NOTE: PHOTOS WILL BE UPLOADED EVENTUALLY I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO UPLOAD THEM

East End is the highest point in the McDowell Mountains yet it is commonly overlooked due to the appeal and ease of hiking other mountains like McDowell Peak and Thompson Peak. From the top of the mountain you have a wonderful view of the rest of the mountain range including the famous Tom's Thumb landmark, which frequently visited by tourists and summited by climbers. You have and unobstructed view of the Four Peaks which are approximately 30 miles to your east.

History

Obviously East End is not named after any person in specific,but 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 to the cooler Bradshaws in the north during the summer and late spring. 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

One way to ascend is to start from the Thompson Peak trailhead on Golden Eagle Blvd. To get to the trailhead take Shea Rd into Fountain Hills. Follow Shea Rd until you reach Palisades Blvd then take a left onto Palisades. Follow Palisades Blvd. all the way to Golden Eagle Blvd and turn left onto Golden Eagle Blvd., following GE Blvd all the way until you reach the trailhead.

Another way to get to the peak is to take the 101 North to Pima Rd, and follow it to Dynamite. Take a right on Dynamite, and follow it until you reach 128th St. Take a right on 128th, and follow it until the "T" intersection. After a right at the "T", follow that road and make a left, it should be the only left, and you'll pass the only house that is back there. Passenger cars can park before the TH, high clearance is needed for the last few feet to get there.

Red Tape

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

Information on the Park and the Preserve:
McDowell Sonoran Land Trust

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

When To Climb

Easiest from fall to spring, avoid the midday sun and during the hot summer months. I've actually experienced snow in the McDowell in February, but that is a rare event.

Camping

Camping is not allowed in the Preserve, but it is allowed in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which is 1-2 miles from East End, depending on where you camp

Mountain Conditions

McDowell Sonoran Land Trust

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