Beautiful cacti at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

In Southern Arizona, you will find an abundance of fantastic recreational areas which are ideal for hiking and/or mountain biking. Phoenix, home to the diverse Sonoran desert (also located in Southeastern California and Northwestern Mexico), claims the title of wettest desert in the world. This enables many different plants to grow, giving the area a surprisingly lush atmosphere for a desert.

Mountain views and cactus along the Horseshoe Loop at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Beautiful desert plants on the Horseshoe Loop at Mcdowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Great views from the Horseshoe Loop at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

Exotic desert plant life

It’s not all barren here in Southern Arizona, but rather bustling with all sorts of beautiful desert plant life. This is due in part to the strong summer monsoon season, along with oftentimes heavy rain during the winter season, for an average of 3-16 inches per year. The beautiful Saguaro Cactus, of which you will see plenty of driving around the Phoenix area, is native to the Sonoran desert. Other small populations reside in California’s Imperial county and Whipple Mountains. Most area hikes will give you a great view of these tall beauties.

Cactus on the Horsehoe loop trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
A tall cactus along the Horseshoe Loop at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Looking up at a tall cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

Although it doesn’t look too large from the road, the Saguaro can grow to be up to 20 feet tall and can live more than 120 years. On your hike, you will get to stand side by side and experience the majesty of these beautiful plants. The Champion Saguaro, found in Maricopa county, is the largest known at 45.3 feet!

Standing next to an enormous cactus on the Horseshoe Loop at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

McDowell Sonoran – a place to escape the crowds

To me, Phoenix is one of the most gorgeous and interesting areas to plan a hiking adventure due to the beautiful combined views of these unique cactuses and the surrounding mountains. Nothing quite compares to a hike in the Arizona desert. Although there are many great hiking destinations in the Phoenix metro area, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in beautiful Scottsdale is a great place to start. It’s a bit less congested than the very popular, yet scenic Camelback mountain hike, giving you more time and space to explore the area.

If you are a fan of beautiful desert scenery, including all different varieties of interesting cacti, then you will love the gorgeous landscapes found at Scottsdale’s largest preserve. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers 120 miles of trails, which are shared by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Trails vary in intensity from extremely easy 1/2 mile nature trails to the extremely steep and strenuous 11 mile long Tom’s Thumb loop. 5 different trailheads are located along more than 30,000 acres of the incredible Sonoran desert.

Cacti along the Horseshoe Loop at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

The Horseshoe Loop

The Gateway Trailhead, the largest in the system, offers access to 3 popular and relatively easy hikes: the 4 mile Gateway Loop (a moderately challenging hike with great views), the peaceful 1/2 mile Bajada Nature Trail, and the easy 1.7 mile Horseshoe Loop. The Horseshoe and Bajada trails are both perfect options for those who want to enjoy a little of the beautiful desert scenery without going all out.

Along the Horseshoe, you will experience awe-inspiring cactus and mountain scenery, without pushing yourself over the limit – not a good choice during the brutal summer months! The short distance enables you to get in a nice little workout before the daytime temps reach the 100’s. Keep in mind that temps will still be in the upper 80’s-lower 90’s – so come prepared!).

The Gateway Trailhead at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Horseshoe loop trail at Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Horseshoe loop trail at Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Horseshoe loop trail at Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The Horseshoe Loop is easy enough for a beginner hiker as the distance is short and there are no hills or steep sections. It’s just the right length to get your heart pumping without suffering heat exhaustion. Along the journey, you will experience up close views of all different types of cacti, most notably the famous Saguaro Cactus. You will also be treated to great views of the mountains. The uniquely beautiful cactus/mountain landscape makes for some pretty great photos, especially if you can find time to do a sunset/sunrise hike.

Big cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Cactus with arms on the Horseshoe Loop trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Great mountain views and desert scenery along the Horseshoe Loop trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

A quick view of many of the interesting desert plants found along the way

Cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona
Cactus along the Horseshoe Loop trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona

When planning a visit to the Phoenix area, I recommend getting out there and enjoying the beautiful nature trails found throughout the region. Beyond the shopping malls, restaurants, and endless subdivisions, you will find that there really are incredibly peaceful places to enjoy a hike in a setting found nowhere else in the world.

Tips for Hiking During the Hot Summer Season

*Plan your hike for very early in the morning. Unfortunately, the constant 100+ degree daytime temps make afternoon hikes totally off limits. You will need to set your alarm clock between 5am-7am, at latest, to complete a hike before the brutal daytime sun and temps arrive. You will see many other people doing the same! Sunset is also okay, although still hotter than an early morning hike.

*Wear a camelbak or pack a backpack with several water bottles. You will need a few due to the combined heat/dry weather.

*Bring a cell phone and tell others where you will be just in case you get lost or injured.

*Take it easy. This is not the time to challenge yourself! Save longer, more intense hikes for the milder winter season. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the scenic desert, without overdoing it. I saw several joggers on the trail – not sure how they did it in the 90+ heat! Never hike more than 2 miles during the summer.

*Wear light colored clothing and preferably shorts and a very light top.

*Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses. It’s very hard to see and take pictures without sunglasses!

Have you ever hiked at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve? What other hikes have you enjoyed in the Phoenix area?

Directions

The Gateway Trailhead is located at: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Hours are dusk-dawn. No parking or admission fees. Trail brochures are available near the entrance. To get to the Horseshoe loop, you will start on the Gateway Loop and follow the signs. Everything is marked well for your convenience. Enjoy the hike!