McDowell Peak is one of the fewer hiked peaks in the Phoenix area, which also means more solitude. There are no trails to the top of the mountain, and some ways can be more difficult than others to the top. This peak is better done in the fall through spring to see the most wildlife and blooming plant life. You can view the valley's most dominant landmarks for miles on a clear day from the top (Four Peaks to the east, Superstitions to the southeast, Piestewa Peak and Camelback, the White Tanks to the west, the Bradshaws to the north etc.) Although it's only the 2nd highest peak in the range, its much more easily accessed than East End (highpoint)

History

The military fort that gave these mountains their name, Fort McDowell, was created in 1865 above the Verde and Salt rivers. However humans had been living in and near these mountains for over 1,000 years. The Hohokam were the first known settlers followed by the Yavapai, however the summer heat proved to be too much for them as they migrated usually to the cooler Bradshaws in the north. The area brings in too little rain for farming and produces too little minerals to be mined, so the mountain range has remained mainly unpopulated and overlooked, and has recently been purchased by the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust in order to maintain this pristine landscape

Getting There

Turn off the Loop 101 onto Bell Rd., there is a small dirt lot along Bell Rd. a mile or so from the 101 that can hold no more than 3 cars so parking is most easily done in the Bashas' center parking lot

Red Tape

Park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, be careful of the fragile plant life

When To Climb

Easiest from fall to spring, avoid the midday sun and during the hot summer months

Mountain Conditions

McDowell Sonoran Land Trust

Hike Arizona

Arizona Hikers

Camping

Camping is not allowed in the Preserve, but it is allowed in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which is 2-3 miles from McDowell Peak

External Links

McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The home page for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Hike Arizona
One of the largest Arizona hiking databases on the web

Images



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