McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fountain Hills, AZ
Rating: AMTB1-3
Description
This area is an adaptive rider’s dream. Almost everything is rated aMTB1, with the exception of the Technical Loop, Long Loop and Escondido Trail. Other than that, pick your trail! It’s all good to go with expansive scenery. Watch out for the Choyas though!
Staging
If riding for the day, the day use staging areas are big dirt lots with running water facilities.
If you are riding the Competitive Track
If you are riding Pemberton, and not the Competitive Track.
Camping
The campground has gravel sites with electrical hookups and water. Bathrooms have running water and showers with a bench seat and spray nozzle.
The overflow camping area has rough asphalt parking spaces with picnic tables in the dirt. No electrical. Bathrooms have running water but no showers. Showers can be accessed at the Pemberton Trailhead parking area bathrooms above.
Trails
All trails in this area are rated aMTB1 and have similar general descriptions with exception for the Competitive Track. Pemberton Wash and McDowell Access have gates that are sometimes closed.
Escondido Trail (aMTB2) - There is one slightly washed out spot requiring assistance, on the northeast section.
Competitive Track
Sport loop (aMTB1) - Everything is wide open. Flowy and fun. Highly recommended.
Long Loop (aMTB2) - There are some narrow sections and a ledge with a ride-around, but the ride-around has a little bit of a ledge too. Some adaptive riders might need a push. There is one bridge that is 36” wide.
Technical Loop (aMTB3) - On the climb, there is a pinch point and two off-camber exposed spots. The drops both have ride arounds, but the first is rollable. After the DH, there is an off-camber spot.
Recommended Routes
Competitive Track - If you have a support rider, any combination of the Competitive Track loops are highly recommended.
Pemberton - Whether you have a support rider or not, the entire Pemberton loop is a must. Clockwise is the most fun.
This route looks perfect:
Video
