Mcdowell Sonoran Reserve

This was a great place for hiking especially for families with small kids. We got there an hour before sunset and it was gorgeous. The trails really let you enjoy the desert atmosphere. There is a nice building with restrooms right at the gateway trailhead. It has some amazing views and boardwalk trials as well as dirt. I will say that you need to leave right at closing time because the gates are automatic.

This is an awesome hiking place. Trails from easy to hard! Bring water and be sure you know your tolerance for heat. There is a bathroom facility at the trailhead with drinking fountains.

With all levels of difficulty and beautiful rewards from the higher points, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a great option for getting outside and exploring nature. For some of the longer hikes, I recommend getting started earlier to avoid the heat and be sure to pack some water with you. For children, they offer a "passport" for a natural scavenger hunt type activity. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Varying Levels