2023 Scottsdale Visitors Guide - 35

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It would be hard to get lost in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The signage is thorough and detailed with maps at every trail junction. But in this vast
swath of mountainous desert, it has become even easier to misplace oneself for a few hours
of well-deserved relaxation thanks to the debut of some dandy new trails. Without further
ado, here are four of the best new trails where you can vanish for a while.
LATIGO-SIDEWINDER LOOP
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
This easy 2.7-mile loop makes the
perfect introduction to the Pima
Dynamite corridor. Start on the
wide, smooth Latigo Trail as it dips
beneath power lines before angling
across open desert. After a halfmile,
bear right on Sidewinder
Trail where you aim at a low
boulder-crowned ridge. Here you
will encounter the showpiece of
the hike, a spectacular crested
saguaro. The tall trunk of the
cactus cascades into a classic fan
shape. It resembles a meaty exotic
flower, like something growing in
Georgia O'Keeffe's garden.
A slight detour scrambles up
the backside of the boulders to
Sidewinder Overlook for nice
vistas. Afterward, jump back on
Latigo and return to the Pima
Dynamite Trailhead.
A CRESTED SAGUARO IS JUST ONE
OF THE SPECTACULAR SIGHTS ON
THE LATIGO-SIDEWINDER LOOP.
BASALT RIDGE OVERLOOK (left)
Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Set amid the standalone mountains and distinctive formations of the northern region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve,
Basalt Ridge barely draws a second glance. But the modest rise makes a worthwhile destination for hikers who enjoy
unobstructed views with minimal effort. It's easily accessible from the Pima Dynamite Trailhead, but another scenic
route leaves from Brown's Ranch. I like to start on Upper Ranch Trail, cutting a notch between pointy Cone Mountain
and flat-topped Brown's Mountain.
After 1.8 miles, bear left on the Basalt Ridge Trail as it makes its way along the low crest. It's just a short distance to a spur
trail that snags the sweet spot on the rim, Basalt Ridge Overlook. There's nothing challenging about the climb, just a
quiet perch with long-range views and a horizon full of distant mountains. Make your way back to the trailhead on the
same route for a 4.8-mile round-trip hike.
ExperienceScottsdale.com
35

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2023 Scottsdale Visitors Guide

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