Thompson Peak

Due to the antennae on top and its visibility from Shea Blvd and East Scottsdale, Thompson Peak (elev. 3983) is perhaps one of the more easily recognized peaks of the McDowell Mountains. The trail is designed for a jeep. Plenty of wildlife: hawks, quail, javalinas,and if you go early enough you'll hear and see coyotes. Its very remote and quiet. One of those places where you can hear the wind breezing through the desert. Dont forget to take plenty of water.  I've yet to learn the story behind its name.  The photos here show the final ascent to the summit, summit, and view from the NE.

Tom's Thumb McDowell Mountains

Tom's Thumb (3.925ft.) on the right is a vast granite outcropping at the northern end of the McDowell Mountains. It can be seen from most of north Scottsdale and is a very popular rock climbing location.Tom's Thumb is a notable McDowell Mountain landmark named after Tom Kreuser, one of the patriarchs of Valley rock climbers who first ascended it in 1964.  this view is from the East side.

The original Fort McDowell

Sitting on the remains of what was once the Ft. McDowell officer's quarters.

Just behind the church and perhaps 50 yards behind (SSE) of the “fireplace” ruin were what looked to be two large cisterns or wells a few feet apart with their tops three feet above ground.  These were once cisterns at the original Ft. McDowell and may be the remains of the two small structures in the center right of the old b/w 1905 photo.

About 5 miles past the casino on Ft. McDowell Rd., these are the only surviving remnants (2011) of the original Fort McDowell.  Established September 7, 1865 along the west bank of the Rio Verde, this was once a vital military installation located seven miles north of the confluence of the Rio Verde (Verde River) and Rio Salado (Salt River).  The Fort was built to protect trade the trade routes of the Verde and Salt Rivers. It was abandoned in 1890 and became a reservation for the Yavapai. For Phoenix residents, "Fort McDowell" is best known today as a casino. The original fort has not been preserved and there are no markers or plaques to indicate you're on a historical site.   

Hohokum Canals

To the untrained eye this doesnt look like much but its actually the remnants of canals that were dug by the Hohokum in Mesa, AZ.  Whenever I go to our Mesa campus I'm reminded of these ancient people as i cross the canal. and i pray that God will use me to make a mark on culture as well.

Hohokum Petraglyps

Pre-Fountain Hills residents left their mark in the wash that coincides in the area of the lower mine shaft.  This remains one of my all time favorite biking adventures.  The area is a mini ecosystem of cottonwoods, grass, and lots of shade.  Its an obvious wash but to me it looks like it may have been a small stream at one time.  I remember stopping to take a break to just catch my breath and enjoy the scenery when i noticed the nearly 5 ft tall petraglyph pictured here. The Hohokum lived in the area from 1-1450 A.D.  There are many theories as to why they departed. Interestingly, they also built canals near the City of Grace Mesa campus.

The Dixie Mine itself

the top photo is of the upper mine shaft  and the others are of the lower shaft. That's my helmet.

The Dixie Trail

The Dixie Mine Trail is a reminder that you are treading on pure Arizona history. Prospectors searched the east slopes of the McDowell Mountains from 1912-1917 with hopes of finding precious metals, namely silver and gold. In mining terms it was a bust and thus abandoned.  The trail can be accessed at several points: the Sonoran Trail, Pemberton, and Coachwhip trails.  Technically, the trailhead is a little over a half mile from a parking area on Golden Eagle Blvd. in Fountain Hills.   The photos are of century old "trailings" from the mine shaft and lots of quartz along the way.

The Sonoran Trail

The Sonoran Trail connects the Promenade Trail to the Dixie Trail.  The trail is more suited for hikers than mountain bikers.  It's very narrow with lots of switchbacks. You'll need to be humble enough to get off and bike-hike a few stretches.

The Western Overlook Trail

This trail is a hike-only trail.  The sign says "Difficult to Strenuous" and its no understatement. I pushed my mountain bike up it and down 80% of it both ways.  The summit offers amazing views of downtown Phoenix, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, and the Verde River basin.  This photo is from an overlook which looks into the Ardero Valley. Supposedly it will be an MCO gated community one day.  Red Rock is in the background.

The Promenade Trail

The Promenade Trail straddles the SouthEastern side of the McDowell Mountains.  I normally access it from Palomino Blvd which dead ends at the Copperwynd Resort. Its a work-out getting to, but well worth the effort.  The trail is just under a mile and connects to the Sonoran Trail.  The Promenade offers fantastic vistas of Fountain Hills, Red Rock, and the Verde River valley.