it at all costs.

What: North Loop Trail

Where: McDowell Mountain Regional Park

From the main entrance, follow McDowell Mountain Park Drive 6.4 miles to Asher View Drive N.

Turn left. Trail begins near the picnic area.

When: Trail is open seven days per week until dusk.

Price: $5 per vehicle entry fee into the park.

Info: (480) 471-0173

This hike was first featured April 2000.