Lost Dog Wash Trail - McDowell Mtn. Park - North Scottsdale

February 21, 2011

Located off Via Linda & 124th Street

Finally the rain has left the area and the sun was shining brightly - time for a hike!  This trail is approximately 4.5 miles round trip.  I would consider it an intermediate hike compared to other trails I have hiked in and around the valley.  We hiked to the Taliesin Outlook where we could look out over the valley and I think I could see Mt. Humphrey as I saw a mountain with a lot of snow in that direction.  No one in the group could confirm or deny my sighting..... The terrain is smooth in most areas and rocky in others.  So good hiking footwear is a must and make sure you have at least 2 liters of water with you.  I actually took my first fall today by not picking my foot up high enough.  Just a couple of skinned knees however I had to slow down a bit.  All in all a very nice hike and I would definitely hike this trail again. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be on a leash.  There is also water & restrooms at the trail head.

Desert Beauty in Arizona

Meet Up Hiking Group

Arizona Cactus

View from the top

View along the trail - awesome!

Desert Classic Trail - South Mtn. Park

 February 6, 2011

This was a day that I took my grandson Collin and my daughter Lindsay to explore a new trail.  The Desert Classic is a very smooth and level trail for the beginner which Collin being 3 years old is a new to hiking.  He did very well and hiked further on this day than his first outing.  We got to see some wildlife on this outing.  Bunnies, lizards and some cactus wrens.  There are quite a few mountain bikers & runners on this trail. If you are looking for a trail for little hikers just starting out I would highly recommend this one.  The trail head is just off of Chandler Blvd. 

Trail Marker

Collin setting the pace!

The mighty Saguaros.





The Desert Classic Trail

Turn Around Point

Pinnacle Peak - North Scottsdale

February 5, 2011

Carrie & I set our sites on this hiking location on another wonderful Arizona winter day.  This trail is heavily traveled by all kinds of hikers/runners.  It is not a loop trail so you hike to the end then turn around and hike back for a total of 3.5 miles.  It took us 2 hours 15 minutes.  The trail is very smooth and well maintained.  Lots of beautiful scenery to look at on this trail.  You can see Troon Golf Course, some really amazing multi-million dollar homes and of course the natural habitat of the trail/mountain.  Make sure you pace yourself on this trail as going in is easier than hiking out.  Save some energy as you will need it for those switchbacks that your hiked down on the way out.  There are a couple of wonderful lookout points that point out the surrounding mountains throughout the valley.  I highly recommend this trail to the novice/beginner hiker as a great way to break into the world of hiking.  Have fun and be safe!

Telegraph Pass Trail - South Mtn. Park

January 8, 2011

Hiked Telegraph Pass today and it was another beautiful day to be out hiking.  The trail was pretty busy on this day as it should be with the great Arizona sunshine providing just the right temperature to be out hiking.  My friend Carrie and I hiked this trail then went on up to the lookout point to take in the view of downtown and Ahwatukee/Chandler.  We followed a paraglider up to the lookout point and he continued on up the mountain for his descent.  I highly recommend this trail for intermediate to experienced hikers.  There are a lot of high step ups near the top of the trail making your heart rate increase. 

Here is a picture of Carrie & me at the look out point.

Carrie & I at the top of South Mtn. Lookout Point

Paraglider  - South Mtn.